I read an article recently where the author discussed how the demise of the book might not be so imminent after all. The reason? In this world jam-packed with noise, people, stress and worry, books give you that most precious of things, a sense of inner space and peace.
I couldn’t agree more.
When I read a good book, I go somewhere else, no matter where I actually am. I’ve missed train stops, I’ve missed dinner, I’ve been late for parties, because I inhabited the inner space so completely, the real world was less real than the one created by the story.
Jasper Fforde writes a great series about an alternative history where the heroine can physcially go into the space and worlds created by books. The first book in the series was naturally called Lost in a Good Book. And the heroine was genuinely lost in a book, and had to escape somehow. I totally understood how that could happen, LOL.
Tolkein can really do that to me. So can Iain M. Banks, Dick Francis and JAK.
What books create a sense of inner space for you? And is one genre more able to do it that others? I think fantasy and science fiction seem to take me off more completely than contemporary fiction, but I’d be interested to hear what does it for you.
I can get lost in historical fiction, and there’s one in particular that comes to mind: The Fool’s Tale by Nicole Galland. It’s set in 12th century Wales, which isn’t a usual setting. She’s a fabulous writer, her story telling a blend of historical knowledge, great comedic timing and tragic moments (no HEA’s, however). I read it in a day and a half, and it’s 523 pages. (Yikes!) She kept me in the realm, one that I hated to leave.
P.S. Happy Holidays, Michelle!
I want to read the Jasper Fforde book. What a great premise!
I’ve stayed up late over many books. Going to work bleary-eyed, not because of booze but because of books. It doesn’t matter the genre. I was lost in the last Harry Potter book, and I was also lost in Last Bite, the contemporary book I reviewed on Sunday. I think it depends on the ability of the author to pull me in and on my own mood. Love it when that happens.
Oh, wow … where to begin. I’ve been getting lost in books for years and years. When you come from a huge family, you have to have some form of escape and reading was mine. I would be engrossed for hours … and naturally half my siblings didn’t understand my fascination in the worlds built by these authors.
Science fiction and fantasy were always my favorite escapes.
Great blog, Michelle, and so true! I love getting lost…in books.
I always did that with the Judith McNaught historicals, and terrific WF. For me, I’m never more lost in books than when I’m writing. I love when hours pass, and I discover I was somewhere else!
I pretty much get lost in everything I read, to the point that I don’t notice anything going on outside my own head. Someone can ask a question and maybe fifteen minutes later, I’ll look up and reply: “Did you say something?”
Happy holidays to you, too, Kath! And yes, historicals do it for me, too. I can’t believe I left that out, given I actually WRITE them, LOLOL.
The best feeling in the world, Edie! I love it.
Liz, I’m from a big family too, and what you say is true. I am craving good sci-fi and fantasy at the moment. Got totally sucked into Lynn Kurland’s Seven Kingdoms Series. Can’t wait for the next book to arrive.
I know what you mean, LaD. That feeling as you leave the book of waking up and realizing that for a few hours, the world stood still and you went somewhere else.
As my children have gotten a bit older, Catie, I am starting to do that. When they were smaller, something made me break off and find out what they said, even if it was totally mundane.
Right now I’m reading P.J. Alderman’s Haunting Julia, its an author you guys hosted not to long ago. I bought the book completely because I read about it here and I LOVE it.
The author does a fantastic job of transporting me away, and she’s just leapt into my Must Buy list because of it.