I've started writing my posts in yellow legal pads. I don't have much time for the computer these days and, moreover, I've always found it difficult to write at a keyboard anyway, perhaps because it makes things a bit impersonal. I haven't decided if writing my posts longhand is the way to go. I'm pretty self-conscious about my writing--who isn't?--so most of the paper winds up in the garbage. Needless waste, some would say, though I've found that writing by hand can be cathartic, even if I'm usually less-than-pleased with the results.

My reading has been pretty varied lately. In addition to the usual fiction--I've been playing catch-up by reading J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince--I started David McCullough's 1776 and Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. Admittedly, I haven't made much progress with the last two books--the Harry Potter book, like all the books in the series, has a way of making me put everything on hold--but I expect to make leaps with them by next week.

Of course, I'm the kind of self-deprecating person who rarely lives up to expectations. I've become obsessed with reading James Joyce's Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. Don't ask why.

Comments

[simon]

Good luck getting it all sorted out looks good so far. Go for Ulysses it is a real head bender but worth it in the end if for no other reason than to be able to shout from the rooftops that you have carved it into your literary bedpost.

[Andi]

I'm sorry, I threw up in my mouth a little when you mentioned Joyce. I think I'm OK now.

While tackling Ulysses (or Finnegan's Wake) is a worthy task, I've tried Ulysses twice and haven't made it through. I'm sure it's worth it in the end (and you gain at least an inch of length and girth on the ole academic penis for reading it). We'll see if I ever succeed.

Nice new digs!

[Brandon]

Simon: I agree, one of the reasons I want to read "Ulysses" is just so I can say I have. But I'm also curious about it. It's been nagging at me. "Ulysses" is one of the most praised and feared books ever published.

Andi: Better your mouth than anyone else's. ;)

I attempted "Ulysses" once and only made it through three chapters. I suppose I let my intimidation get the best of me. Every time I picked it up, my heart rate would increase. It was ridiculous, really, being literally afraid of a book. "Ulysses" is one of those books where its reputation overshadows its literary value.