Just to remind you all, I started a reading challenge in January #52in52. I took this challenge to read more, learn more, watch TV less, and because reading is pleasure to me. January went well, school hadn’t really started back yet and I was still on the Christmas break binge reading kick.
….Then school started and the information for my Master’s defense bombarded me and reading quickly became all about textbooks and journal articles. But, I did pick up the Susan Cain’s “Quiet” and start reading. I don’t know how many people in Student Affairs recommended this books and the reviews were nothing short of impressive. So I thought, sure, why not, it will be a good read and I will learn something to help me in my profession.
**I also said in my first blog post I would just share the books I read and make recommendations, but several people asked me to give feedback on the book, so here it is, I hope you’re ready.
Y’all (I know, I probably shouldn’t use that word, or lack thereof in writing, but I just couldn’t help it.) I am SO beyond bored with the book “Quiet”. I started reading it a month ago…yep, you read that right…a MONTH. I never spend a month reading a book! To me it reads more like a textbook and honestly, I read enough textbooks and academic journals in grad school. I also feel like it says the same thing over and over and over again, I need a story. Tell me a story and I can handle it for pleasure. Truth is, I haven’t finished it and I think I’m only halfway there, but honestly, I’m not sure I’ll finish it anytime soon. It may be one of those I pick up and read 5 or 10 pages a day until I’m done because long sessions just aren’t happening. Sorry to disappoint if you were looking for a rave review on “Quiet” from this girl.
Because I was struggling with “Quiet”, I decided I would read 2 books at a time and started on Pat Conroy’s “My Losing Season”. I. Loved. This. Book. It combines sports, South Carolina, and Institutions rich in tradition. It also provides a really great story and learning/teaching moment. I’m not going to say too much more because I want you to read it!
“It was the year I learned to accept loss as a part of natural law. My team taught me there could be courage and dignity and humanity in loss.”
My good friend Andrew recommended Pat Conroy and he did not disappoint, so I picked up another Conroy book “The Water is Wide”. I’m not sure I can get started on this book until February 24th at approximately 2pm when my Master’s defense is over (and hopefully I’ve passed), but hopefully you’ll see a review on it sooner rather than later.
Until then, I’ll be preparing for my defense!
Summer Times 