Tactile and Tangible. Part 2: Read a BOOK

Hands. We use them daily and not just to spin ourselves into a web of insanity. Rather, we touch a lot of shit (sometimes literally shout out to the spinster moms) but at the end of the day a lot of what we are doing is touching things we really can’t seem to feel or connect with.  In fact, the more you use your finger to scroll through your instagram feed, the less sensitive the pads of your fingers become. So put down the electronics (after reading SpinsterSass, of course), get out there, and touch. This is Tactile and Tangible. Take 2.

Books. A noun but can also be interpreted as a tangible object or a concept that one can download or read. What is a novel versus a book? Are you reading a book if it isn’t in the solid tangible, turn the page form? Are you really reading a book if you are reading it on a tablet? Do you read off of a tablet the same way you would read if you were physically holding a book? Where you can turn an actual page? And run your fingers over the printed words an author spent months to years of their life editing manuscript after manuscript and living off of book advances? Only for it to be reduced to some electronic version that can only be viewed when charged and may or may not get deleted? Or you skim and barely get the point? Does this happen? I don’t even know. But I am telling you to go read a book.

Books are the best. They allow you to tune out everything and immediately transport yourself to somewhere aside from the very place you are. Don’t be the person who interrupts someone who is reading to ask what they are reading and if they like it. But do be the person who has a book. Pick one based off its cover–I’ve done it. Read it. Think about it. Bring it up in conversation. Make a graphic of a quote you enjoy. Take a picture of it. Don’t make it a huge deal you are reading it-just read it. Don’t rush through it; allow yourself to process it. Make sense of it. Experience the book. Sometimes I have to take breaks from reading not because I don’t want to read, but because the book I am reading is SO profound-I am experiencing a change within myself as I read. And I want to allow the change to come to fruition so I can further understand the next parts of the book. Sometimes this happens with books meant for self-help and therefore the point is change. Other books, albeit fiction on first appearance, contain so much commentary on societal norms I cannot help but find parallels between real life and the book.  Reading helps me see the world for what it is; life the rose colored glasses if you will. Assist in finding role, purpose, and place in the world. Sometimes it justifies experiences and things i have witnessed–things I struggle to verbalize, things I cannot imagine or believe anyone else to have experienced–and yet I read the author’s or “character’s” stance, and it makes me feel less crazy.

I still learn new words when reading books. And since books are edited, GO THERE IF YOU WANT APPROPRIATE SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. Unfortunately depending on the book issues still exist, but NEWSFLASH AUTHORS TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR WORK, so for all you grammar and spelling fiends,

A BOOK IS THE PLACE TO BE. Start low and work your way up. If the newest book to movie title is where you want to start, then by all means. I actually loved Call Me By Your Name so much that I bought the book and am currently reading it. I’ll admit I felt a little lame because I bought the movie cover version, but hey, its what drew me to the book in the first place. (Also pro tip from my girl Robin, apparently the movie cover versions are cheaper).  I’ve been reading a lot of “self-help” which should be unsurprising, but all this rah rah you are great lets analyze yourself gets a little overwhelming, and sometimes all I crave is a well told story.

Where do you buy your books? Well, if you can find an independent bookstore then go there. Please go to independent bookstores. They are not lacking in books and in fact can probably give you an even better selection. The people who work there are for sure readers and can help you find exactly what you’re looking for-or even things you may not have been. Often times they also sell awesome gifts (and cards!) among other odds and ends; versions of things you may not find elsewhere.

Not trying to spend money? Do not worry reading can still be in your future. It is called THE LIBRARY! I know, the library is magical. Librarians, like independent bookkeepers, know more about what you want to read than you do and have lots of options lined up. They rotate the selection, they write out descriptions, they categorize in interesting ways-mind blown. Its amazing the community that can be formed all through the selection of a book. (Obviously I would be remiss if I didn’t suggest you could reach for a book and the brooding man of your dreams could also be reaching for the same book and you chuckle because HEY you could have a book date. Anyone?). And guess what, having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.

Books can also be full of poetry and these are extra special. Poems come in all shapes and sizes and can contain the same amount of commentary and life changing potential as a whole book. They are that powerful. So imagine a book of poems. WOW. WOWoWOWOW. Poems rule, fuckboys drool. (sorry had to).

A book is your way in or out depending on your goal. You are supporting yourself and many others in a variety of ways through reading.

Now GO BE A LITERATE CITIZEN AND READ! (and let me know what you choose!)