Friday, May 17, 2013


A Novel Idea—Reading for Pleasure
[written on April 12]

I spoke with Kim Flores, manager of the Brentwood Branch Library [Springfield, Missouri] and co-chair of the Library’s 2013 Big Read Committee. In her “Voice of the Day” column, April 5, 2013, Ms. Flores
asked readers when they last read a book “purely for pleasure”. My reply is today. I love to read. 

This year’s Big Read focuses on Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Is there anyone in the world who hasn’t read at least one of Poe’s stories or poems? “The Cask of Amontillado”, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, “Fall of the House of Usher”, “Annabell Lee”—the list goes on and on. Each story with its tragic character left a memory. The story I most remember is “Lenore”. Not so much the character (his women were usually pale with dark, troubled eyes and flowing black locks). No, I remember that story for what I experienced at SMS my first year.

When I moved to the Women’s Dorm at Southwest Missouri State College [circa. 1963], I took American Literature I. Poe was a staple. Homecoming weekend, I stayed in [no date] and decided to read. As far as I knew, I was the only person on the fourth floor. [My door was locked for safety.] At one point I left my room for the restroom next door, shivering just a little because the hallway was dark and silent—perfect atmosphere for “Lenore”. I pushed on the swinging door which didn’t move. I stepped back as the door swung towards me. In walked Lenore, he dark locks streaming down her back. I let out a blood curdling scream, which of course, scared the poor girl coming through the door. After apologizing I explained about Poe and Lenore and how much she looked like the character. She didn’t speak to me the rest of the school year. I love to read.

The worst part of my reading for pleasure is wishing I’d thought of that scenario first. Or, kicking myself because I had the idea several years ago but didn’t put words on paper. Then I’m dancing at the masque ball with Red Death or praying for a quick end once the pendulum nicks.

 I have discovered, however, that the more I learn about crafting a good romantic suspense, the more my reading for pleasure is overshadowed by my fascination with how authors create three-dimensioned characters I wish I knew, drop subtle hints foreshadowing outcome which surprise me, or make me wonder if the writer is “showing” or “telling”. Then B’s brain reminds me that I’m reading for fun, not for a pop quiz. I love to read.

And because I dissect every plot twist or character motivation, I forget that I am reading for pleasure. Still, with my brain soaking up the “how to” techniques of my favorite authors, I always enjoy the story and the characters—especially when these characters are leads in stories of their own.

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