Journey of discovery

The key is to think about reading as a journey of discovery, an excavation of the inner world. ... What's important is to take the plunge.

David L. Ulin, The Lost Art of Reading

When I was still in school, I never knew which I liked best — the first day of school in the fall or the last day of school in the spring. Both were exciting to me. Similarly I don't know which I like best — reading the first line of a book or reading the last line. (You could probably make similar comments about vacations, parties and a variety of other things.)

Finishing a book is fun because you made it to the end. If it's a long, challenging book, you have finally completed the task. If it's an exciting mystery or thriller, you finally know what's been going on and how the hero is saved. Questions have been answered. Last lines of books are often beautiful and rewarding in themselves.

Yet David L. Ulin above puts his finger on what's exciting about starting a book. It's very much like beginning a journey of discovery. What's ahead? What's this all about? What lies ahead, on the next page, in the next chapter? Will I find thrills or disappointment?

Before I buy a book, I normally read the back cover of paperbacks and the inside cover of hardbacks to see what they are about. If I know the author, I may not even do that. But by the time I actually start reading a book, which may be months or even years later, I have usually forgotten what it is about. I just start in, going blindly into my adventure.

The other day I tossed out a new book, which I had recently purchased, after reading just a few pages. I didn't like where this adventure seemed to be going, so I bailed. I picked up another book, and after about 100 pages I still don't know where it is going. Yet I am remain intrigued. I like this adventure.

Take the plunge, Ulin says. Try something new. Good advice.