You can read my experiences trying to learn to fly here.
The voice of books.
written by Julie R. Neidlinger 1 comments link this postAs of late, I've contemplated that I've let too many voices in -- maybe in the form of too many people or too many ideas, all warring inside my limited mind.
It's very raucous and distracting. I can't begin to tell you how oppressing and detrimental it is.
I like books, for their controlled voice. The speak when spoken to, and when I need them to stop talking so that I can step back and process, I need only to close the cover. They are not hurt, not offended, and they patiently wait until I am ready to come back.
A recent book I read made brief mention of how some people walk around amazingly vulnerable and open, letting nearly everyone in. I am often told by readers that they appreciate the transparency in my writing, that it is refreshing -- all good, I suppose, except there is a cost to this for me. People inevitably must start extracting themselves as their life changes or they move on or some sort of shift takes place; inevitably, they leave taking a bit of me with them. I have become emotionally attached to far too many casual wanderers, far too many conflicting voices.
But books.
Their voice is welcome, and I now find myself in a substantial and purposeful phase of retreat from people, whether it is a fair and right thing to do, and back into a world of books and privacy of soul.
I know other readers can identify with this.
Labels: the reading life
Copyright (c) Julie R. Neidlinger 12/19/2007 09:06:00 PM
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1 Comments:
I think anyone who enjoys reading, whatever the content of that reading, must understand the peace of mind it can bring, for the reasons you stated. I never looked at it that way before. I know I've said writing can be used to order one's thoughts. But I never thought of reading as doing the same thing, if I'm reading you correctly: the reduction of thoughts and ideas to one voice rather than the vast multiplicity that is our world.
I may be the only one who has warned you about opening yourself up too much, on the internet and elsewhere. It is brave. But obviously it carries plenty of risk. There are different kinds of courage.
By 
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December 20, 2007 5:26 PM
