I sympathize with this article a lot, having been living with a chronic illness, and now post-surgery, for a long time. The idea that something comfortable and familiar is key, is a good idea, I think. Mystery and science fiction do often fit the bill.
Where I break from the article is that I don't only re-read, I do read new things. In some cases, things by known authors who I've enjoyed before. In other instances, sub-genres that are known to me, but new books within those genres.
it's actually interesting how comforting epic space operas can be when you're sick. They take you totally out of your own circumstances, and onto a huge canvas of otherness, and that is a very positive distraction.
I sympathize with this article a lot, having been living with a chronic illness, and now post-surgery, for a long time. The idea that something comfortable and familiar is key, is a good idea, I think. Mystery and science fiction do often fit the bill.
ReplyDeleteWhere I break from the article is that I don't only re-read, I do read new things. In some cases, things by known authors who I've enjoyed before. In other instances, sub-genres that are known to me, but new books within those genres.
it's actually interesting how comforting epic space operas can be when you're sick. They take you totally out of your own circumstances, and onto a huge canvas of otherness, and that is a very positive distraction.
D.G. Myers reports on his "Sickroom reading" here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/09/08/sickroom-reading/