All books serve a purpose in one's life, and, I believe that books can serve the general purpose of reminding me that I CAN finish what I start. Sometimes life seems to drag on with no real termination to the work, relationships, personal growth, etc. Time simply marches on, and I, as a human who wants to feel I accomplished something every so often, can feel overwhelmed by simply the fact that nothing is ever DONE! But, books can be purposeful in that, when I finish them, I feel a tiny sense of triumphant relief that there is something that is completed in the world.
Yet reading also serves more specific functions, so I am listing the books I have completed recently, as well as descriptions of the smaller functions each one played in my life. I finished
Stardust. Loved it! And it rocks compared to the movie (although I have to say, I am learning that comparing books to movies might be a bit ridiculous...more on that later). This book functioned as a fun release from the stress and busy-ness of the end of the year- how can I be stressed when somewhere in the Land Beyond the Wall there is a young man and a star being pursued by an evil haggy witch who is trying to hold onto eternal youth for herself and her two grouchy, haggish sisters?
Then, I read a chicklit book called
One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell (yes, the woman who created Carrie Bradshaw in the book
Sex and the City). That one served its purpose as a fun, page-turning beach read. It also made me think about Real Estate...and how, in the big city, it is one of the most important things you make a decision about...I have been thinking about that a lot because of recent experiences, and I think this book highlighted the mystique and seductiveness that certain addresses play on our psyches.
Finally, I finished a book by Ray Bradbury about his experience working with John Huston on the movie version of
Moby Dick in Ireland, which has a mystique all its own. Bradbury's writing reminded me about how funny, engaging stories are funny and engaging no matter what time period or land you live in, and people have this human instinct to make sure their stories are shared that should be a serious consideration when writing or listening to others. So, this book got me into a frame of mind to start thinking about going back to school, and what I want to give my students when it comes to teaching them about why stories HAVE changed and influenced the world.
Hmmm...now I have to go get ready for a new start to a new school year! Share with me your summer reading (both old and new students) and something that you learned or gained from a book this summer...
