I love reading. It has always been one of my favorite things to do. Nothing is quite as satisfying as a really incredible book... the kind you have trouble putting down and grab at any chance you get. I don't read nearly as much as I used or as I'd like to. It's dropped way down on my priority list and has become something that I do on my train commute three days a week.
One of the things that you don't really prepare yourself for when having children is the loss of your ability to just read really good books. You don't have time for reading the same way and when you do... Well, you might just find yourself nodding off (at least you will if you're me). And then there's those parenting books that you feel like you should be reading instead. Books on sleep training, feeding, and behavior. Books that you don't even buy for yourself, but find stacked on your bedside table. Books you promise yourself you'll get to... One day. (For the record, I still haven't gotten to these.)
I constantly worry about how fast this time with the boys is going to go. I so want to be present right now and enjoy every minute, but there is this tiny little piece of me that looks forward to a time when I can read again. It's hard to think that there will ever be a time when I can spend two hours lost in a good book.
So, why am I telling you this? Because I just read a book that grabbed me in that way and forced me to find the time. There was something that connected with me on a really great level. The writing was wonderful. The characters were real. And the book just made me feel warm and cozy. It sucked me in and I liked being there for a week.
It made me think of how many other great books I've been waiting to read, so many books I can't get to right now. I know I'll get to them eventually and the time away from feeling like a reader is well worth it. Until then I'm keeping a list of all the books I'll read one day when my little ones are not so little. And, when I have the time, I'm sure I'll be wishing I didn't.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Carry Yourself Back To Me. To see how others were inspired by this book, visit From Left to Write.
5 comments:
I remember when my MIL visited for the first time after our first was born, and I went to bed alone - it meant I would keep the light on for a bit and read. I was fortunate not to be sleep deprived, but definately book deprived. Now I'm working on getting us all to lie down in bed and read our separate books :)
it took me a while, but I did end up loving the book too.
I understand. I have too many demands on my time these days to get done half the things I really want to do. One day...I'll have free time to do the things I truly love...like read more.
I think all moms can relate. I discovered that situation first in college. I don't think I read a book for pleasure in my whole four years of school!
I am in a weird point of my life where I am too sick to no longer work, so I do have more time to blog, be on the internet and to read.
But you are right, I'd throw it away in a heartbeat to be able to be well and be able to be super busy and a working mom like I used to be.
Emily is right-- All moms can certainly relate. I wrote this novel while my younger son was crawling all over me and my older one was in the depressing doldrums of teenagehood. But I refused to give up and pushed on through, even as many other things remained unattended. Someone at a reading said to me the other day--"It's better to have cobwebs in your corners than in your head." Ha! Cracked me up. Words to live by.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book enough to allow it to pull you away. May this be the start of another love affair with books!
All best,
Deborah
I so relate...but I do read, and just miss out on sleep-not the best decision sometimes. I think I'm always exhausted, but then again, I am a mom of 3, a full time teacher, and a busy wife...maybe that's it! Good luck on getting more reading time! Are you on Goodreads? You can keep lists of books you have read and want to read. It's one of my favorite sites!
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