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.