Every Day I Read (adult nonfiction)

     I was about to settle into my bedtime reading. But I was about one hundred pages into Twilight of American Sanity, a nonfiction volume that makes Stephen King's Cujo look like Lassie in contrast. No way was I going to contemplate that level of horror with darkness fallen. I'm too much a fan of nightmare free sleep. So I stuffed that book into my backpack and perused my inter library loan stash where I found the perfect bedtime book: Hwang Bo-Reum's Every Day I Read.

     "I hope to become stronger, to stand firm by my convictions, and to become a more mature person. Someone neither arrogant nor naive. Someone who can be honest about my feelings, yet not let emotions overwhelm me. I want to see the world, to better understand others." 

     That's Bo-Reum's answer to the question: what do I hope to get out of books? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself that question? If not, how about trying? You may be surprised what you discover. It would be a truly awesome ice breaker for a book club.

     Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer To Books is a series of reflections on the experience of reading. What do I want to get out of books?/Why do I read? is one she frequently comes back to, always with a fresh insight. Some of her other topics include:

*reading beyond best sellers;

*visiting the library;

*participating in book clubs;

*choosing books instead of the internet;

*finding life-changing reads:

*reading to suit different moods;

and so many more.

     If I were to choose two adjectives to describe Every Day I Read they would be gentle and engaging. I chose gentle because of the warmth and welcome in her writing. I say engaging because there is something for everyone from the novice wanting to get into reading to the long term bibliophile wishing to think recursively on the reading experience. 

On a purrrsonal note, it's the last day before March break and the UMaine campus is rapidly emptying. There were some pretty cool activities. My favorite was a dinner Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund and Wilson (interfaith) Center put on at Wilson. Dining there is a beautiful experience for people with dietary restrictions. You can see the recipes and know what goes into the food, unlike in restaurants. They served 3 kinds of pasta (an Alfredo, a vegan with lots of colorful veggies, and a kind with peaches) and soup--all homemade!!! Absolutely delicious. 

A great big shout out goes out to my fellow Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund members and the Wilson Center crew.

Jules Hathaway 

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