I sometimes go on here about whether or not I should keep this blog. But I have realized that it has succeeded–for me, I'm not sure if anyone else cares–as a reading and viewing notebook. I read books more carefully if I'm going to comment on them publicly. In some ways, the way I'm approaching books won't be as meaningful to people, because I'm not reviewing them, I'm plundering their styles and strategies. I'm reading Updike fiction–On The Farm–for the first time in a long time and it is really useful to note what he does well and less well.
I totally agree that blogging about what I read makes me read more slowly (though I'm a slow reader anyway) and take note of how a piece has been crafted. And I'm so glad you DO have a blog because I love your plunderings.
Posted by: kate | June 11, 2008 at 08:01 AM