Let’s Talk About Reading

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Susannah Bianchi

I’m a cereal reader myself and no, that’s not a typo since I sneak in a chapter or two over my oatmeal in the morning, considering it multitasking.

When people say, other than social media, they never read, I’m unusually speechless. It also explains why they have so little to say.

Reading gives you something to talk about. Being able to share what you’ve read can make you the life of the party. 

I’m pleased to say, my rants on history have ignited it in others. It happened recently with a new book that’s out about Eleanor Roosevelt, the story about her refusing to participate in segregation while on a lecture tour down south. When she saw blacks and whites separated, she took her chair and sat in the center of the aisle to make her point. It was big back then, to defy Jim Crow, but Mrs. R. held her ground, and when advised not to drive alone afterwards, got in her car and drove off. 

The woman I told this to who tends to be shy about standing up for herself, grew two feet, Eleanor inspiring from the ether. She also went out and bought the book.

Reading doesn’t just enlighten you, but all those you share it with. 

They found angry letters in Lincoln’s desk drawer after he died, he never sent. I made a guy in AA laugh when saying…see, Abe had restraint of pen and tongue, a big 12 Step principle. 

If American history isn’t your thing, how bout some Hollywood lore, like men were hesitant to date Elizabeth Taylor for fear she’d insist they marry her.

Both of Audrey Hepburn’s husbands, cheated on her.

Ethan Hawk fooled around on Uma.

Two of the most beautiful women the world has ever known had shits for partners.

Too lowbrow?

How bout a book on how to lower your cholesterol? Cut back on your added sugar, starting with those protein bars you think are so healthy. 

No? Would Feng Shui interest you? How you shouldn’t have your TV in the bedroom, or shoes lined up by the front door since, they disturb your Chi.

I don’t know about you, but if someone told me my mojo would improve by putting my sneaks in the closet, well, I just might want to know them better.

Reading opens doors, not just in the bedroom. 

SB  🙂

 

About Susannah Bianchi

I'm just a girl who likes to write slightly on slant. I've had a career in fashion, dabbled in film and to be honest, I don't like talking about myself. Now my posts are another matter so I will let them speak for themselves. My eBooks, A New York Diary, Model Behavior: Friends For Life and Notes From A Working Cat can be found on Amazon.com. Thanks.
This entry was posted in Books, creative writing, humor, inspiration, internet, media, readng, words, writing and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

54 Responses to Let’s Talk About Reading

  1. skinnyuz2b says:
    January 31, 2021 at 6:32 am

    I’m with you, Susannah. I can’t imagine not being able to read. It’s comforting to know that if my eyesight ever diminishes there are audio books.
    I donate most of the books Pookie and read, but keep those that I want to reread at a later date. I’ve had non-readers look at my library and ask, “Have you really read all those books?” If they only knew they were looking at a small fraction.
    Pookie and I both wish we could read some of Abe’s stashed letters. And you’ve got to love Eleanor!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Susannah Bianchi says:
      January 31, 2021 at 8:01 am

      Abe wrote one to General George Meade after Gettysburg that apparently would make our hair stand on end. He was pissed he didn’t chase Lee while his army was so weakened. But to advocate for old George who apparently resembled a turtle, after 3 days of such incomparable carnage, you can hardly blame him. Reading…it fills the one’s soul. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Life With The Top Down says:
    January 31, 2021 at 6:35 am

    Grasshopper, you continue to teach and inspire. I always read on the train while commuting to and from work. I would get lost in my John Grisham mysteries. Those were good years. If nothing else, this morning, you sparked a memory that made me smile.
    Ps. Big E is my number one historical figure. She was a force like no other.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Susannah Bianchi says:
      January 31, 2021 at 7:58 am

      Then this book is for you. I got it as a gift, gratefully because I probably would never have read it. It’s beautifully written and your heart really opens for her because you learn more about her beginnings. I loved it. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. Anne Mehrling says:
    January 31, 2021 at 8:52 am

    I am a cereal reader, too, but my story is different. About 50 years ago I was visiting my parents. I sat at the breakfast table, and most likely my dad had already inhaled his food and gone back to bed to read the newspaper. Mom sat down, noticed my eyes were on the cereal box, and gently said, “There are better things to read than that.” She knew that words pulled my eyes like super magnets. I pushed the box aside and enjoyed my mother’s company.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Patricia says:
    January 31, 2021 at 9:17 am

    I love to read! It is by far my favorite past time. I read mostly fiction; thrillers, mysteries, some sci-fi. Occasionally a memoir, biography, Christian study books. Never romance novels. Last year I read 100 books and so far this year 8.
    My father was a big reader. He would go to the library every couple of weeks and always took me with him. I got my first library card before I learned to read so I could check out picture books with my own card. I was very proud of that card!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Susannah Bianchi says:
      January 31, 2021 at 9:22 am

      I love that Patricia. Yes, kids need a role model. I never had one, starting to inhale books late in my life. I keep a list of all the ones I read in a year, so I remember. I’m big into rereads, like now I’m in the middle of the novel, Belgravia by Julian Fellowes, for the third time, and love it as though it were the first. Thanks, as always.

      Like

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  5. kingmidget says:
    January 31, 2021 at 10:32 am

    Ever since I learned to read, I’ve been a never-ending reader. It’s what our family did — played outside, played games, and read books. Every single one of us. Reading is my escape, my way of learning (put me in a classroom and I can’t pay attention, give me a book and I’ll learn what I need to learn). Through reading I’ve discovered many other worlds and learned the tales of thousands. I simply do not understand how people can not read.

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  6. Sorryless says:
    January 31, 2021 at 11:16 am

    SB

    There’s some seriously good writing to be had in all corners, if you’re of a certain age. I seem to notice things that younger peeps miss. Maybe it’s the age I was brought up in, where you were implored to read the fine print.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Dale says:
    January 31, 2021 at 12:56 pm

    Yes, yes and YES! Readers are such interesting people because, as you say, they actually have something to say! And readers are constantly learning and sharing their learnings with others. I have a “to read list” THIS HIGH thanks to fellow readers.
    I’m with you, it doesn’t really matter what you read, just keep on doing it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. John W. Howell says:
    January 31, 2021 at 5:25 pm

    I love your PSA on reading. It is clear you do a lot of reading, and I can’t imagine you would ever be at a loss for conversation because you do. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. David Stewart says:
    January 31, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    Hey there, fellow reader. It goes without saying that I agree with you completely. Reading makes our world so much bigger and makes us more interesting people too. As they say, so many books, so little time. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Susannah Bianchi says:
      February 1, 2021 at 4:57 am

      I sent you that dog-eared, dilapidated copy of The Prince of Tides I found on a Park bench…AND YOU READ IT TOO. Impressive my friend since it was a very substantial read. You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket….John Adams…in other words, when you have a book, you always have a Friend. Thanks Pal 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. The Write Path says:
    February 9, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    This is so true. I cannot imagine not reading at all. I don’t see how people don’t read any books in their entire adult life

    Liked by 1 person

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