"Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are" is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread. ~~Francois Mauriac~~
When you reread a classic, you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than was there before. ~~Clifton Fadiman~~
To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life. ~~W. Somerset Maugham~~
What I'll say is nothing new for me - reading is indeed my refuge and hiding place and my comfort. Last year I got a bit off track. Too much going on. Too many distractions. Too much media. Too much worry. I did read, for sure, but my numbers were down and I got frustrated with certain themes and topics. I feel like for 2022 that I want to take a deep breath (or maybe 20 deep breaths) and begin again with all the pursuits that bring me pleasure, joy, and fulfillment.
I'm hoping to stop by here at least once a week (or maybe more often if that works) and share what I've been reading, what I've been doing, and what I've found joyful. My library here in Kerrville is starting two new book groups - that will be one a week - and I'm hoping to try the new ones and continue with the current ones. We'll see if 4 book groups is doable (plus I'd still like to read along with the mystery group in Austin if I can).
Now I need to go catch up on my blog reading. I'm way behind. Probably no comments for this pass through, but know that I'm reading them and nodding my head. Again, Happy New Year!! Let's find some joy and pleasure through reading this year. Hugs to all!
Honestly, Kay, I burst out crying when I read the last quote. And I would add reading blogs. The past few days, I have been in the world of blogging and it has cheered me so much. My reading this year was much the same except that I rarely read during the day. As you know, my Kindle is for night time - to fall asleep and go back to sleep if I wake. Daytime has been too worrisome this year and I have to turn my back on the emotional stuff and dive into my books esp. my beloved nonfiction. You really kind of read my mind/soul/heart when you wrote this, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteNan, I'm glad that last quote was meaningful for you. I know that you and I are totally in agreement about what reading is for each of us. Love you!
DeleteThe last quote resonated with me the most. I am not much of a re-reader. I am not sure what that says about me. My reading this past year was heavy on the light side--that's what I need most. I wish you all the best in this New Year. May you read many wonderful books and have a great year.
ReplyDeleteWendy, thanks for the kind words and I wish you a good reading year too - and that it looks however you need it to - light is perfect. LOL
DeleteKay, it was good to read your post - Happy New Year. I loved those quotes - especially the last one - true, however, sometimes when life has become too heavy, I feel it hard to concentrate on much but NF - not sure why that is.
ReplyDeleteDiane, interesting that NF works best for you when life is too heavy. Me, I'm more likely to fall down mystery 'rabbit hole' - LOL!
DeleteHappy New Year Kay! As others have said, the last quote resonates loud and clear with me as well. My 2021 went haywire for different reasons but all under the umbrella of life. It happens. Best roll with it. Looking forward to your posts, however often, and when you're not here, hope life continues treating you well!
ReplyDeleteRight back at you, Athira! I know you've had a lot going on this last year and I hope that 2022 will be a little less stressful. Take care!
DeleteHere's to a happy 2022! After my book a day challenge of last year I'm try to find a new normal of more reading, but with more mindfulness of what I choose. I used to love reading political thrillers, but that taste has soured over the last several years. What's happening in the world definitely affects my reading.
ReplyDeleteStacy, hope you and your two guys have a great 2022! I've been amazed at your 'book a day' quest. And, yes, what happens in the world does affect my reading as well. As I said above, I tend to want to crawl into fiction and never come out. LOL
DeleteHappy new year, Kay! I hope 2022 is a great reading year for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela and to you as well! Know you've got big changes coming (baby isn't here yet, right?). Take care and best wishes to you!
DeleteWhat a great question! What does reading mean to me? It means a lot, but I don't know how to put it into words. I will have to think about it more.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love re-reading. It is hard to decide whether to read new books or reread old ones sometimes.
I also hope that you enjoy your reading in 2022. Four books clubs sounds wonderful. Well OK, overwhelming for me with my antisocial ways, but I think it is great to have people to talk books with.
Tracy, I understand about trying to put that question into words. It's a little tough to describe, right? As to the book groups - I'll give it my best shot. I've decided that being ambitious about the number of book groups means that I can definitely be picky about whether to read the book the group is discussing. I'll likely attend anyway, even if I don't read the book. Always something new to learn. Take care and happy 2022!
DeleteI think reading is my refuge and comfort, too. I don't know what I would do without books. But I also read to experience new cultures, and different places and times, and to learn things I didn't know before. Reading definitely broadens my horizons and makes me a better person. :)
ReplyDeleteLark, I love what you said here and I concur that reading does broaden our horizons and hopefully will make us more thoughtful people. I do love reading about other cultures and ways of living. Happy 2022 to you, Lark!
DeleteReading has always been my refuge and my escape but that has cranked up exponentially in the last year and a half. It's been my sanity. I hope 2022 is an amazing year or at least a nice calm boring year. I think I'd be thrilled with that too!
ReplyDeleteOh, Katherine, I do know that reading has been part of keeping your head in a better place with all you and your family have been facing. I will hope for a nice calm boring 2022 for you. Take care and give Will a hug for me! Always thinking of you guys.
DeleteI love all three of those quotes! I'm currently rereading Winter Solstice (Rosamunde Pilcher) and wonder why I don't reread more of my favorite books. Last year I reread four books. I would like to try (again) to read one each month. We'll see how that goes.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you are going to return to blogging, as you've been missed! Have fun with your four book groups. I think one is enough for moi.
Les, I'm so happy that you're rereading Winter Solstice. I remember really loving that book. One reread a month seems like something that could work for you. And thanks for the kind words about my blogging. We'll see how the 4 book groups works for me. As I said above, it will let me be 'picky' about whether to read the book 'assigned' or not. LOL
DeleteHappy New Year, Kay! That last quote hits home for me, too. I've been away from blogging for a few weeks now, so it's time to catch up. Hoping to wrap up 2021 and post a list of favorites this week, then onward we go! In addition to a refuge, reading has also been a favorite way for me to connect with other like-minded readers... glad you'll be blogging again in the year ahead!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, thanks for the kind words and I'm glad that you're going to stick around too. And, yes, what would our lives have been like if we hadn't connected with each other and so many by trying blogging. It's been the best thing for me and I've loved talking books with everyone for so many years. Take care and happy 2022!
DeleteWow! Four book groups is A LOT. I only managed to make it to one book club meeting this year and that was the end-of-the-year holiday lunch and book exchange. We changed the meeting time from evenings to afternoons for the new year, so I'm hoping to be able to be there more often.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Susan, yes, 4 is a lot, but I've also given myself grace about actually reading all the books the groups are discussing. If one doesn't work for me, I'll try to attend anyway. And if I know from the outset that I'm not interested in the book I'll likely go and listen to the discussion. One person recently commented that they couldn't see why anyone would go to a book group without reading the book. I replied that I always learn things or get to know the other members better, even if I don't read the book. Happy 2022 to you and your family!!
DeleteHi Kay and Happy New Year! While I've always thought of reading as a my comfort place there, I can relate to how sometimes other things distract us from reading. Lately I haven't been reading as much due to life demands but I do think about when I get more time and look forward to books. Wishing you and your family a great year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Iliana, and I surely do hope your mother continues to improve. Best wishes to all of you for a happy 2022!
DeleteI'm glad you're back on the blog Kay. Last year was an off-year for me ... but I hope to return to my reading as my comfort place too. Enjoy your book groups.
ReplyDeleteThanks and I'm glad to be back as well. Happy New Year!
Delete