Oh this makes me wonder if Middlemarch opened you to this rumination. You surely describe Casaubon - one project defines his whole life, using re-reading (or in his case re-organizing) as an excuse not to make progress, as an excuse not to write and not to finish the project, staying stagnant and "cocooned". I've never experienced going too deep like this. I do identify with being restless, picking up one book and then another and not finding comfort because I'm feeling scattered. It's such a joy when suddenly something sticks and centers me again.
"It is sometimes the dreaded mirror illuminating us too closely; other times, a wide window holding only unknown vistas." Yes, books can take us beyond our front door and further into ourselves. I'm currently restless. I used to be able to slip into a book/world so easily and stay immersed for hours and days. I likely need to work on healing my attention span. The Perimonster (perimenopause) is playing a large role, but also my phone, the multitasking, the relentless input/content. Thanks for sharing! PS. Agree that East of Eden is a gem.
Oh, interesting. Healing the attention span. I highly recommend "Burnout" by Emily Nagoski for that (and for the perimonster -- which she writes about in that book and in others)!
Did you hear they're making an East of Eden movie? Miniseries? It stars Florence Pugh as Cathy...!!!!
Good morning, Haley! Thanks for the recommendation - will def look into that one. And, eek!! I didn't hear about the screen adaptation and now I'm giddy with excitement.
Loved reading this, Haley! So much resonates here. Studying literature (whilst it opened up my life in so many wonderful ways) also stunted my ability to simply read for joy for so long.
Oh this makes me wonder if Middlemarch opened you to this rumination. You surely describe Casaubon - one project defines his whole life, using re-reading (or in his case re-organizing) as an excuse not to make progress, as an excuse not to write and not to finish the project, staying stagnant and "cocooned". I've never experienced going too deep like this. I do identify with being restless, picking up one book and then another and not finding comfort because I'm feeling scattered. It's such a joy when suddenly something sticks and centers me again.
OMG. I didn't even think of that but of course *middlemarch* inspired this thinking!!!!!!
Your words are always a balm. Loved this piece, Haley!
Thank you so much Jade! I hope you're doing well.
"It is sometimes the dreaded mirror illuminating us too closely; other times, a wide window holding only unknown vistas." Yes, books can take us beyond our front door and further into ourselves. I'm currently restless. I used to be able to slip into a book/world so easily and stay immersed for hours and days. I likely need to work on healing my attention span. The Perimonster (perimenopause) is playing a large role, but also my phone, the multitasking, the relentless input/content. Thanks for sharing! PS. Agree that East of Eden is a gem.
Oh, interesting. Healing the attention span. I highly recommend "Burnout" by Emily Nagoski for that (and for the perimonster -- which she writes about in that book and in others)!
Did you hear they're making an East of Eden movie? Miniseries? It stars Florence Pugh as Cathy...!!!!
Good morning, Haley! Thanks for the recommendation - will def look into that one. And, eek!! I didn't hear about the screen adaptation and now I'm giddy with excitement.
Loved reading this, Haley! So much resonates here. Studying literature (whilst it opened up my life in so many wonderful ways) also stunted my ability to simply read for joy for so long.