We were on a plane to Phoenix and I gave him Sarah's Key to read. Now mind you, he doesn't read much of anything except farm journals and world events. Novels are low on the list of reading enjoyment. But he wanted something to read. I love this particular book and thought he might like it.
He reads the first chapter and flips the page to the second chapter where the author introduces a few new characters in the story. As a matter of fact, she flips from past to present with each chapter. He turns to me and says..."Who are all these people? Where did they come from?"
He was a bit frustrated. I looked at him like Desi would have looked at Lucy at such a question. "What do you mean where did they come from? They are new characters for the story. Just keep reading!" I could tell he would have given up on the book had I not demanded he continue.
Then I thought to explain it to him. "It's like when you are watching a movie and all of a sudden there are new characters in the scene. You have to wait for the story to unfold before you will understand who everyone is and how they fit in the plot."
"Oh. Yeah." His tone was unenthusiastic.
"Just keep reading!" Now I was frustrated. I wondered how he could ask me that question.
As much as I love reading and writing, I know there are some out there who dont. In a TV driven world of dummy down plots and characters, I worry that the challenge of following a story with interest and patience will disappear all together.
It's about appreciation and respect for the craft. I certainly hope that when my book is finally published and he finally sits down to read it, I wont hear that question again. I may not laugh this time.
Do you know people who have no desire to enjoy a good book?
I am the only person at my job that reads for enjoyment (with the possible exception of my manager, whom I've never asked). They prefer TV and movies for entertainment, and half the time they talk about shows I've never seen because for the most part I'd rather have my head stuck in a book.
ReplyDeleteThen there's my father, who is very literate and devours anything instructional or educational, but views novel-reading as a waste of time.
So yes, I know of people who don't read for pleasure. Can't say I understand it, but I do know of them. :)
Jasmine, that's interesting about your father. I know so many people like that. I guess I never read too much fiction until I started writing it, but the love of stories has been around as long as there have been humans! I think most people are dependent on TV and movies for their entertainment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.