With the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing the new norm, many people may find the opportunity to tackle books that have long been on their reading wishlists.
My husband and I came up with a technique that may help some people get started and work their way through the books on their list.
I started reading War and Peace about 10 years ago, largely because a radio announcer had included it on a 100 books-to-read-before-you-die list.
I eventually stopped reading it because of all the characters and their relationships. As my husband watched me struggle with the first 30 pages, he came up with a great idea for getting more out of the book and sharing the experience.
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He suggested he would jot down notes and sketch out various characters and scenes while I read the book out loud. This proved to be a good idea.
As I read the book, Bob jotted notes and made sketches of the pieces of plot we worked our way through.
Gradually, we got into a routine of reading a chapter or two every morning with our coffee. Winter seemed to be the best time to accomplish reading these large books, and early morning, cold and miserable as it is, was the best time to read.
It was remarkable to see how the pages turned themselves each day. When we looked back on what we had read, we were pleased with the amount we had churned through. If we had difficulty remembering names or relationships, we referred to the notes and the sketches. The idea was brilliant.
We were able to finish War and Peace, and in the next three years, we moved move on to the Harry Potter series, The Far Pavilions, and a big book by C. J. Sansome written just after the time of-King Henry VIII. This winter, we are reading a book entitled 4321, a rotating narrative involving an immigrant family in New York.
Some friends have suggested we publish the notes and sketches, but this reading activity is specific to the user — you need to lend your own talents to the idea.
Be comfortable with shorter books, simple drawings and key notes. After all, these are just aids for understanding. And set yourself a schedule —read for a half hour or hour every day or other day. You will be amazed at how quickly big books can be read and enjoyed. Before long, the pile of books beside your bed will get smaller.
If you are looking for activities to use your time wisely during this period of social distancing, we suggest reading books out loud and sharing in the creation of simple pictures to remind you of the journey you have taken in this time of less-structured routines and schedules.
Involve the family and start with shorter books. Little kids love to see a word book come alive, and your teenagers might even enjoy creating their own graphic novels as reminders of the books they have read.
If you are looking for an activity that will give you respite from this unprecedented slowdown of life as we knew it, reading together may work for you and your family.
