Only One Other Time

have I ever started a book and not finish it. The last time this happened was about 20 years ago. I bought a book at an airport newsstand. I still remember what it looked like. It was purple with a picture of a cottage on the front. I managed to get through the first half of the first chapter. And that was it. I just couldn't go on. I don't really remember why, now. But, I just remember I never picked it up again.

Well, last night I gave in for a second time. I am not going to read Red Badge of Courage any more. I have tried and tried. I get the general gist of the book and I am like half way through. But, I just don't want to read it anymore. It is not holding my interest. It is not a book that I just can't put down. And at this stage of the game, that is what I want, a book that I just can't put down.

I have several books I am reading that are not necessarily "for fun." They are helping me learn and grow as a wife, mother, follower of Christ. So they are heavy books. Books that make me think.

Because I stay at home all day, every day, one thing I promised myself is that I would make an effort to read classic literature. I alternate the classics with books that are a little bit "easier" to read. I have read some really, really great classics. And many of them have become my favorites. So that is why I chose to read Red Badge of Courage.

Last night, I decided, that the few moments that I read for pleasure really deserve to be for pleasure. So, I put it back on my self of books that someday I will read. Or maybe get the kids to read and they can tell me how it ends.

Part of me feels like a quitter. I have told myself "Come on, you can do it." But, for this book, I just can't. And, I don't want to!

This year, with my Barnes and Noble gift card I bought Blue Like Jazz and The Time Traveler's Wife. Two books I would not normally have bought. But, last night, I took off my self, The Time Travelers Wife and I can't wait to start it, soon . . .