My reading list keeps expanding faster than I can keep up. Why?
My reading list, by Terry Freedman
You know how the universe is expanding, according to scientists? Well, I sort of understand this — not in a scientific way: the only science I learnt in five years of secondary school was how to draw a Bunsen burner, and even then I used a stencil — because I have the same problem with my reading list. As soon as I think: “OK, that’s it, this lot will see me through till the end of my days (based on my intention to live to 100, at which point I’ll evaluate the situation)”, someone or something causes me to add another title or author.
I was looking at my bookshelves yesterday, and discovered three — three! — books of short stories by Isaac Babel. I know how that happened. I was on a literature course because, as I’ve said before, it’s important for writers to read well-written books and articles. One of the stories we had to read was by Isaac Babel, so I was obliged to buy the book in which the story was published. I discovered that I really liked his writing, so I ended up buying two more of his short story collections.
Then yesterday, I was watching a TV programme which mentioned that James Boswell, the biographer of Dr Johnson, had written a journal of his own escapades in London. Apparently, this was only discovered in the 20th century. “Ooh, that sounds interesting” I thought, as I started to peruse the library website. But then I managed to have a have a full and frank tête-à-tête with myself:
“You still haven’t finished reading Samuel Pepys’ diary, you idiot! Cease and desist.”
I’m pleased I listened to myself, even though I thought I was unduly harsh. It means that my reading list won’t grow by as much as it would have. All it will grow by is the paperback of Dracula that should be arriving today. Well, that particular edition came highly recommended, and it was only £3.20 postage-free. How could I resist?
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