Welcome to Novels on My Mind!
The joy of getting lost in a story can only by matched by sharing that experience with others. Each of us brings our own lens to the reading of any story. Sharing our insights can alter what we think of a book and change our view of a novel. In future blogs I’ll share what I think about a what I’m reading and hope to hear your thoughts on it. But for this first post I thought I’d talk about why I pick and read the books I do.
As far back as I can remember I’ve been enamored by story worlds and fictional characters. The obsession began with Winnie the Pooh. That lovable bear, Piglet, and Eeyore became treasured friends. My reading level matured but the passion never faded. Now I always carry a book with me. It has either been recommended by a friend, a book review, or has caught my eye from a library or bookstore shelf.
The Emotional Core of a Book
The cover is a visual impression of the story held within. Its design may be illustrated, photographic or abstract; have a matte or glossy finish; be colorful or subdued. These communicate a subliminal message about the emotional core of the novel.
When I first hold a new book, the stiffness is unappealing to me so I open it wide to soften it, then the pages turn more freely. I select a bookmark from my stash that seems like a good match.
An etched sterling triangle slides over the corner of a page; an image carved into wood is placed between pages; miniature artwork folds over a page with a magnetic click; colorful ribbons that were once music festival wristbands are slipped between pages.
Unless it’s from a library, I make margin notes about the characters, scenes, and plot advancements. I underline sentences that impress me. A book to keep and look back at, perhaps reread.
Escape into Another World
I used to read one at a time, but now several are stacked and piled vying for the next to be picked up. No matter which one is in my hand I never skip ahead, but if I’m not enjoying the story being revealed I move on to the next book—eager for a novel to grab me and not let go until the last page.
Some are suitable for a particular time of day, for a certain location. Over morning coffee, I read poetry (best read aloud) and books that inspire or inform. Afternoons in cafés I read short stories or light novels, pausing to people watch and take note of the music played by the establishment. But in the evening, I’m fully engaged, escaping into an author’s created world, annoyed by any distraction.
I prefer literary and historical fiction but also enjoy biographies, and narrative nonfiction. The bulk of new releases don’t always fit into these categories, but I enjoy those that are character-driven and possess themes artfully spun into the story.
An enticing cover that indicates a genre I’m interested in, a suitable bookmark to indicate progress, the right location, and I begin. But sometimes there is a book read for other reasons. Next time I’ll talk about a novel I wouldn’t have picked up if I didn’t know the author.
Until then,
Mary Clare