Joan Didion‘s latest book about the death of her child has landed in the top ten of TIME magazine.
Her earlier book, “the Year of Magical Thinking” recalls the death of her husband.
By penning these experiences, she invited us, readers into her private chamber of grief (saving his shoes, wishing he would come back).
Man reads in order not to be alone.
Reading is listening.
One night, I was alone with Steve Job’s biography whose cover had his blank stare. It felt eerie!
Then on rainy nights, books keep me company.
I could put down one book, just to pick another (then I will be in Peru, with conversations in the Cateral or travel back in time, to Chicago in late 19th century or French country side with Bovary).
It’s all there in black and white.
From Westminster to Wikipedia, we are the most blessed generation, not only for the abundance of searchable literature, but also for living longer to enjoy them.
Life long learning.
The worst tragedy in life is a wasted mind.
I have no idea how a mighty country like the US could feel impotent and watch its people (8% at least) sitting idle.
At the very least, get them a library card and have them log in the 10,000 hours (threshold to acquire a new skill set).
Local libraries order mostly low-brow hard-backs , which perpetuate the cycle (Daniel Steel).
Three cheers to MIT for its radical free online University.
As “rad” as anything has ever happened since the 60’s.
Now just make sure rural broadband and fiber built out be completed.
We don’t want Earth’s billions live longer while remain isolated and ignorant.
In fact, world peace depends on shared assumptions and common ground.
When people agree to disagree, it’s a good thing. At least, they read and understand other’s views and values.
If they read at all.
Man who reads is man who makes peace. I hope this year is “our year of magical thinking,” i.e. keep the books and lights on, wishing our man would come back and pick up reading where had left it.
Thang Nguyen 555 