I’m about to have a change of priorities. I know many that know me will be thinking ‘about time’, but it’s nothing too serious, but more an irritation that bothers me when it comes to writing simple documents or even when it comes to simply writing blog posts.
Several years ago I used to read a lot of books, books of any nature by any author – as long as the blurb of the book was interesting I would pick it up and give it a go. For the last 18-36 months I think it would be fair to say that I only read a fraction of what I did, and when I do read a book it’s seldom to completion because they just don’t grip me and for this I blame myself for this because I will sit up browsing the Internet, looking on forums, watching movies or playing games when I could, and used to read books.
As a result of reading less and less my grasp of the English language has worsened considerably and I find myself continually repeating the same key words – something that won’t bother many, but it does big the bejeezus out of myself, so for that reason I am trying to force myself to read books, which should hopefully sooner rather than later stop becoming a chore and once again become a joy.
The last book I read through to completion was a PJ Tracy book over 12 months ago, a book I read the majority of when I was staying at my friend Matthew’s house and thoroughly enjoyed it, so why suddenly I found myself losing interest in literature I don’t know, so I’ve gone and grabbed another book by Ben Mezrich called ‘Ugly Americans’, which I am hoping to enjoy as much as the last Ben Mezrich book I read, Bringing Down the House, a book which became a film earlier in the year called ‘21’ featuring Kevin Spacey (which for those of you interested, was totally bastardized and ruined – the book is much more complex and less obvious than the movie).
After finishing Ben Mezrichs book I think I will go back to one of my favourite genres, autobiographies, there are a couple I’m really wanting to read, but being so into cooking and watching Masterchef: The Professionals (which is brilliant by the way), I am tempted to finally read either the autobiography of Gordon Ramsay, or the autobiography of Marco Pierre White, though I think it’s likely to be the former as I think MPW is a total cock (though undeniably a brilliant chef). So we’ll see how Ugly Americans goes.
So here I am, the good news is that I’ve managed to complete this post, but I hope to bring you many more, better written and unlike this one, interesting piece of writing. I may even start writing in-depth articles… Then again, Hell could freeze over. But I will try, I promise.
I tend to try to read non-fiction to keep me interested but I’m as bad as you. I used to read loads when I was younger and now the internet, TV and games distracts me. Does feel a bit like I’m missing out, but there’s no one else to blame but me!
I’ve got a pile of books I really need to read, I’ve started most of them, just didn’t finish them.
Yep, I have a pile of books I’ve started next to my bed, and that’s just a fraction of them. I have however read and completed the Ugly Americans book mentioned above (it was okay, not as good as Bringing Down the House) and I am now 3/4′s through Gordon Ramsays book, Humble Pie, which is a thoroughly enjoyable autobiography, however I would say that it certainly helps if you already have a knowledge of the top restaurants and chefs in the country.
I can really understand where your coming from Nokkon. I used to read lots of books and it was common for me to have at least one fiction and one factual/educational book on the go. I suspect with work and being lazy as well, it’s all too easy to have entertainment or knowledge spoon fed to you.
Reading is awesome if you leave enough time post gaming to read more than 3 pages before falling asleep :p
Polished off quite a few of the more recent thrillers/crime & have definitely put gaming aside at times to read!
Since having the two girls I’ve found I’ve just been too tired to read each evening only getting through a couple of pages before dropping off.
I do look forward to my holidays (though only had a couple in recent years with moving house and having the new bairn) as I do get through a couple so I do know how you’re feeling.
I’m a big fan of Comtempory Fiction; Banks, Kundera, Gaiman, McEwan etc.
One book I’d recommend is Audrey Niffenegger ~ The Time Traveler’s Wife; one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I’m about 50 pages off completing my second book this week, after that I think I’m gonna read the 3rd of the PJ Tracy books (which are entertaining if nothing else – particularly as the first one was based around a video game
), but I wouldn’t mind reading something completely random such as the Time Travelers Wife – I say random but I have heard of it, but couldn’t tell you what it’s about (bar the title likely).
If you haven’t read the Da Vinci code by Dan Brown then got on it. That book had me totally gripped from start to finish!
Yep, read that one matey, it was a good book, though it lost its momentum 2/3′s through for me and became a little bit silly. It’s streets ahead of the film though which is truly awful!