BOOKS UNREAD
Posted by anthonynorth on July 10, 2009
Including Friday Flash 55 and Booking Through Thursday.
Have you had a go yet?
BLOGGER BARD
Since I started blogging I’ve found difficulty in reading anything over
250 pages or so. Hence, I have a massive pile of thick books that may
remain unread. I don’t think I’m alone. We suffer, nowadays, from
information overload, with not enough time to read all we want. That’s
why I think literature will change to a more minimalist style, getting as
much info/story into fewer words. The arrival of ‘flash’ lit in the
blogosphere is already leading the way. The secret will be to do this
whilst still retaining those important elements of literature.
Eye On the World
Writers’ Tips
The ‘Y’ Files
WORLD NEWS: As ethnic violence
erupts it would be timely to remember
that China has never been a stable country,
only ever kept together by dictatorial bureaucracies.
SCI NEWS: Brit scientists claim to have made human sperm in lab.
It had to happen. Are men to soon become officially redundant?
BRIT NEWS: Scandal over Murdoch’s News of the World
phone-tap allegations growing. In-depth
reporting has a new name. Spying.
MELTDOWN
Everything fine, going well,
Makes you think: swell!
This is the danger point in life,
You’re off your guard, not looking for strife,
Forgetting that you must hold your nerve,
‘Cos you’re on the top of the meltdown curve
FLASH 55 – LOST A LEG
Fiction: I’d lost a leg. One minute it was there, and then, after
the accident, it wasn’t. It was as simple as that – just lying there
beside me. There was no pain, and I just looked at it, annoyed. It
was the chisel. Just one slip and … well, you know. What a
clumsy sculptor I am.
THE HOLE
It’s there before you, dark and deep,
Slowly towards it you inevitably creep,
You’ve done a lot to get to there,
And now, around you, people stare;
Gently down and down you go,
Above you, life continues to glow,
But now you’re in; it’s long and thin,
Yet room enough to get the coffin in
© Anthony North, July 2009
Hootin' Anni said
….and you’ve definitely sculpted a great 55 this week Anthony. Danged chisel, anyway.
Lou said
These 55’s are too long..let’s talk to the G-man about making them 54! You are right, life is taking on a superficial tone because I for one am always “skimming” instead of absorbing.
Hang onto that leg, most likely it can be re attached!
anthonynorth said
Hi Hootin’ Anni,
Thanks for that. I just hope the sculpture doesn’t topple over
Hi Lou,
Yes, I feel this is what a lot of people do with reading nowadays. I don’t think life is going to return to a more sedate pace any time soon, so I reckon literature must change to compensate.
G-Man said
NOPE, 55 it is!
Excellent 55 at that Rodin!
Always clever and witty Tony, thank you so much for being such a good sport about visiting and commenting. Have a Wonderful Week-End…Galen
Michelle Johnson said
Good Morning Anthony~ I couldn’t agree more that reading styles have changed in order to accommodate the shorter attention spans. The rules still have to be used properly though to be done right.
Loved Meltdown and The Hole. Hope all is well. Have a great day.
Linda G said
Hi Anthony,
I know you are a fan of Stephen King- he of the lengthy novel.
On each of his books, there have been sections I skimmed, rather than read, when he became too verbose. His newer fiction seems to be more to the point. it’s better for the author to self edit than the reader.
paisley said
i totally agree with you on the reading thing.. i too have trouble concentrating on an especially long piece,, except when it is exceptionally written and carries me thru.. i too believe the world of literature as we know it is changing, and i am anxious to see in what direction it goes..
aliceaudrey said
Us do-it-yourself self-improvement people really do take life and limb in hand when we pick up the chisels. Good 55.
Twilight said
Synchronicity at work, AN – I’ve just posted my blog for today – about Rodin!
LOL! Love your mini-story – didn’t see the twist coming at all.
We’re all getting more minimalist readers by the minute aren’t we? Minimalism rules – apart from all the chit-chatting on cellphones every minute of the day – now there’s an area which could benefit from a bit of minimalism!
James said
I never really had problem with read long pieces. Only thing i would say as a bit of a geek, i am used to reading 1000 page books on dry technical details. Studying kabbalah text you dont worry about such things. I am aware that things come to your mind when reading that try to distract you.For me these moments are funny cause i know its my ego acting like a lap dog napping away trying to get my attention.
Reading is a skill, when it isnt used, it starts to break down.
Like oppsite, i dont do a lot writing, so my grammar and spelling is terrible.
my crazy thoughts on subject.
anthonynorth said
Hi G-Man,
Many thanks. It’s always a pleasure to contribute. I enjoy it.
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for that. Yes, literature must retain its integrity during this change which I’m sure is coming. Yet, when I look at some of the great classics – Jekylle & Hyde, Animal Farm, Heart of Darkness, A Christmas Carol and more – it can be done short.
Hi Linda,
Very true. King didn’t understand for a long time – I remember The Stand being republished with hundreds of pages the editors took out. The volumes of his I constantly pick up and re-read are, of course, his six collections of shorter works.
Hi Paisley,
I sincerely hope it is changing, and yes, it will be interesting. One thing you can guarantee, though, is most publishers will be last to realise it
Hi Alice,
They do indeed. That’s why, personally, I gave up DIY a long time ago
Hi Twilight,
Thanks for that. Us and our great minds. Must be our Yorkshireness
Oh, mobile phones. Not wanting to be anchored that much to technology, I have not, as yet, got one.
anthonynorth said
Hi James,
1000 pages on dry technical detail?!!!! You are a star, sir
Comedy Plus said
Boating has helped me retain my need to read. There aren’t any computers, so I enjoy my books as I always have. I must say when I’m home not so much.
Have a terrific day and weekend Anthony.
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandee,
Yes, you have a great hobby there. Blogging has taken up so much of my life nowadays. I really enjoy it, but the book reading does suffer, in that I’m more likely to pick up a shorter book than a longer one.
Novroz said
I know it’s really fun reading a thin books…but I still enjoy thick books
anthonynorth said
Hi Novroz,
Yes, I wish I could still dig into them, but when I look at my pile of ‘to reads’, I know I can maybe read 2 or 3 in the time it would take for a longer one. The shorter ones seem to win every time.
Tall K in CA said
Loved both your 55’s this week! Since I stopped watching the telly, I find I do a lot more reading. Have a great weekend!
anthonynorth said
Hi Tall K,
Thanks for that. Yes, TV can also be distraction from books on a night.
Akelamalu said
Crikey that must have been a sharp chisel to chop of a leg! :0 You told a great warning story in 55 words Anthony.
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
Thanks for that. Yes, sculptors can be so clumsy
Linda G said
Hi Anthony,
I think King was brilliant when he serialized ‘The Green Mile’- a short read that left you eager to read the next in the series. I’m surprised it hasn’t caught on- I know the form was popular many years ago.
I too no longer have a cell phone. I don’t really like to talk on the phone, unless I have to. You miss so much of the experience of a conversation when it is not face to face. I much prefer the totality of personal experience.
“The Hole” is eerie & reinforces my desire to be cremated.
anthonynorth said
Hi Linda,
Yes, King has been quick with several publishing ideas – the ebook comes to mind. Both My Dearest and I are adamant on burial. It does seem to be going out of fashion, though.
Cat said
Oh indeed!!! Loved this 55!
shraddha said
I agree…
with things like twitter…reading novels etc is just out…
i really like your style..you cover so many things in one post…i love the formatting too
Lani said
you must have a mighty strong arm to cut off your leg………….lol interesting 55
lani
Quilly said
Just another chip off the old block …..
I read all day long on the net. I have no time left to read a book. While we were camping — out of cell phone and Internet range for 3 days — I finally read, “The Kite Flier” and several hundred pages of Celtic mythology.
Dr. John said
I loved the ending. I love surprise endings.
A quality 55 as usual.
SandyCarlson said
I’m thinking flash is not a bad thing. Compression requires discipline. I too have that pile of thick books–and makers that say “I quit here” in them. Great for an English teacher to admit, eh?
anthonynorth said
Hi Cat,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Shraddha,
Many thanks. This is the problem. And I’m a Twitter addict myself.
Hi Lani,
Or maybe it was the statue’s leg.
Hi Quilly,
Your first line sums it up nicely
Yes, if we can turn it off, we can read books, but …
Hi Dr John,
Thanks for those kind words.
Hi Sandy,
It is a growing problem. Somehow a new form of lit – possibly flash, but certainly minimalist – is needed for books.
jadey said
Oh my you may want to try a new hobby there mister sculptor lol. Great 55. I hope you have a great weekend.
anthonynorth said
Hi Jadey,
Yep, you may be right. Limping statues are just no good
Many thanks.
Vicki said
Love them all! Your way with words is amazing!
Travis said
I’m actually doing pretty well with my current stack of books. I’ve been successful with budgeting my time so that I get to the things that I enjoy. It helps not to feel obliged with blogging.
mona said
I so agree about the long literary pieces! We feel that we are losing out on other things when we sit to read something voluminous.
Lol! That 55ve scared me in the beginning. Thank God it was not gory!
The Hole is a humbling piece!
anthonynorth said
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.
Hi Travis,
I’m not sure I’d use the word, ‘obliged’, but I do see blogging slightly in obsessive terms, I do admit. But then again, I was like that with my writing long before going on-line.
Hi Mona,
Many thanks. Yes, I think you’ve captured my point perfectly there.
random blogger said
couldnt agree more with the meltdown curve! loved the flash fiction as well..
CJ said
Enjoyed your Flash 55. Hey, I’m an artist, but haven’t yet lost a finger, leg or any other limb. I may have lot my mind a couple of times, though.
anthonynorth said
Hi Random Blogger,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked them. Much appreciated.
Hi CJ,
Many thanks. I think all creative people lose their mind from time to time. It’s part of the process
Dr. John said
Not surprised to see that the media spys just surprised to see them getting caught.
anthonynorth said
Hi Dr John,
The latest is that the police here say they’ve insufficient evidence to do anything. Hopefully the uproar won’t go away.
Eaton Bennett said
Eeeeek! What a careless sculptor. I never know what kind of gruesomeness you will come up with next…lol. Always look forward to reading your 55’s.
Steve E. said
You, sir, are a genius. Well, almost. But exceedingly entertaining.
anthonynorth said
Hi Eaton,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Steve,
Very kind words. Many thanks.
Geraldine said
Oh…I hear ya, re: thinking! Good one Tony. Been there, done that. Great take on this prompt.
Hugs, G
anthonynorth said
Hi Geraldine,
Thanks for that. I think we’ve all been in that position.
SandyCarlson said
Throwaway culture doesn’t extend to our troops.
Well said!
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for that. The defence expenditure just doesn’t seem to be matching the commitment over here. It’s terrible.