Reading novels again

On Friday night when I met with Tim for Coffee, I mentioned that I would like to read novels again but had not found anything that gripped me.

I have so conditioned myself to read quickly that I find it difficult to read novels. Novels have to be read slowly and savored.

After talking about it a bit, we wondered over to the second hand book store that was over the road. Having said that I liked action adventure he guided me to David Morrell.

I am about halfway through this one, "The Protector". As TIm said it is any easy read, He described it as at  the pulp fiction end of the market. I'm not sure what he means by that. He's an English teacher. I'm a Maths teacher.

Tim would like me to be reading something more challenging. He reads novels more for the ideas that they present. Its an intellectual pursuit for him. I'm not sure that I want to go there. I think that I'd prefer to read for entertainment.

Comments

[Casper]

Hey Russel,

Sitting in a cafe in Finisterre (literally the ¨End of the Earth¨ where they used to believe the earth ended, here in Spain)... and I happen to come across this line of yours:

¨... we wondered over to the secondhand bookstore that was over the road...¨

Not much to go on but I am fairly certain I know exactly where you were sitting!

All the times that I have sat there having a coffee and reading a book with only my dog for company, with the rain gently falling down market street...

Only another month and I can join tim and you in that walk which in my minds eye has taken on hallowed proportions...

Loving reading a little of your life from the end of the earth ;)

[Sue]

Reading for ideas and reading for entertainment all flow together for me. I think that's why I liked sci fi so much when I was younger, the fascinating ideas tucked into fun stories.

My favorite book from back then is The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, by Robert Heinlein. I think there's problems with it (sexist, bad writing), but I've read it over 20 times, and would read it again. ;>

I'm trying to think of something that would qualify as both action adventure and 'good literature'. I bet you could find a book that would satisfy you both!