Just like adjusting to my new life in the new year, starting on my "100 books" mission proved a lesson in self-discipline and self-patience. But I'm on my way!
I never really track what I ingest when it comes to movies, music, books and such. This year, in I decided to be a little OCD - or mindful, if you prefer the positivity - about what I view, listen to and read as well as the recipes I try. (Note: I'm not blogging it all, just recapping the reads.)
Paging through my journal and seeing it in writing is eye opening and a little scary. It makes me thing of those poor souls whose lives are exposed on hoarding shows. What does this stuff say about me? I consider myself well-rounded, but I see the imbalance. Where do I need to step out and try new things? What will I learn? That's really the goal, to understand, explore and expand.
So, without putting much thought into it other than "what do I feel like reading?", here's what I read in January:
Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett
Last year a friend suggested I read two memoirs: Lucy Grealy's Autobiography of a Face and this one. I managed to read Grealy's story in 2010, so I made Patchett's the first I read in 2011. It certainly came to me at just the right time. Truth and Beauty tells the story of Patchett and Greely's friendship, as well as their writing careers, from fledgling state to maturity. Patchett so vividly illustrates their journeys, triumphs and tribulations that the reader can't help but live them, too. Her observations on friendship, a writer's life and the human struggle frequently left me saying, "Yes! Yes! That's exactly it." It also left me fantasizing about the Iowa Writer's Workshop.
The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Because I missed out on the series' last three books - some excuse about finishing college and juggling multiple internships - I decided to go back and revisit the first four to refresh. This time around, having read King's memoir On Writing, I ingested his prose more mindfully and allowed myself to fully appreciate each brilliantly crafted scene. The man doesn't write about worlds; he truly creates them. And in this haunting tale of Roland the gunslinger's quest for the Dark Tower, I relish not only the adventure, but that which it leaves me pondering.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
For years this title resided on my "to read" list. The premise: When it comes to those "rags to riches" success stories we eat up, there's more than meets the eye. In true investigative style, Gladwell digs deep - and that's the only way I like to dig - into the stories behind some mammoth achievers. He also explores why some with great potential never amount to much. I finished this a week ago, but I continue pondering the message. At times I felt discouraged. It seemed to say much happens because all the right elements are present. But, really, the message is positive and empowering. It comes down to recognizing and seizing opportunities. They're not always handed over on a silver platter.
Learn to Meditate by David Fontana
Another book that sat on my list for years, Learn to Meditate, provided a nice overview on "how to" and the various philosophies in meditation. Information is presented in an interesting and digestible format that does not subscribe to any particular religion. I'd already encountered much of this through yoga, world religion classes and books, and a Zen-based workshop in mindfulness and depression. Nonetheless, I have yet to build a true daily meditation practice, something I believe can be an enormous benefit to health, well-being and creativity. This book provided several useful exercises to help me take baby steps in the right direction.
That's it. Over all, I chose more thematic topics for my February reading list. I think I'll wait to reveal them after the fact. Thanks to all who responded to my initial post with suggestions; keep them coming!
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