BOOK REVIEWS
Who would have imagined that having what seems like an endless amount of time available for reading could be such a challenge. For many, the requisite pandemic shelter-in-place protocol has meant spending weeks and weeks at home with the occasional venture into the outside world. These seem like ideal conditions for extended reading, one of the most enjoyable ways to while away the hours, and doubtlessly reading can provide an escape or diversion that is especially beneficial during this time. But the constant onslaught of information about the COVID-19 virus had its own demands— how to avoid it, how to combat it? How many have been or will be tragically impacted? I found it difficult to focus on anything else. Words skittering across a page, and the scattered focus that followed, seemed certainly insignificant in the grand scheme of our “new normal.” Being healthy in the midst of a global pandemic offers much to be thankful for.
On the flipside, reading, and access to books, seems more ubiquitous than usual. There are so many choices of podcasts, websites, or videos of books being read aloud. Blogs, Little Free Libraries, curbside service at our local libraries, and independent bookstores—these resources are even more readily available than in pre-pandemic times.
I was delighted to hear that my bookish friends have immersed themselves to an unusual depth. One, a gentleman of a certain age well past the young adult stage, discovered J.K. Rowling’s brilliant wizard, Harry Potter, and devoured all seven books in the series in a little over a week. Another friend, who in all the decades I have known her, has always avoided stories of doom and gloom, has been fascinated by The Malaria Capers; Tales of Parasites and People by Robert Desowitz, and The Cholera Years by Charles E. Rosenberg. When I asked what drew her to these books in stark contrast to her usual reading fare, she explained that she found immensely reassuring the underlying theme of determination and dedication to ultimately prevailing. Next on her list is The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History, by John M. Barry.
I’ve lost count of the books I’ve begun and quickly discarded this spring, thanks to an inability to find much of interest. And then I found Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. No, I have never seen the TV miniseries of the same name, nor had I even read a Western novel before. Until now. Such a simple premise, a cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the late 1870s. Perhaps it was the simplicity of the plot, combined with the complexity of richly drawn characters dealing with life, death, unrequited love, incredible hardships, and danger that kept me riveted. The novel is lengthy at over 800 pages, but it was a pleasure to read. One of those rare books that you don’t want to end. How odd that it took a quarantine for me to discover this one!
How about you? How has your reading been different? How have you been coping? Let’s compare notes!
