Well, I’ve been thinking a bit more about my reading after posting the other day about My reading habits (and the interesting comments that followed). I realised my ability to enjoy (or not) a book is often also connected to my mood – for e.g. at the moment I’m trying to re-read A Clockwork Orange, but it isn’t working that well for me – mainly because I’m in a bit of a “blue” (as they say). Violence and deep philosophical meditations on the nature and complications of free will are not necessarily the best thing to read about when you’re not feeling your perkiest. Might be time to cleanse the palate with some Terry Pratchett.
Of course this works in a two-way direction. A sad book can be an effective dampener on a happy mood too. You probably don’t want to read Watership Down the day you pick up your new bunny.
I wrote the above a couple of days ago and I’m now reading Maskerade by Terry Pratchett – which is hilarious, one of his funniest Discworld books actually, and it feels like just what I need.
Question and Comment Time: Lovely readers, do you listen to your mood when choosing your reading material? Do you have old-faithful standby books that you return to when your mood is low (or when it’s high, for that matter)? Or do you not let your emotions dictate to you?
11 Responses to “My reading mood”
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Extra BookieMonster Blathery Goodness!
Hello,
Yes I have some old faves that I re-read or dip into according to the moment. I usually snatch up a well-thumbed Bill Bryson and open it anywhere, to enjoy for the two minutes while I brush my teeth in the evening. MFK Fisher’s memoir “Long Ago In France” is wonderful midwinter reading, all two American neophytes becoming acquainted with hearty Dijon food; I wouldn’t dream of reading it in summer.
I love memoirs, but tend to avoid the “misery memoir” genre (“Angela’s Ashes” and its ilk) – life is depressing enough without reading about others’ troubles! Yet some of my friends adore misery memoirs – they make my friends feel better about their own problems!
Ah, seasonal reading! Well, there’s a whole ‘nother post.
Yes, I know what you mean about the misery memoir – they need something different and/or spectacular to appeal – such as good writing (Angela’s Ashes, Running With Scissors) or total weirdness (The Glass Castle, Running With Scissors again).
I have never been interested in the abuse memoir subgenre either. Other people’s depression makes me feel worse, not better!
Agreed! I enjoyed Running With Scissors, and almost discount it from being a ‘misery memoir’, because the protagonist Augusten was generally not unhappy throughout that period of his life.
I actually enjoyed his follow-up memoir, Dry, much more. Although it hardly registers on the weirdometer – just about anyone can go into rehab – that book was so funny and touching and real that I much prefer it to its “hey, check out my wild and crazy upbringing!” predecessor. There’s no shock aspect, just great writing.
Coincidence – I have Dry in stock!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Books/Nonfiction/Biography/Literary/auction-273531065.htm
I’ve looked at it quite often and though about reading it, but wasn’t sure – might have to on that recommendation though.
Indeed I would buy it myself, if I hadn’t already obtained a copy, having requested one last Christmas! But I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone. His (the author, Augusten Burroughs) collection of essays, “Magical Thinking”, is another great read – witty, sharp, and with some terrific, tight writing.
I’ve been in an unfroody mood recently too, which is being improved slightly by ‘And Another Thing’, Eion Colfer’s 6th in the Hitchhikers Trilogy. So far more enjoyable than I expected. Hopefully it will carry me through to the Cricket against Australia, but if that goes badly I might have to Pratchett things up a bit.
Pratchett is working wonders – not sure if the cricket will improve the mood or not! Could be touch and go.
Touch and go? Kind of more slap and gone. Umpires didn’t help. Oh well, we can only improve.
*sigh* So true.
What WAS that decision by Bowden? What was he thinking?
Definitely one for mood/seasonal reading, can you really go past Pratchett/ Hitchhikers for uplifting books ???
Have put down books, thinking they are crap only to read them a couple of months later thinking they are brilliant … so don’t throw out that book give it another go .. but later
I definitely will – keeping it for a more contemplative but calm mood.