So this is supposed to be the how, and when, and why, and what or reading - about the way that, when reading is going well, one book leads to another and to another, a paper trail of theme and meaning; and how, when it's going badly, when books don't stick or take, when your mood and the mood of the book are fighting like cats, you'd rather do anything but attempt the next paragraph, or reread the last one for the tenth time. We talked about books, says a character in Charles Baxter's wonderful Feast of Love, how boring they were to read, but how you loved them anyway. Anyone who hasn't felt like that isn't owning up.
This passage explores the diverse experiences of reading, illustrating how one book can connect to another, creating a rich tapestry of themes and meanings. It contrasts moments of engaging reading, where texts resonate with one's mood, to times when disconnect occurs, leaving the reader struggling to focus or enjoy the material. This highlights the complexities of literary engagement, emphasizing that both enjoyable and frustrating experiences are part of a reader's journey.
