I am slowly reading my way through a huge stack of books, given to me by my dear book junkie friend. Some of them are not something I would normally read, but I feel guilty if I don't, since she is so generous with me.
I had to put down the heavy reading, Underworld, because I have serious arthritis in my hands, and cannot hold it. I have had to forgo my biannual reading of Atlas Shrugged (my sweet sister gave me the anniversary edition for Christmas last year, and it sits on a book stand in my retreat) because it is too heavy. I can manage paperbacks and some hardbacks, that are medium sized, and even then, I get all crampy and tired when I hold them. Any brilliant ideas out there?
So my friend loves British literature and crime books, but sometimes, I find the language so odd it detracts from the story. Sometimes I have no idea what some initials mean or what certain words even mean. I found the same problem with Sophie Kinsella, and some of the chicklit writers from over the pond. It is so distracting to have to run and look up a phrase as I am reading, but it drives me crazy, not knowing what the heck they are talking about. Unfortunately, these usually find their way to the bottom of the pile. My DBJF does buy quite a few new bestsellers, some of which are very good. I am grateful that I don't have to spend money I do not have and go to the bookstore so often. I fear as the weather gets colder and I get more stiff and crippled, I will end up reading little golden books. Do you think the Poky Little Puppy will ever solve a murder, or find steamy romance? I can dream.
I have trouble holding fat books, too. What I usually do is prop them on top of a pillow, so that I only have to hold the edges but not the weight of a big book. It helps, but it's not a perfect solution.
ReplyDeleteAs to the British English problem -- I used to read a lot of British Chick Lit, so I actually bought a dictionary of British English. It really helps!!
I have trouble holding fat books, too. What I usually do is prop them on top of a pillow, so that I only have to hold the edges but not the weight of a big book. It helps, but it's not a perfect solution.
ReplyDeleteAs to the British English problem -- I used to read a lot of British Chick Lit, so I actually bought a dictionary of British English. It really helps!!
I will look for that dictionary! The pillow thing is okay but I even have trouble turning the pages..lol...I am one big mess!
ReplyDeleteI read a lot in the breakroom at work, so when it comes to British English, I always have someone to ask -- the Kiwis have been most helpful.
ReplyDeleteArthritis...did you ever try that raisins soaked in gin cure that was going around a few years ago?
I do the pillow thing as well.
ReplyDeleteI know that it is not the same as the tactile version, but audiobooks can be a godsend. You can actually rent them if you don't want to spend $80 for one. Go to www.simplyaudiobooks.com
ReplyDeleteerin