Non Fiction reading
For many years I read no fiction, other than the books I had been assigned in College English courses, "Great Books" only. I saw novels as light and unimportant. A few that influenced the world might be OK, but I dismissed the genre for the most part
Sometime along the line I started reading fiction for escape and my opinion changed.
I got this dismissive attitude from my Dad, who passed on a manner of strong opinions and disregard for the opinions of others. Over the years I have been told that I am offputting and arrogant with my strong opinions. I never felt that way! I often feel unsure and conflicted. I want to project confidence, not arrogance.
Anyhow, I still read lots of history and biographies. But I can't get excited about any of the books stacked up beside my bed. One of the last "big" history book I read was the last volume of William Manchester's bio of Winston Churchill. It was kind of depressing to see the English Empire slip away. He made mistakes in WWII, FDR made worse mistakes and power ebbed along with his vitality.
I enjoyed Mark Bowden's Vietnam book, Hue, but it was also sad. Great stories of individual bravery and leadership of a battle the U.S. eventually won. But it was emblematic of the war that we lost.
The current political climate is also despressing. Is this what all the past lead up to? How do we get out of this mess?
Sometime along the line I started reading fiction for escape and my opinion changed.
I got this dismissive attitude from my Dad, who passed on a manner of strong opinions and disregard for the opinions of others. Over the years I have been told that I am offputting and arrogant with my strong opinions. I never felt that way! I often feel unsure and conflicted. I want to project confidence, not arrogance.
Anyhow, I still read lots of history and biographies. But I can't get excited about any of the books stacked up beside my bed. One of the last "big" history book I read was the last volume of William Manchester's bio of Winston Churchill. It was kind of depressing to see the English Empire slip away. He made mistakes in WWII, FDR made worse mistakes and power ebbed along with his vitality.
I enjoyed Mark Bowden's Vietnam book, Hue, but it was also sad. Great stories of individual bravery and leadership of a battle the U.S. eventually won. But it was emblematic of the war that we lost.
The current political climate is also despressing. Is this what all the past lead up to? How do we get out of this mess?
Comments
Post a Comment