if you haven’t already, check out Brandon Taylor’s latest newsletter addressing the idea of extraneous detail in books. i really enjoyed it! he suggests that most of what we label extraneous is actually important to the work of art and its overall commentary/point of view, having been chosen by the author for inclusion for a reason. and similarly to what you’re saying, just because you don’t feel gripped by that portion of the text or even feel bored by it doesn’t indicate that the thing you don’t like as much is pointless.
You've given me some new ideas to think about the next time I pick up a big book - I'm going to be more aware of how much I expect from a book in those opening pages!
Thanks for this! I've been doing a short-book summer for the last few weeks, but am making my way through the massive 'Middlemarch.' I generally prefer books on the shorter side, but I like to keep a mix of sizes in my TBR so I'll have something relevant to the reading mood I'm in when starting a new book.
I'm reading Fellowship Point right now and loving it! It feels really good to sink into a longer book. I've got Three on my shelf waiting for me, too.
I listened to that Ezra Klein episode last summer when you shared it and that tidbit about Cocomelon really stuck with me! It's something I've shared with numerous folks in conversation when the topic of attention span or kids and screens comes up and it's such a terrifying concept. Thank you for always advocating for deeper, thoughtful, and more thoughtful reading habits! It always inspires me ◡̈
if you haven’t already, check out Brandon Taylor’s latest newsletter addressing the idea of extraneous detail in books. i really enjoyed it! he suggests that most of what we label extraneous is actually important to the work of art and its overall commentary/point of view, having been chosen by the author for inclusion for a reason. and similarly to what you’re saying, just because you don’t feel gripped by that portion of the text or even feel bored by it doesn’t indicate that the thing you don’t like as much is pointless.
Thank you, Kate! I just read it and loved it so much!
Holy guacamole I love this
Thanks, Deedi!
Obsessed with the panting and happy image. So spot on!
Isn’t that lovely?!
You've given me some new ideas to think about the next time I pick up a big book - I'm going to be more aware of how much I expect from a book in those opening pages!
Thanks for this! I've been doing a short-book summer for the last few weeks, but am making my way through the massive 'Middlemarch.' I generally prefer books on the shorter side, but I like to keep a mix of sizes in my TBR so I'll have something relevant to the reading mood I'm in when starting a new book.
That makes sense to me! I also love a short book and am always impressed what gifted authors are able to convey in so few pages
I'm reading Fellowship Point right now and loving it! It feels really good to sink into a longer book. I've got Three on my shelf waiting for me, too.
I listened to that Ezra Klein episode last summer when you shared it and that tidbit about Cocomelon really stuck with me! It's something I've shared with numerous folks in conversation when the topic of attention span or kids and screens comes up and it's such a terrifying concept. Thank you for always advocating for deeper, thoughtful, and more thoughtful reading habits! It always inspires me ◡̈
I think I’m going to start listening to that episode regularly. It’s so inspiring!
“But I don’t need my books to be Cocomelon.” 😅 Long live chunky books!
This is such a fantastic post and a reminder that I really do like big chunky stories- once I’m in them!