Finals have begun in west Texas. Alas, I have no completed reading projects to report this week. Still, my reading life has continued — even if it has taken on a slower pace for the moment.
On Sunday, I began reading John Steinbeck’s classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath. I was struck by the lyricism of his voice and the rhythm of his prose. I was quickly lulled into adopting a slower reading pace that allows me to savor each word. At this slower speed, I am sometimes finding it difficult to find enough time to make it through some of Steinbeck’s lengthy chapters. It is just a matter of finding the balance between regularly reading from the novel and not getting lost in some of the extremely wordy descriptions.
I quickly decided this week that I would need something else on my reading table that allowed me to digest more words in a single sitting. I picked up the copy of Grit by Angela Duckworth that has been in my TBR stack for several months. I am fascinated by the topic of the role of perseverance in success and find Duckworth’s writing style very approachable and readable. I don’t normally expect to enjoy these theoretical types of reads, but Grit is proving to be a fun and encouraging read. I’m already beginning to think of ways to work some of this material into my seminar for new freshmen in the Fall.
As the semester comes to a close, I plan to finish reading the Duckworth this week and continue my travels with the Joad family on their way to California. Wish me luck!
Reading for Me 
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