I have started reading Skelley’s Square – I have to admit it is a free preview from Kindle. I am enjoying it so far and if I get to the end of the preview and feel I want to finish it then I will buy it. I would like to make time to read more and I know that it is a matter of habit building and prioritising. There are so many books on my shelves that I have dipped into and so many that I would like to re-visit. But there are only so many hours in the day when I have the energy.
I did actually read a whole book last week. Well, almost a whole book – I skipped a couple of chapters at the end that were not relevant to my purposes. It was also not very long and easy to read. Nevertheless it did feel like an achievement.
One of the emails that I subscribe to contains all sorts of inspirational tips and I was drawn to one of them which had a paragraph about reading books:
“Those of us who write for children are trying to arm them for the life ahead with everything we can find that is true. And perhaps also, secretly, to arm adults against those necessary compromises and heartbreaks that life involves: to remind them that there are and always will be great, sustaining truths to which we can return.”
You don’t have to have to be a parent to read a children’s book.
The recommendations include Where The Wild Things Are, the His Dark Materials trilogy, and Peter Pan.
The final one – How to read more books – caught my eye and so I followed the link. The video is about 30 minutes long (there’s a shorter one that’s just the introduction).
https://vimeo.com/331908835.
There are some beautiful bookshops featured (one is in the photos I’ve inserted) and some tips on how to read more quickly and to establish habits.
One person featured on the video is a university president and she encourages students to sit and read, to not be too busy doing things. She describes it as being like meditation. It is in the stopping, reading and reflecting that we experience life more fully. I agree that in reading we can escape our current situation, be immersed in another world or in ideas and concepts. I want to make those habits to read more – not just theology and work related books but novels too, and maybe some of those children’s books that are recommended.
So…. if I commit to trying to establish reading habits who will I be accountable to? This blog started because of the Lent 40 Acts and being accountable. Perhaps some of my readers will hold me to this commitment …. if you’ve read this far, is it you?
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Elizabeth Jones' Diary 
Hi Liz,
It’s interesting that you mention Kathryn Rundell. My Katie has read Rooftoppers and do have I. We also read it as a share it at bedtime book. You really should read it, it’s beautiful.
I love to read and have a Goodreads account.
I would happily encourage you to read more, and hold you to account if you want someone to do that.
Blessings on your reading.
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I am just catching up with my blog reading. I meant to say, if you have a Good reads account, look me up and I will grant the fr req. I am happy to just touch base via this etc if you don’t want a Goodreads account. Alison has recommended a couple for me to read, one of which I have read and one which is on my TBR list. The red tent by Anita Diamant was excellent and was based on the Bible character Dinah. I read all kinds of books as I like to shake things up. Last year, I went through a phase of reading books I had read in my twenties. Interestingly, some of them are still favourites, and some of them I now find less than inspiring. I think phases in life play an integral part in what we choose to read. Anyway, enough of my rambling. God bless, and happy reading 🙂
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Thanks Julie. I have just downloaded the app for Goodreads and signed up so will look for you. I have read the Red Tent and thought it was excellent. Am currently reading Frank Skinner’s autobiography. An easy and entertaining read. I like him on TV. Will look for you on the app.
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Julie – i have just looked for you on Goodreads – there are 13 Julie Christines. Are we Facebook friends?
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I’ve enjoyed His Dark Materials – but I do think that they are a bit bleak. Pullman is definitely an atheist!
I am about a third of the way through Skelly’s Square and really enjoying it.
Do you know Rumezr Godden’s books? “Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy” is a great book. I love it.
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I got to the end of the free sample of SKelly’s square. Haven’t bought the whole thing, but might do. No haven’ heard of Godden’s books. Will look it up. Pullman is a good author but yes, definitely atheist. Enjoy your holiday.
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Note to self: check spelling before pressing “Post comment” That would be Rumer Godden – the “z” is superfluous!
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