I'm a research student, so mainly read stuff in my subject (philosophy, particularly philosophy of language). Typically, I have one or two philosophical books I am in the process of reading from beginning to end, and a whole host of other stuff on the go: chapters, articles etc. I'll read these on the tube, and during the day in the library.
I usually have one or two "normal" books on the go, which I read in the evening, or in the bath. These are often also philosophical, linguistic, or otherwise useful to me, but usually novels, or histories etc. I also have a shelf of articles, and various scattered piles of textbooks and surveys I dip into. Usually I start reading these, whilst ostensibly doing something else, and then leave them in an increasing pile next to my bed, on my desk, or next to the radio in the kitchen. If I had a bigger bathroom, I'd probably have a stack of these in there.
I need to come up with a more coherent strategy, really. Or at least a more ruthless one: there is too much crap being published.
I've got three novels for when I go on holiday (Buzatti's Tartar Steppe, Yates's Revolutionary Road, Steinbeck's Log from the Sea of Cortez), and cannot wait to read for the fun of it.
since feeling is first
who pays any attention
to the syntax of things
will never wholly kiss you
-e.e.cummings
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