Embarking

In my youth, I never had a tan in the summers.

Unlike other children, I was not outside running, playing, getting dirty or creating my own adventures. In almost all cases, I was curled up somewhere in my house reading about others' adventures.

I've been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, picking up almost any book I could get my hands on. But about six years ago, that came to somewhat of a standstill. College, with its academic rigor and promising social escapades, seemed to dampen my ability to read leisurely. I’m hoping this pursuit helps to change that.

Although I believe Frank and I were very judicious in creating our list, I have to admit I’m not extremely pleased with some of the outcome. I’m excited about reading Faulkner, but four of his works? I’m reading more than 1,500 pages of Faulkner but only 200 of Vonnegut. It seems disproportionate. I’m also frustrated that I have to read a book by each of the Bronte sisters. I’m sure Charlotte and Emily deserve their due respect, I’m just not thrilled to read Wuthering Heights again.

On the flip side, I’m stoked that so many female authors made our list. I think the Virginia Woolfs and Toni Morisions of the literary world get overlooked far too often. I’m also excited books like The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon made the list. I’m a big American crime fiction fan and can’t wait to read them.

When it came down to how Frank and I would approach our reading order, we decided to mix things up. At least for now, I will pick the book Frank reads and he’ll pick mine. Then we’ll swap books, read them, and then discuss the pair we’ve just finished. My choice for Frank was easy. I’ve been nagging him for more than a year to read something by Vonnegut after I found out he never had. So his first book is Slaughterhouse-Five. He chose On The Road for me, which he saw fit for the beginning of my literary journey.

One thing to note as we begin this adventure: I read much faster than Frank. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been reading longer (I learned at four and am three and a half years older), if I don’t read as closely (we’ll find out in discussion) or some anomaly, but it’s a fact. So, in the interims that are sure to be created by this — as well as discrepancies in book length — I’m going to finish reading Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. I’m on the fifth book, Wolves of the Calla, and would like to finish the seven-book series before the details of the first few books fade from my memory. I won’t let it hinder my progress on the list, though. I promise. :)

In general, I’m just excited to be reading again. And I’m also glad Frank and I can have a shared experience in it. One of the biggest draws I had to Frank initially was his intelligence. Now, we can continue to challenge each other intellectually through this process.

I hope you’ll share our experience as well, whether you read the books along with us, comment on our observations or simply follow the blog. In any case, enjoy!

j