Question: In making reading choices, how do you decide how to allocate time between, eg, news and current affairs, blogs and journal articles, and books? This is probably the thing I struggle with most. Eg, I almost feel compelled to keep up with AI news because it’s the big thing right now, but I think I probably focus too much on this, especially relative to the amount of understanding I get.
(1) For whatever reason, I find fiction works better in audiobook format than nonfiction. My working theory is that the nonfiction I read is either too dense in argument or the facts are like ants or termites, coming in swarms that overwhelm me before I can internalize them.
(2) You should say write about your thoughts on “Voss”! I read about half of that book before I got distracted. I’ve been meaning to go back because I quite enjoyed the experience. I will also probably read “The Vivisector” at some point.
I am in genuine awe that you managed to read all of those books and write that many posts with four children - how?!?!
mainly audiobooks and I write quickly
Yes this is the way - I need to stop following American politics and start listening to audiobooks.
Plz share thoughts on Sexual Personae!!!
I link in the piece to my favourite parts of it...
She is beyond critique... I am a Paglia maximalist!
Have you read Bloom's book on the Bible, the Book of J? It's surprisingly un-insightful.
Gibbon is a bad historian and a bad prose stylist.
Some fiction does work when read aloud, and some is actually improved by it. I love Ulysses and think it's better read aloud.
Great work in 2024. You're an inspiration for all of us -- all the best for the coming year and beyond.
That does make me feel better re stopping with Gibbon....
I haven't read Book of J but I've read a few books where he refers to it.... sometimes the lyricism of Bloom is enough...
Question: In making reading choices, how do you decide how to allocate time between, eg, news and current affairs, blogs and journal articles, and books? This is probably the thing I struggle with most. Eg, I almost feel compelled to keep up with AI news because it’s the big thing right now, but I think I probably focus too much on this, especially relative to the amount of understanding I get.
Just roll with whatever you like
I feel zero need to keep up with AI, it's changing fast
Read the eternal, what you will never regret reading
Makes sense.
Two other stray things:
(1) For whatever reason, I find fiction works better in audiobook format than nonfiction. My working theory is that the nonfiction I read is either too dense in argument or the facts are like ants or termites, coming in swarms that overwhelm me before I can internalize them.
(2) You should say write about your thoughts on “Voss”! I read about half of that book before I got distracted. I’ve been meaning to go back because I quite enjoyed the experience. I will also probably read “The Vivisector” at some point.