This Sunday has bigger concerns than books, I’m afraid: the World Cup final! Plenty of time for reading around it, I suppose, but that will certainly be the highlight of my day. Unless the Dutch lose, that is. (Kidding, kidding.)
On a book-related note, before it’s too late (as in, before today’s match), do check out this quite fun offer from Archipelago books of titles from countries participating in the tournament. What better excuse to up your international reading quotient?
I’m headed off on a business trip tomorrow, so unfortunately I’ll be quite busy for much of the week, but I hope my dear readers will be busy too—with my Moby-Dick week! If I’m slow in responding to comments, it’s because of how much I’m enjoying myself in all-day meetings and business-related dinners. At least I should be able to make some time for reading on the plane—assuming I don’t have to work then too!
In some ways I’m a little disappointed with my re-start of the Melville project. First, I had hoped to unveil a bit of very exciting (to me only) guest posting, but that didn’t work out. But more importantly, I don’t like to feel so sluggish, and Moby-Dick can overwhelm a blogger. People have written books on this stuff, after all—lots of them. But it was finally time for me to stop worrying and love the incompleteness. This week is about sharing my joy, and little more. I know a lot of you already feel that joy, but for anyone who doesn’t, I hope it infects you:
Oh! my dear fellow beings, why should we longer cherish any social acerbities, or know the slightest ill-humour or envy! Come; let us squeeze hands all round; nay, let us all squeeze ourselves into each other; let us squeeze ourselves universally into the very milk and sperm of kindness.
And into the very milk and sperm of one of my purest reading joys.
What an intriguing and lyrical quote…you sound as though you’re having a busy time in your life.
Here’s mine:
http://laurel-rainsnowsaccidentallife.blogspot.com/2010/07/sunday-salon-july-11.html
Of course, the World Cup is a non-event here in Texas, but, having just returned from Europe, I see that this is not true worldwide. Best of luck to Holland.
And I send another “best of luck” to your bout with Melville. I’ve yet to enter the ring with Herman and, given my advanced age and lack of interest in whales, it seems unlikely that I ever will.
Laurel-Rain—It is a beautiful quote, isn’t it? Busy is right…
debnance—I haven’t experienced how big it is in other countries, but I think here in the US enthusiasm has grown since I was a kid (not that long ago). I was out shopping a few weeks ago and ended up in a sort of sports bar for a quick lunch, without even thinking that a game was on. It turned out there was a fair-sized crowd watching it, and they were all excited enough to stand up and cheer for goals and such. It was surprising and fun.
Anyway, I never really think I’ll change people’s minds on books, especially long ones, because reading is such a commitment. But I do hope some of my evangelism this week works, even if not on you! And hope you enjoy the posts regardless.