Non Fiction

When it comes to taking home a book to read I never have a problem selecting a non-fiction title. It seems that there is an abundance of material which falls under the heading of "that which I could always learn more." I have calendar books from years past filled mostly with non-fiction titles.

Often my memory of a personal experience is attached to the book I was reading at the time and my calendar list confirms the recollection. This may be akin to the egg/chicken debate.

Do I experience things in my life differently based on the books I have read - well YES, but at which point does my reading influence my way of thinking, or vice versa? I am presently debating the merits of a publication aimed at youth. I read the occasional article within the magazine. Last week I read a very biased article, one that seemed filled with gross generalizations that I found offensive. My weeks reflection has me, of course, wanting to read more about the topic - how else can I see beyond my own bias on the topic. Yet I am also fighting the impulse to just say the writer was wrong and my first reaction was spot on.

I read and live seeking justice, allowing for the benefit of doubt, working for a better place and time. I know what I know because I trust my instinct, believing in my core values, and have firm resolve. I grew up this way from learning from my family, friends, teachers, and books.

Read Around the World

While I was reading "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, a story set in Afghanistan, my mind began to wander. In the truest sense of "armchair" travel I was "there." I had a taste for cherries, the world was filled with danger around the corner, and I recalled showing school papers to my parents. Mostly I wanted to know more about the place. Next step was to use my handy online library reference tool "Grolier" to research the country.

I managed to expanded on the fulfilling act of reading a work of fiction. This activity served to advance my overall appreciation of a place and time in history. It expanded my understanding of the world. In doing so, I gave myself the context necessary to understand and give value to the characters and events of the story. This overall experience was rewarding.

I am now looking for just the right book to begin my next Read Around the World Adventure. Since I'm looking for one set in a "B" country of the world, my adventure will seem rather Hop Scotchy.