Currently there is a thread on the Guppies email list about re-reading old classics. Several people like Dickens and re-read his stories -- especially "A Christmas Carol" -- at this time of year. Another person re-reads "Babbit" every ten years just to see how her perceptions of this protagonist have changed. Others are re-reading C. S. Lewis, Tolstoy, Henry James, the novel "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", and Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird".
I've read most of these stories simply as a reader; I never took literature courses in college. Now I'm reading everything in an attempt to learn how fine storytelling is done. Like the lady chess champion who studied chess moves and games, I'm studying stories and storytelling.
At this time it's very hard for me to just "read". I start a book and begin instantly to analyze it for grammar, plot, credible characters, suspense, etc. If an author drags me into their story, it's very good. If I'm turning pages rather than slogging through like an assignment, then the book is very good indeed.
This makes me a bad conversationalist about books. I just don't think about books the same way anymore. I tend to ruin other people's enjoyment of a good read. Sorry friends.
I apologize for the bad conversation but not for the practice. Rocket scientists study under other rocket scientists in order to hone their rocketry skills. Michelangelo studied under marble carvers and sculptors for years. Teachers learn from other teachers at conferences and veterinarians study techniques of other veterinarians. This is the time-honored process of apprenticeship.
However, I just want to say here, I don't like it. I feel separated from everyone else who gets to just enjoy stories. My goals may be noble, but I am far, far away from achievements to match the chess champion or Tess Gerritsen.
I'd like to think I'll eventually find some authors to emulate. But I'm not there. I have a lot more reading to do. So please excuse me while I study.
What are you re-reading these days?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment