by Heather Walgren
Lately, I have been doing a lot of reading. Reading about different countries, different political institutions, biographies, poetry, short stories, longs stories, classics, novels, old textbooks, even. I’ve found myself wondering why I like some books better than others. It’s not a matter of genre – I’ll read almost anything uplifting or edifying. But I have discovered I like books that are brilliant.
When I say brilliant I don’t mean earth shattering or revolutionary, although these types of books are great in moderation. No, I mean brilliant in writing style. I mean the books that make you forget you’ve just finished a chapter. The ones that make you want to read just one more page until you find yourself at the end of the book searching for an appendix so you can read just one more page.
So what makes a book brilliant? The book takes the reader on an interesting and fun journey; A journey that is dynamic, not for sheer entertainment, but because it is worthwhile.
In fact, a brilliant book is much like a life well lived. It puts me in mind of a new favorite quote of mine:
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, wow what a ride!” – Peter Sage.
What type of journey will you create?
August 30, 2007 at 11:58 pm |
Nice post Heather. I love brilliant books too. Have you read Harry Potter?
August 31, 2007 at 12:36 am |
Heather,
One of the fun things about graduating from college is having discretionary reading time. I have no doubt that you will be a lifetime reader of good books. I hope that you will spend some time now with the Gutenberg project making some of our books available to others.
I appreciate the additional time you spend reading to me. Thanks for being you!
P.S. I’m glad to see you blogging now.
August 31, 2007 at 7:24 am |
archanaraghuram – I must admit that I have read Harry Potter, and I love all of the books. In my opinion Rowling’s skill got a lot of kids and adults who were not reading very much interested in books again. I wish there were more authors like her out there today.
Janet – You know me well. I have heard a lot about the Gutenberg project, but I don’t know any of the particulars. You’ll have to tell me more about it. Chances are I’ll probably fall in love with it.