While we were getting the cable hooked up last week, we were talking with the cable guy about shows and movies. Our movies are on display in our living room because, well, it makes sense that's where the television is. We were waiting for the cable channels to update or whatever and just started talking about movies like we were long lost friends. Movies are always the way to break ice amongst people who don't know each other very well. People who like the same movies have a tendency to get along. That's all well and good, but what about books?
If people take a look at your book collection, shouldn't there be something there that can spark a conversation? For example, a very good friend of ours hates The Catcher in the Rye which happens to be my favorite book. I connected with it in high school because I enjoyed the writing style and the main character that was disinterested in the world around him. She didn't like it because the main character is a self absorbed, rich, shallow person who whines about his privileged life. I am well aware of his privileged life, but wasn't focused on it. And that is perfectly alright. Everyone has the right to their opinion, especially if they are well thought out opinions like she has. Totally respect that. At the end of these discussions, I always feel mentally better because the discussion revolves around literature, not around the latest Michael Bay explosion-fest.
But that is the world we live in now. The majority of people want to spend just two hours watching overpaid actors and actresses as opposed to taking some time to read a book. For me, it takes weeks and weeks to read a book. I'm a slow reader. It always feels like an accomplishment finishing a book. It's great to get to that last page and close the back cover and go find a new book to read. With a movie, you feel a little bit of satisfaction when the end credits roll, but you never sit through them all. And I guess at the end of it all it took one person pouring their heart and soul into a book as opposed to a movie.....
Which employes more than a local hospital.
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