After Writing – Reading

As always, after an intense spell of writing, I like to return to reading.

Reading for leisure, for pleasure, for the act of reading itself.

Reading to no agenda other than to follow word after word, sentence after sentence so that I might be surprised by a discovery, a nudge, a startling fact, a sense of sadness – or that in some way wonder might pass through me.

And so, my current reading:

• This is Ear Hustle by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods. I’ve been listening to the Podcast. The book is even more thought-provoking.
• A Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan. I’m late to these stories but am taking my time with them.
• Wunderland by Caitríona Lally. With thanks to New Island books. Looking forward to diving in.
• Bewilderment by Richard Powers. On the 2021 Booker Short List. I’d love if it won! (Results out next week). This is a slow and wonderful read with philosophical questioning throughout. One of the most tender evocations of father-son relationship I’ve ever read. I’m almost finished this beauty.