Comments on: Reading Like It’s Important

By: Ian

Ian — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:55:58 +0000

Imani, it’s okay to shoot for vulgarity once in a while – i do too – as long as we don’t shoot at nobility.

Clemens, my brain thinks I’m left-handed, I’m artistic and whatnot, but the body doesn’t agree, I’m right-handed and rigidly logical. Anyway, why do I read magazines backwards? Two reasons. Firstly, my grandmother did and I thought it was neat. Secondly, that way the funny stuff comes first.

Ashish, welcome to Upper Fort Stewart my fellow traveller in désespoir de bibliothèque. I used to read only fiction myself, preferring honest liars I said. Things changed in my early twenties and I haven’t looked back.

By: Ashish C.

Ashish C. — Wed, 02 May 2007 05:53:58 +0000

I hate the library and there’s no used bookstore’s nearby… which is why my main options are new books with the occassional used one from eBay. Though never the library!

Must balance my reading… I only read fiction!

By: Clemens

Clemens — Wed, 02 May 2007 03:15:15 +0000

Good advice. I have much more time than 15 minutes to read, fortunately, but that is partly because like you I drag along a book wherever I go. If I have to wait, no problem - it is an opportunity to read. With audio books my commute and dog walking chores also are put to good use. Libraries are essential though - I couldn’t stand the thought of only reading books I could afford. And besides, I don’t want to own them - I would have to buy a bigger house just for the books and my wife and I are quite comfy in a little home (over run with books even as it is).

But, more importantly, why do you read magazines backwards? About 43 years ago I was reading a magazine backwards (as always) and came across a full page ad asking in big block letters, “Are you reading this magazine from the back to the front? And if so, are you left handed?” Indeed, I am. I have been wondering about that ever since.

So why do you read them backwards?

By: Imani

Imani — Tue, 01 May 2007 21:11:28 +0000

By simply browsing the backlist of NYRB classics allows me to meet a lot of books way out of my range — that’s my excuse for skipping Mr. Warren’s no doubt very informative book.

Also I like to shoot for the occasional vulgarity.

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:00:35 +0000

Kelli – my wife by the way, everyone, – it’s fun having the best son in the world isn’t it?

By: Kelli Stewart

Kelli Stewart — Tue, 01 May 2007 14:32:05 +0000

I read our son your blog today.
“Paper friends?” he asked.
“A book is a paper friend.” I explained.
“Who is your favourite paper friend?”
“My favourite paper friend is Mowgli! and all the stories.”