One day, I found out that the HBO series True Blood was based off of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels. Later that day, I had the first two books. From that point on, I was sucked in. I began to read all day, the only interruptions to use the bathroom or grab some food. My bedroom is small, but I managed to make a little nook on my bed, stacking pillows and positioning the blankets to make a little nest for myself. I was able to sink into my own little world with the characters in the novel, so much so that I didn’t realize how much time had passed until I caught myself squinting at the pages because of the setting sun. I had to leave my nest shortly to flick on the light switch, but I quickly clambered back in and continued my life in Bon Temps. Shortly afterward, or as it had seemed to me, I began to feel my eyelids droop, and soon I was asleep, dreaming of my newly acquired friends that had so kindly allowed me into their deepest thoughts and most intimate moments.
As I awoke the next day, I was just as eager to start back up in my adventures with Sookie and Bill, and the rest of the gang. However, I was nearing the end of my first book! Luckily, I got the second one, too. I read on, and finished the first book within the first few hours of the day. I hardly took a break before starting the next one – I had so many questions! The next thing I knew, it was dusk, and I was about two chapters away from finishing the second book. A crisis! I knew the next day I would have to go back to the bookstore and buy more. The next morning I called my boyfriend to ask if he would go with me to the store to get the next books. He called me a fiend, but eventually obliged. As we got to the aisle, I ran over. Feeling triumphant, I got the rest of the series – except, the last book wasn’t there! Well, I’d have to make due. Over the next week and a half, I finished all of the books, thoroughly enveloped in Sookie’s world. I still never got the last book, as it is not out in paperback yet, but I still watch the show, and the Season Two finale is tonight!
I have found this to be a recurring experience for me, because almost everything I read sucks me in. Reading has actually shaped my life a lot, and when I have children in the future, I hope to share this with them, just as my bookworm mother has shared her love of the written word with me. Until then, I will remain sucked in!
I was surprised at how similar our blogs were! We both talked about escaping into a book and kind of losing touch with reality until the book was over. While you had your "nest" in your bed, I curled up on a couch with a blanket. It's easier to explore a new world when you're comfy!
ReplyDeleteI don't get this deeply into books very often, so when I find an author who can really keep my attention (to say the least) I like to explore more books by him/her. You should read some of Jodi Picoult's books. 'The Pact' is my favorite so far.
Emily, I truly enjoyed reading your narrative, great job on details! The deeper meaning I see represented in your narrative is how for many years we may avoid literacy or may not find it enjoyable, but all it takes is one spark of interest in something, and that one spark can lead to a transformation in the way we see reading/writing. I also noticed how television can have a big impact on literacy. The same way television (HBO) inspired you to read Sookie Stackhouse novels, is the same way many of my favorite childhood educational television shows inspired me to read, write and become familiar with text.
ReplyDeleteTruer cookies have never been spoken. This was basically what my narrative was all about. Each book series? I got into sucked me in with each new published novel that was released. There was even one summer where my brother bought Resident Evil novels based on the video games, and I read the first one. I was instantly addicted to the point where I kept telling him to buy the next one (there were 6 in total at the time). He did end up buying the second one, but then stopped. Every time after that when we were at a book store that carried them, I would always check to see if they had the ones he had not bought yet. I would also urge him to keep going so that once he finished them I could read them. Although he never went past the second book, I am now very tempted to pick up where I left off.
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