Why Do Books Have to Be Page-Turners?

Some of my most favorite books are slow, almost plodding, reads.

Ruth M. Arthur's A Candle in Her Room comes to mind. So does the Laura Ingalls Wilder series. And Gone with the Wind. And The Three Musketeers. And Jane Eyre. And Dracula.

They're the type of stories that, instead of racing to the end of the book to see what happens, entice you to read even more slowly so as to prolong the experience. The ending, when it does happen, happens too quickly.

It appears those types of "I want to live in this world and never leave" type of stories are out of fashion. 

When did we lose this? Or does no one like a slow immersion anymore?

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Coming Along, Getting There (And Two More Benefits of Being Sick)

Temperature is coming down, and my supervisor is kindly letting me work from home again, a real blessing on so many levels.

Last light while trying to fall asleep, I thought of another blessing to being sick: not having to set the wake-up alarm.

Today I thought of another: Enjoying a slower pace. I've stripped my days this week to the roots: my job, basic housework, and taking it easy.

The rest I'll layer back on as my energy returns. Enjoy the day! :)