I was an avid reader when I was younger. I always knew what that crazy Nancy Drew was up to. I knew the Ringmaster’s Secret. I knew where the Hidden Staircase was hiding. I knew that showboat was haunted. Yep, I read all of the books. I was a huge fan.
And sure, I read Dr. Seuss, but I was years beyond his silliness. Ok, I did fall for One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and I stared a little bit too much at the dog party in the tree in my favorite, Go, Dog, Go, but I really felt a bond with Nancy. In fact, I felt like I could be Nancy. Except that I would have never worn a skirt while solving a mystery. I would have been all about pedal pushers and sneakers.
Fast forward many years and I was still able to keep up with my reading, even after I had my two children. Of course, then I was a huge Dean Koontz fan. His early book, Whispers, will always be my favorite Dean Koontz book. I also read a lot by John Saul. But, my reading time was diminishing. It was no one’s fault but my own. Al Gore had just invented the internet, you know, and I had surfing to do. I surfed the world wide web. And down went the book.
Bad Vickie. I never did sit and read Great Expectations again. Oh, how I love Miss Havisham. I purchased The American Tragedy last summer because I loved the movie version, A Place in the Sun, with Montgomery Cliff and Elizabeth Taylor. East of Eden and Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother are still staring at me from my nightstand. They realize it is never going to happen. Afterall, I then discovered Facebook and Farmtown. Farmville. Something on a farm.
And it was never going to happen once I discovered blogging. WordPress is really to blame for my inexcusable lack of reading. If I wasn’t writing, I was reading other blogger’s blogs. I was then commenting on them. Soon I decided, “Hell, I want to write my own book.” I was a frenzied writer. I found that I love to write. I don’t know if I am a good writer. I cringe when I notice that I have left out commas or spelled “threw” for “through.” Not professional, Vickster. But, just put me in a cabin in the woods with a typewriter and some paper laptop and my username and password, and I could just write all damn day long. But, I guess I have to earn a living, so a fourth grade teacher I shall be.
But, something got me back to take another look at books.
No, it wasn’t the new-fangled Kindle Fire. That may get to me to read again. It didn’t.
No, I didn’t fall for the Harry Potter or Twilight books. I hated Eat, Breathe, and Die or whatever it was called. The movie version starred Julia Roberts. I saw the movie and hated it. You know that woman got an advance to write the book before she even took the journey to find herself, right? She surely laughed all the way to the bank.
No, it was Hunger Games.
I don’t know why it was Hunger Games that made me head to the couch, curl up with a lightweight throw on my lap, and settle in for the evening. Ahhhhhh, a good book. I felt like I was home. Oh, sure I was home, but I felt so satisfied, so complete, so intelligent. I was reading again. Yeehaw!
But, wait. I am torn. My lost love of reading has been reborn. But, alas, what the hell is to become of my blogging? I plan on reading all three of the Hunger Game books in the next week. I can’t put the first one down. Well, I did, just to write to all of you a farewell of sorts, until this reading foolishness subsides.
Yes, blog buddies, I am not going to blog again for a week or so. I want to read. And read I must. And I can’t do both. That would feel like cheating.
So, I bid adieu to all my old and new blogging friends as I need but a brief respite….so I can read. After all, I want to go see the Hunger Games movie this weekend, so I must get a move on. All of my teacher friends at school have already read all three books and are getting tired of not being able to talk about it. I need to catch up before they bust at the seams.
I bought the book yesterday and am on Chapter 11 right now. I am hooked.
Well, time is up. I gave myself fifteen minutes to write this. Times a tickin. My book is calling out to me.
My best to you and I will see you in a week’s time.
Love,
Nancy Drew
Posted by Elyse on March 27, 2012 at 7:21 am
Oh dear. I just bought the book. Sorry if this is the last comment until Christmas. But you’ll understand, I’m sure.
Posted by NCMountainwoman on March 20, 2012 at 7:41 pm
I read “The Hunger Games” recently, being the last person in our county (where much of the movie was filmed) to do so. I resisted because a futuristic sci-fi is not my usual book genre and I didn’t read many books written for teens even when I was a teen. But some friends who know me well convinced me to read it.
I LOVED IT!!! It’s an easy read but the story is totally engrossing and I read it in two days only because I forced myself to put it down the first day. I haven’t run out to buy the second book in the trilogy but I’m sure I will read it and the third as well. I do so admire such a great imagination.
Posted by Michelle Gillies on March 20, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Good for you! Hunger Games is on my list too! I just haven’t been able to get to it. I hope you write a follow up and tell me it was worth it.
Posted by Tess Kann on March 20, 2012 at 12:12 pm
I got the first book last week but haven’t had time to read it. I’m trying to finish a book for Thursday for my bookclub. Yep, blogging sure cuts into OTHER reading. Enjoy. I hear they’re really good so I can’t wait to start after Thursday (this weekends sounds like it might work for me).
I read Harry Potter Book 1 and couldn’t get into the rest. I actually read all the Twilight books and planned NOT to enjoy them but I did. Ditto Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins, Hardy Boys etc. Just saying. That’s awkward. You’re already reading and not paying attention . . .
Posted by mynakedbokkie on March 20, 2012 at 8:27 am
You are so right. I try to balance it all now. So it means less posts and probably more crappy ones but I just don’t want to stop reading. I want everyone around me to realize how awesome it is to be able to throw yourself in a book. Talking about my knight in particular.
Ps. The book is brilliant.
Posted by cristycarringtonlewis on March 19, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Amen to that! We all need a break. I’m in the middle of packing and moving, so I’m already down to one blog post a week (sounds like I’m trying to cut down on smoking, doesn’t it) and up to several bottles of wine per week. Enjoy The Hunger Games. I’ve got it on my Kindle and I’m dying to dig into it, but the boxes are calling my name. See you in a week or so!
Posted by backonmyown on March 19, 2012 at 8:23 pm
I hear from friends that The Hunger Games is a must read. And so I shall. Soon.