I enjoyed reading this, Ben. Reading Jacobs ' book a few years ago also inspired me to get into reading. The main reason I hadn't earlier was the very things you talk about - the bar being set too high over and over. It felt good to freely read at whim and as I have kept at it, I have been able to swim instead of flounder or sink in more complex "Great" works.
Interesting. I’ve never personally seen Jacobs hammering on 1001 Books to Read before you die. His book and interviews and blog seem to still be pretty pro-Whim. I felt the book was about the Pleasures of Reading, but perhaps I’ve missed other things he’s done!
I enjoyed reading this, Ben. Reading Jacobs ' book a few years ago also inspired me to get into reading. The main reason I hadn't earlier was the very things you talk about - the bar being set too high over and over. It felt good to freely read at whim and as I have kept at it, I have been able to swim instead of flounder or sink in more complex "Great" works.
Interesting. I’ve never personally seen Jacobs hammering on 1001 Books to Read before you die. His book and interviews and blog seem to still be pretty pro-Whim. I felt the book was about the Pleasures of Reading, but perhaps I’ve missed other things he’s done!