Fragments

The books I read fall into two categories. Those I read for work interest, and those I read for personal interest. The former are non-fiction, the latter almost always novels.

I write a bit about the workish reading on DavePress. I used to write quite a bit about the non-workish reading on Palimpsest, but I've fallen out of the habit in the last couple of years.

I am currently in a bit of a phase of reading American suburban angst type fiction. John Updike, Richard Yates, Richard Ford, that sort of thing. I've often wondered if the books you turn to are as a result of the mood you are in, or if the books contribute to your mood. You know, chicken and eggs. Do I get down in the dumps because I read depressing books, or do I actually find comfort in them?

I've tried to write my own novel on several occasions, only rarely getting past the second sentence. They've always been terrible.