This year I decided to reclaim time for deep reading, having seen it drift away in favor of podcasts, newsletters, Substack (!), and 2020s busyness. So I get up earlier and spend the first hour of the day reading a physical book. No tunes, no checking email, no one else awake yet. The verdict? It’s been like rediscovering oranges after having some kind of literary scurvy! My soul feels better. Great essay, Junot.
Octavia Butler, “Every story I create, creates me. I write to create myself.”
I love this quote. With each novel I write, I become.
Thank you for the push to read. I’ve been adding poetry and short stories to my reads this year, but yes, I should make an effort to put more translations into the mix.
Do you keep a list/journal of what you read? I try to write a quick review for myself or at least snap a pic of the cover. The best ones, though, are never forgotten.
the class that i had in mind: Heart of Darkness, Blood Meridian, Maus, The Handmaid's Tale, Dawn and depending on the semester i switched between Perdido Street Station and Snow Crash.
It’s so true. Even among writers and life long readers. There’s an interesting book called Proust and the Squid that talks about the neuroscience of deep reading. Scrolling and scanning just doesn’t activate the same circuitry.
I read fiction constantly. I'm lazy about nonfiction but when I put my mind to it, it can be rewarding. I do get frustrated with certain modern politicized themes that seem to be considered mandatory in fiction of late. Currently rereading Wise Blood and am struck by how much O'Comnor reminds me of Salinger.
Also I watch film sometimes, and, again, older work is usually of the most interest. Just watched Rhinoceros again. Boy did that resonate.
I love all your fiction and wish you'd write more. But I know, you gotta go with what grabs you.
This year I decided to reclaim time for deep reading, having seen it drift away in favor of podcasts, newsletters, Substack (!), and 2020s busyness. So I get up earlier and spend the first hour of the day reading a physical book. No tunes, no checking email, no one else awake yet. The verdict? It’s been like rediscovering oranges after having some kind of literary scurvy! My soul feels better. Great essay, Junot.
it does feel like scurvy dont it?
Thanks for sharing. Here's my circuit:
Philosophy, personal development or business in the morning.
Blog during lunch
Fiction at night.
20 to 60 mins per rep.
Octavia Butler, “Every story I create, creates me. I write to create myself.”
I love this quote. With each novel I write, I become.
Thank you for the push to read. I’ve been adding poetry and short stories to my reads this year, but yes, I should make an effort to put more translations into the mix.
Do you keep a list/journal of what you read? I try to write a quick review for myself or at least snap a pic of the cover. The best ones, though, are never forgotten.
This is the best. Thank you so much for this Junot.
On écrit pour etre autre que ce qu'on est. M Foucault
Same for reading?
yes, josé definitely! thank you as always
Love this, Junot. Your reading cycle is inspiring. Definitely taking this advice to heart.
What were the 6 novels on your original syllabus?
the class that i had in mind: Heart of Darkness, Blood Meridian, Maus, The Handmaid's Tale, Dawn and depending on the semester i switched between Perdido Street Station and Snow Crash.
Amazing how much more reading we did before social media
It’s so true. Even among writers and life long readers. There’s an interesting book called Proust and the Squid that talks about the neuroscience of deep reading. Scrolling and scanning just doesn’t activate the same circuitry.
Thanks for the reading list!
I've read Snow Crash several times. I will put Perdido Street Station on my short list, thank you!
Also I thought The Diamond Age (also by Stephenson) was terrific and well worth rereading, but probably didn't have as wide appeal.
Reading Perdido Street Station now! Will have to read Snow Crash next. Or I guess the next time it comes around in the cycle. 😏💙
I read fiction constantly. I'm lazy about nonfiction but when I put my mind to it, it can be rewarding. I do get frustrated with certain modern politicized themes that seem to be considered mandatory in fiction of late. Currently rereading Wise Blood and am struck by how much O'Comnor reminds me of Salinger.
Also I watch film sometimes, and, again, older work is usually of the most interest. Just watched Rhinoceros again. Boy did that resonate.
I love all your fiction and wish you'd write more. But I know, you gotta go with what grabs you.