Thursday, August 9, 2012

RRT: I cant help it if books are more Interesting than you!

 
Hello everyone. I hope you've enjoyed all of my reviews for the past few weeks. I've moved out of my parents house and thus have less distraction from my beloved reading, except perhaps my dog who likes to force his way into my arms, or my boyfriend who likes to have my undivided attention when we hang out.

Speaking of my boyfriend, the other day (which was really like quite a few months ago...new years eve...I'm only thinking about it now again), he called me a loser (which is a term we volley back and forth to each other for deeds the other feels are "less than exciting" or "uncool") because I thought it was a good idea to catch up on my reading before a party he had at his place. Let me just note that the only people who were there were me, him, his roommate, and one of his frat brothers, the usual people who occupy his apartment. Apparently, I should be spending this time "having fun" instead of doing boring reading stuff. Granted, the guests would have been arriving in about 30 minutes, but what's wrong with doing a little reading before the party. Especially when I know my main task is to ensure people don't underage drink, or, legally drink entirely too much. And definitely no drinking and driving!!! I am also to ensure the violence stays away (since of course when drinks are involved, violence has a way of sneaking in through people's nostrils), no one accidentally on purpose cheats on their girl/boyfriend while they're on the other side of the room. I am pretty much the "mother" of the party. For some reason, I can focus a lot easier on calming people down when they're frantic, or can slip into the mother role easily. It's a somewhat stressful job I must admit, but I tend to succeed, which is why it seems to always be my job. You can see now though why I would prefer to read for a little bit and relax myself before all the excessive excitement right?

If you know me, you know I don't really do the whole party scene. I'm perfectly content with sitting home in my apartment, reading a book, having 1 nice glass of wine, and watching a few movies on TV. I like to play with my dogs, have little gatherings where people don't get wild and crazy but we play a game or two and maybe some cards. Most of all though, I like to read.

As many of you know, I went to the Dominican Republic 2 weeks ago (and I have a lovely tan to go along with it). In my suitcase were 7 books, of which I read 4. My boyfriend would see me and ask, "did you finish another book, and just shake his head, because I should probably be enjoying the vacation and he doesn't see that I am. I can read anytime (except while in a car...motion sickness). Night time (I don't fall asleep if its a good book), daytime, while on the beach, while in the pool, during a movie, at work, in the middle of a party, during the Superbowl, at church (my mom won't let me though). It doesn't matter how much noise is going on, or even if someones talking about me. I can focus on my book anywhere.

Books take me places I've never been, and help me experience things I'll never experience. They help me be a better, more exciting person. They make me feel good, and feel sad. They make me laugh, and make me cry. People just don't seem to understand why I can read a book when they're in the room. Non-book-readers see books as boring things that you only read when you have too. They don't see the things they make me feel. They don't understand why I would prefer to read a few more pages than get up and go downstairs to see that new movie, or to answer that question you asked but I didn't hear you because I was caught up. They just don't understand, so for those non-book-readers, who don't understand, I'll just say this:
I can help it if books are more interesting than you!!!
Sound Harsh? Maybe it is, but compare it to guy's (or girls) when they're watching the (US) football  game. "Hold on honey, just let me see this last 2 minutes" (we all know the 2 minute warning means there's at least 20 more minutes left in the game by the way. Done try to sneak it by us guys...) In that instant, the game is more interesting than we are. Or to that person who wants a little more time out with his/her friends. Or to the movie watcher who wants to just watch it until the end of this scene. In that instant, nothing is more important than seeing what happens.

Books are my friends, the characters help me ease my sadness and get over big tough things sometimes. Some books feel like movies and you just have to see what happens at the end of this chapter. Just because you don't understand it doesn't mean it's boring. Besides, in a sticky situation, and used properly, books (hardcover's mostly, but maybe even some soft covers) can be used as a weapon when in danger.Oh and just because you don't like it doesn't mean you can't listen when we rant on and on about how wonderful this book is and "Oh my gosh I cant believe she did that!" I know I've feigned interest when you talked about how number such and such did something or other while the defense had him completely covered and still made the touchdown, so you should at least feign interest in my stuff too. (and make it believable)How about when that best friend is going on and on about that guy and you really don't want to hear it but you're a good friend so you listen and offer support anyway. They should do the same when we talk about our books, because honestly,
In a choice between you and my books, my books will always win!!!!

What do you think? Anything to add? What about any non-book-readers? Do you have anything to offer in your defense? Maybe I'm an imaginative, over excessive, book reading freak? Let me know! I'd love your input. For now, I'll leave you with this quote...
“She remembered one of her boyfriends asking, offhandedly, how many books she read in a year. "A few hundred," she said.

"How do you have the time?" he asked, gobsmacked.
She narrowed her eyes and considered the array of potential answers in front of her. Because I don't spend hours flipping through cable complaining there's nothing on? Because my entire Sunday is not eaten up with pre-game, in-game, and post-game talking heads? Because I do not spend every night drinking overpriced beer and engaging in dick-swinging contests with the other financirati? Because when I am waiting in line, at the gym, on the train, eating lunch, I am not complaining about the wait/staring into space/admiring myself in reflective surfaces? I am reading!
"I don't know," she said, shrugging.” Eleanor Brown, The Weird Sisters
See Ya Later Lovelies!!

3 comments:

miki said...

oh i understand, i understand too well but at least i have an ally^^ my mother is also an avid reader so she understand when i want peace or when i 'm so captivated that i forget time or don't hear anything^^;;

Lan said...

It's like you took the words right out of my head. I get so annoyed when people look at what I'm reading and make a snap judgement that I'm "boring." Like you said, reading takes you to places you've never been and probably will never go. It's an escape from the doldrums where anything can and does happen. Books are comforting and persuasive and they make us feel things. I'd rather be reading than doing most anything else.

Randi M said...

Awesome post! My husband & I throw beer pong parties quite often and I've been known to sit on the couch reading right up until the party gets started. I also spent an entire evening reading This is Not a Test a couple weeks ago while the party raged in my basement! I'm lucky that my husband likes to read as well, though he tempers his reading with video games and t.v., which I do less often. And I'm lucky that most of MY friends are readers as well (though my husband's friends are not, and usually give me crap about it! However, the fact that I'm currently getting my Master's in English education means they can't tease me too much since it's for the good of my career and all). ;)

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