FACT VS. FICTION
Until recently, the genius has never appreciated the genre of fiction . . . period. If it wasn’t a true story, the book went back on the shelf. He has actually been known to speak disdainfully of people who read made-up stories. I once reminded him that part of our income was from my teaching students to enjoy and even treasure the great classics. So he admitted that it was fine for others, but not for him!
A few years ago the administration at the boys’ prep school where he teaches (math, of course) decreed that all teachers and students would read the same book over the summer break. And . . . it would be fiction! So he has reluctantly joined in.
The first two books he didn’t enjoy at all, but this past summer the book was The Count of Monte Cristo. I am happy to say that Alexandre Dumas did not let us down -- my pragmatic partner loved it! We had many interesting discussions about the characters, plot, movie version, etc. as he read through it. When he finished the novel, his question was “Do you think there are any more good books out there I would enjoy?”
I am happy to say that he is now voluntarily reading through Les Miserables and taking pleasure in the adventures of Jean Valjean.
2 comments:
Nothing to worry about. It will be quite a while before he gets around to Jacqueline Susann.
Scientific observation beckons as I can report that Betty has the same affliction. It has to be true, whatever it is. I can't get her to go to a play.
But movies are OK. How is your man on movies?
Neither one of us goes to movies much. We watch some on TV occasionally, but Jim likes violence and action, and I prefer tamer ones. (Except for Tombstone and Godfathers I and II which are all time favorites of mine.)
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