tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post880523622807755626..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: Henry David Thoreau's Walden and Reading Brian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-89825005618574777452013-12-08T10:41:21.790-05:002013-12-08T10:41:21.790-05:00Hi Maria - I tend to think that there are so many ...Hi Maria - I tend to think that there are so many comprehensive encapsulations of both the classics as well as popular works that I often cannot add much. I also think that really good and fun discussions of literature involve digging into particular points of a work, even relatively minor points.<br /><br />I agree about balance. However I would say that many of the works that you cover on your site really do involve thoughtful and serious ideas, regardless of whether they are labeled as YA or not. I think that you are being a little too hard on yourself in this respect. I love reading your commentary even when you write about books that are not my cup of tea. <br /><br />I do hope that in 2014 you expand your reading as you wish to but also keep enjoying it.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-47379153982742526882013-12-08T02:06:10.314-05:002013-12-08T02:06:10.314-05:00You know, I really like your approach of taking ce...You know, I really like your approach of taking certain aspects of selected books, and writing a review on each, instead of doing one comprehensive review. This helps us who enjoy reading your blog to become better acquainted with the books you comment on. Besides, sometimes one review is not enough in order to present and discuss the riches enclosed within the pages of a particular book. Of course, doing reviews this way is much more appropriate for classics and more profound works.<br /><br />Since Thoreau mentions light reading, I must confess that I do sometimes engage in it, and feel guilty about it. In my case, light reading usually consists of romance novels. Yes, they are my 'guilty reading pleasure'.... While I used to look down my nose, years ago, at women who read such books, everything changed when I fell in love for the first time... I'm even shocked to admit that I completely abandoned my reading of fantasy and science fiction, which --along with books on psychology -- had been my main reading fare up to then, and immersed myself in the world of romance! Lol. <br /><br />Back in 2006, I first came across The Twilight Saga, and it was love at first sight! Since then, I've developed another reading addiction -- young adult fiction. What I enjoy most about this genre is that you won't come across profanity that often, nor will you find overly graphic sex scenes, both of which I detest.<br /><br />I do want to return to reading 'weightier' books, and want to review them on my blog, which is, after all, eclectic in scope. So here's a New Year's resolution: this coming year, I will make every effort to read more challenging books, even if my current readers end up un-following my blog. I owe it to myself as a self-respecting intellectual to not spend so much time on reading that, although it does offer the benefits of escape from this BORING reality, does nothing to improve my mind, or enlighten my understanding.<br /><br />On the other hand, perhaps something can be said for achieving some sort of balance. There are times when reaching for a light read is just what I want, while there are other times that I become totally engrossed in fascinating books on psychology, philosophy, or theology. <br /><br />'Reform' is in the air, however, in 2014! I'm sure Thoreau would be very pleased!! : )Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-44852750832561543392013-11-19T19:07:34.125-05:002013-11-19T19:07:34.125-05:00Hi Suko - Awesome that you are getting to reading ...Hi Suko - Awesome that you are getting to reading this. It is such a common and age old problem. To much to do and so little time to read. As we see even Thoreau faced it!Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-30654199820795286322013-11-19T18:51:13.150-05:002013-11-19T18:51:13.150-05:00Brian, I finally finally finally read Reading. It ...Brian, I finally finally finally read <i>Reading</i>. It is thoughtful and thought-provoking writing about reading, which could lead to all sorts of discussions. <br /><br />I'll focus on but one small detail here which was revelatory to me. I had <i>Walden</i> out on a side table for several days before I read the <i>Reading</i> essay. I'd started to feel guilty that I had not yet sat down to read it. However, I soon felt better as I read; early in this section Thoreau states that his copy of Homer's <i>Iliad</i> was out on his table throughout the summer; he didn't have enough time to study it, due to "incessant labor" he needed to complete at home first. Even then, a heavy burden of house chores could interfere with reading!Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-16955065384880942232013-11-16T20:46:55.465-05:002013-11-16T20:46:55.465-05:00Hi Heidi -I used to experiance the dreaded slot. A...Hi Heidi -I used to experiance the dreaded slot. As the years have gone by, I think that my reading skills have improved as my curiosity towards things has been inhanced. I really enjoy just about everything that I read now.It really took work to get to this point however.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-28970141495109707732013-11-16T18:19:11.627-05:002013-11-16T18:19:11.627-05:00Excellent post and excellent quotes. Thanks! I lik...Excellent post and excellent quotes. Thanks! I like a variety of reading experiences. But, I think we need to encourage one another to read deeply and read difficult works. They are a slog at times, but you get to interact with the ideas of the ages. Awesome. Heidi’sbookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15647096496574605262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-1570612158474004362013-11-16T17:58:06.144-05:002013-11-16T17:58:06.144-05:00Hi Naida - Lately I have been thinking about the l...Hi Naida - Lately I have been thinking about the life changing aspect of reading and how it can be fairly sudden but also gradual.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-12635715740724411872013-11-16T17:30:42.389-05:002013-11-16T17:30:42.389-05:00I agree, words can be life changing. I do think a ...I agree, words can be life changing. I do think a lot can be learned from books, both non-fiction and well as fiction. It all depends on the reader, it's such a personal thing.<br />That quote about easy reading is harsh. Like you say though, everyone is different.<br />Great post Brian!<br /> The Bookwormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10217390642323530030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-7712968428385067322013-11-15T15:54:47.338-05:002013-11-15T15:54:47.338-05:00Hi Suko - I am glad that you found your copy. If y...Hi Suko - I am glad that you found your copy. If you read this or any oher part of Walden I would love it if you posted something, or if not at least stop by back here and share your thoughts.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-18382497164682560382013-11-15T15:53:16.171-05:002013-11-15T15:53:16.171-05:00Hi harvee - The thing is that for me, the entertai...Hi harvee - The thing is that for me, the entertainment is in the meaningful substance.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-24582155177051104502013-11-15T11:21:04.267-05:002013-11-15T11:21:04.267-05:00Brian, I did find my copy and I have it out on a s...Brian, I did find my copy and I have it out on a small table. Hopefully, I will read it soon. Thanks for leading me to this again.Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-19622994793643307552013-11-15T07:28:52.626-05:002013-11-15T07:28:52.626-05:00I read mostly for entertainment these days, plus f...I read mostly for entertainment these days, plus for information. Gone are the days when I want to read works that are too serious or classic. Had my fill of those in college/univ.Harveehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03490108303790217277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-46804571367658135002013-11-15T05:17:59.300-05:002013-11-15T05:17:59.300-05:00Hi Gautem - I did think about Bloom when I read th...Hi Gautem - I did think about Bloom when I read this. There are different levels however,. there is being open minded about a diverse set of works. Then there are the massive amount of popular literature that is derivative and no one is really reading for anything other then entertainment.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-10566688459468611712013-11-14T22:44:44.966-05:002013-11-14T22:44:44.966-05:00The modern-day equivalent would probably be Harold...The modern-day equivalent would probably be Harold Bloom, with his strong convictions on what good literature is, and his obsession with the canon. I do think, however, that if you are swift to condemn literature that doesn't speak directly to you, it might simply be because there is no overlap in the range of experiences that you have and that the text encapsulates - and that means that you miss a wonderful chance to broaden and enrich your horizons.Gautamhttp://anenduringromantic.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-32404042988264528402013-11-14T19:49:07.801-05:002013-11-14T19:49:07.801-05:00Hi james - Indeed we get to know so many through r...Hi james - Indeed we get to know so many through reading. I wonder if Thoreau ever did get around to reading Plato.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-47708428587673764292013-11-14T16:05:08.753-05:002013-11-14T16:05:08.753-05:00You have hit upon an aspect of Thoreau, one of man...You have hit upon an aspect of Thoreau, one of many, that is a near to my heart as it appears to be to yours. You quote Thoreau saying "How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book!" Those of us who revere the reading life count ourselves among these men. <br />In the paragraph preceding that comment Thoreau claims to not have read Plato's Dialogues; his loss. In his favor he did read Homer and, better yet, he was close friends with Emerson and William Ellery Channing. Would that I had such friends, but I do through their books and reading their prose & poetry. I guess we all share that with Thoreau. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00561320676355168336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-4044474770510570042013-11-13T19:30:32.395-05:002013-11-13T19:30:32.395-05:00Hi Lindsey - It seems that most folks that I commu...Hi Lindsey - It seems that most folks that I communicate with who read some of the more 'Serious Stuff" really like to mix it up. I tend not to with what I read, but I do spend plenty of time relaxing and doing what can be deemed frivolous things. Which if you thing about it is equivalent to light reading.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-32384113350932213192013-11-13T06:48:42.849-05:002013-11-13T06:48:42.849-05:00Thanks for a fascinating post that has made me thi...Thanks for a fascinating post that has made me think more deeply about my reading habits, Brian. I confess I don't know that much about this writer's views, so thank you for sharing some of the lines from the reading section of the book here. <br /><br />I think at times I enjoy reading something light but for the most part I like to challenge myself at least a little. I enjoy both. Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08731930823596505781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-57861858807980752332013-11-12T20:31:21.073-05:002013-11-12T20:31:21.073-05:00Hi Jane - Indeed folks read for many reasons, thou...Hi Jane - Indeed folks read for many reasons, though I think that I read mostly for reasons that Thoreau would approve, I keep coming back to the classical music analogy. One can only be 100% serious about so many things.<br /><br /><br />i did not find this too difficult. It involved a lot of descriptions about nature. If one is used to fast moving narratives they may find this one a little slow.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-6484955981273280572013-11-12T20:26:14.559-05:002013-11-12T20:26:14.559-05:00Hi Suko - Very goods points. Times were different ...Hi Suko - Very goods points. Times were different and I was thinking about his views in light of the modern world. <br /><br />Of course many folks harbor Thoreau's views today.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-43223798309065086872013-11-12T20:22:42.701-05:002013-11-12T20:22:42.701-05:00Hi Sharon - I actually have often entertained thou...Hi Sharon - I actually have often entertained thought very similar to yours when it relates to reading. I value books and quality reading so much. It is difficult for me to relate to folks who do not read quality things.<br /><br /> But then I think about people who have developed other skills that relate to the arts or intellect so much more then I have and I think that everyone cannot be so into everything worthwhile.<br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-85732620896082950162013-11-12T20:18:03.065-05:002013-11-12T20:18:03.065-05:00Hi Caroline - As I alluded to, for whatever reason...Hi Caroline - As I alluded to, for whatever reason this segment is not all that famous. I think that what defines a snob is not what they read, but if they judge what others read too harshly.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-62711251212422329572013-11-12T20:16:33.674-05:002013-11-12T20:16:33.674-05:00Hi Delia - Though I do not consider what I often r...Hi Delia - Though I do not consider what I often read to be light, it does enormously depend on one's definition of light reading.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-37074027449726075222013-11-12T20:15:14.394-05:002013-11-12T20:15:14.394-05:00Hi Tracy - Though I do find them a little silly, I...Hi Tracy - Though I do find them a little silly, I do like to read the opinions of others concerning what they think that others should read. Though one cannot take it too seriously, it is, in a way, fun to do.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-36434986266289913112013-11-12T18:44:59.742-05:002013-11-12T18:44:59.742-05:00Those New Englanders sure do like to tell other pe...Those New Englanders sure do like to tell other people how to live, don't they? :)<br /><br />I agree that it is worthwhile to read great literature, but without sampling a variety of authors, especially those still living, how do you get to weigh in on what to add to the ancient canon?<br /><br />Also, unlike Thoreau, I read for a variety of reasons--to educate myself, develop my mind, but also to understand the evolution of literature as well as pop culture and various genres. <br /><br />While I don't claim to only read "great" writers, I really find I cannot read badly written stuff.<br /><br />That was an interesting post--I've never had the fortitude to tackle Walden straight on, but rather have come at it with a small doses approach. Kudos to you for reading the whole thing.JaneGShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11094501834387622997noreply@blogger.com