Have you ever read a book that you closed and thought, “Huh. I should really read that again so I can figure out what I think about it”?
I have.
Frequently.
Recently.
Harry Potter. I devoured them in mere weeks. I have no clue if they’re poorly written or well-written. I have no idea if they have deep meaning to impart or if they’re just a good story. I completely missed most of the Latin or classical allusions (I caught just enough that I know they’re there.) I just read for the sheer enjoyment. Or maybe because they’d cast a spell on me.
A Wrinkle in Time. So far, I’ve followed Charles Wallace and Meg through the tesseract, I’ve fought for Charles Wallace’s farandolae, and I’ve kythed along with Meg as Charles Wallace seeks to save the world from Mad Dog Branzillo. L’Engle raises big questions, suggests wild solutions, may not be quite orthodox but is certainly thought-provoking. But I haven’t thought about her ideas. I’ve merely immersed myself in her world. Echthroi and Farandolae and a cherubim. It’s like time disappears.
The Extraordinary Education of Nicolas Benedict. As interesting as its predecessors, well worth thinking about. But I am too busy with the story to think.
I might have to read them all again. Read them more slowly. Keep myself outside a bit more. Detach myself from the story.
Or I could read them again like I did at first, getting lost in the reading without bothering to think.
I can’t decide which is preferable just now.
Harry Potter books cast a spell on you! YESSS! That has to be it! ;D
I think reading without thinking is sometimes a very good idea. Especially when you are getting over shingles. Just enjoy!
I’m with Carrie–just enjoy, at least for now.
It depends on what frame of mind I’m in, I think, and how much free time I have. (Right now, I have little free time and even less brainpower, so I’m not in much of a thinking or writing mode.)