I’ve been listening to books more than reading them for a while now as I’m stuck in multitask mode--cooking or baking something for family or to blog about, getting in my daily steps or cleaning up the household messes that are my perpetual bane while amusing my ear with a novel, podcast or music.
Often I prefer light reading--thrillers or mysteries, escapist stuff. Lately, it’s a bit more literature-oriented. I’m currently listening to “Therèse Raquin” by Émile Zola, a 19th century French novel that, like many of Dickens’ works, was written as a serial in a literary magazine. Concerning adultery and murder, it caused a bit of a sensation at the time.
Thanks for you recommendations, which sound a bit more modern!
Hello Ruth, it's lovely to hear from you. I don't listen to many audio books as they tend to make me fall asleep or I start thinking about other things and lose my place in the story. The exception is flying - I find audio books (especially thrillers) to be very useful because your eyes often get very tired and you can lie back and listen. Unfortunately, I haven't travelled anywhere lately. I've never read Zola, but might give it a try one day.
Well, I still believe reading a good old fashioned book is superior and I do fall asleep while listening if I’m lying down, but if you happen upon a fabulous reader talented at switching voices, audio books can be spellbinding. This Zola isn’t the one, but I’ve encountered others that were.
Glad you got to take a bit of a vacation - I laughed at "horses of all shapes and sizes." Love weanlings, so gawky and goofy and feisty! I come from a horsing family, and I think you're well within your rights to call them baby horses ;)
I'm right there with you about bringing a physical book along on travels. My attention span isn't one for audio (podcasts or books), and I find that I retain less information when using an e-reader. Plus, no need for extra chargers!
I think I go through phases, now clearly I'm a foodie moment so food memoirs are my "pane quotidiano", or daily bread, how we say in Italy. Memoirs in general appeal me. I used to read more non-fiction before (self-improvement, motivational, writing guides etc) but now they give me anxiety lol. I want to go back to the classics soon (Shakespeare, and Austen are on my list) and I might give it a try to one of Paul Auster's books, have you ever read anything by him?
We had a Paul Auster on the list for my book group a couple of years back (can't remember which title), but somehow we managed to avoid reading it (LOL). They sound a little bit challenging, not that there's anything wrong with that. I didn't realise he was married to Siri Hustvedt, what an amazing couple. I haven't read any of her books either, but always meant to. I'm interested to know why non-fiction makes you anxious? Is it because it makes you feel like you aren't making enough progress? I feel like that all the time.
Ok, I downloaded extracts for two of Auster's books on Kindle. I must say... I was expecting something different. At first glance, he seems to be trying too hard. Hopefully, I'm wrong! Unfortunately, I won't be reading anything by him now. His son died last month, just a few days after his granddaughter. The circumstances were horrible to say the least. Every time I think of buying any of his books I get very sad, so I may wait a little.
As for non-fiction books... Yes, Marg, they make me anxious, exactly as they do for you. It wasn't like this before, and I believe that's because I was writing about self-care, depression and slow living. The topic in general was my main creative focus. Now, I feel like I'm done with it for a while 😂 I'd rather read something more light-hearted or less centred on the idea of constant self improvement towards a better, future person. Let's live in the present for a while, shall we?
I think I will give the Auster books a miss too. I trust your judgement and think we are on the same page about guilt-free reading. I'm tired of thinking I should be reading something else, and am happy to go with whatever suits me. It's taken me a while to come to that view.
That drink looks divine! I think I’d love it!
I’ve been listening to books more than reading them for a while now as I’m stuck in multitask mode--cooking or baking something for family or to blog about, getting in my daily steps or cleaning up the household messes that are my perpetual bane while amusing my ear with a novel, podcast or music.
Often I prefer light reading--thrillers or mysteries, escapist stuff. Lately, it’s a bit more literature-oriented. I’m currently listening to “Therèse Raquin” by Émile Zola, a 19th century French novel that, like many of Dickens’ works, was written as a serial in a literary magazine. Concerning adultery and murder, it caused a bit of a sensation at the time.
Thanks for you recommendations, which sound a bit more modern!
Hello Ruth, it's lovely to hear from you. I don't listen to many audio books as they tend to make me fall asleep or I start thinking about other things and lose my place in the story. The exception is flying - I find audio books (especially thrillers) to be very useful because your eyes often get very tired and you can lie back and listen. Unfortunately, I haven't travelled anywhere lately. I've never read Zola, but might give it a try one day.
Well, I still believe reading a good old fashioned book is superior and I do fall asleep while listening if I’m lying down, but if you happen upon a fabulous reader talented at switching voices, audio books can be spellbinding. This Zola isn’t the one, but I’ve encountered others that were.
Glad you got to take a bit of a vacation - I laughed at "horses of all shapes and sizes." Love weanlings, so gawky and goofy and feisty! I come from a horsing family, and I think you're well within your rights to call them baby horses ;)
I'm right there with you about bringing a physical book along on travels. My attention span isn't one for audio (podcasts or books), and I find that I retain less information when using an e-reader. Plus, no need for extra chargers!
We went to quite a few stud farms and saw some very impressive stallions. You would probably have enjoyed that.
I agree that e-readers provide an intrinsically different reading experience.
I do love a Kir Royale - so celebratory!
I think I go through phases, now clearly I'm a foodie moment so food memoirs are my "pane quotidiano", or daily bread, how we say in Italy. Memoirs in general appeal me. I used to read more non-fiction before (self-improvement, motivational, writing guides etc) but now they give me anxiety lol. I want to go back to the classics soon (Shakespeare, and Austen are on my list) and I might give it a try to one of Paul Auster's books, have you ever read anything by him?
We had a Paul Auster on the list for my book group a couple of years back (can't remember which title), but somehow we managed to avoid reading it (LOL). They sound a little bit challenging, not that there's anything wrong with that. I didn't realise he was married to Siri Hustvedt, what an amazing couple. I haven't read any of her books either, but always meant to. I'm interested to know why non-fiction makes you anxious? Is it because it makes you feel like you aren't making enough progress? I feel like that all the time.
Ok, I downloaded extracts for two of Auster's books on Kindle. I must say... I was expecting something different. At first glance, he seems to be trying too hard. Hopefully, I'm wrong! Unfortunately, I won't be reading anything by him now. His son died last month, just a few days after his granddaughter. The circumstances were horrible to say the least. Every time I think of buying any of his books I get very sad, so I may wait a little.
As for non-fiction books... Yes, Marg, they make me anxious, exactly as they do for you. It wasn't like this before, and I believe that's because I was writing about self-care, depression and slow living. The topic in general was my main creative focus. Now, I feel like I'm done with it for a while 😂 I'd rather read something more light-hearted or less centred on the idea of constant self improvement towards a better, future person. Let's live in the present for a while, shall we?
I think I will give the Auster books a miss too. I trust your judgement and think we are on the same page about guilt-free reading. I'm tired of thinking I should be reading something else, and am happy to go with whatever suits me. It's taken me a while to come to that view.
It's about listening to our intuition right? A predicament that applies to so many contexts in life, I think. Rushing to work, have a lovely day!
I love your story tidbits!!