In the Know.

Have you ever been in a situation where everyone you are around seems to be able to contribute to a conversation and you cannot? Something like this?

Just last week I found myself in that situation and felt horrible.  Admittedly there were only three people in the conversation but still. 

They were discussing the collective works of author Bret Easton Ellis- most notably American Psycho. That, I could vaguely contribute too. When they continued to discuss Luna Park, Middle Sex and pretty much every other one of his books I was lost and just tried to subtly keep drinking my beverage in the hope that conversation would soon turn to a topic I knew something about. (It did- Mario Kart.) 

In the meantime though- it has encouraged me to buy some of his books and read them despite the number of books I have sitting on my shelf untouched, which is quite frankly alarming.

Earlier in the year I bought each of Neil Gaiman's books (because I am in love with one quote of his) and am yet to make it through one. 

I have a collection of Dan Brown books I bought at a thrift store, the Grey series I was gifted, as well as books by Nicole Krauss and her husband that I am yet to open. 

That goes without mentioning the tonne of popular penguins (classic fiction pieces) I have hoarded for various reasons- Dracula (after visiting Whitby last year, entering a trivia contest and not knowing who the author was (It's Bram Stoker), The Picture of Dorian Grey (cause it was mentioned in 500 Days of Summer) and The Great Gatsby (that I have been meaning to re-read in the lead up to the film). 

And yet. Despite this growing list, there is a list of equal length of titles I have yet to purchase but would love to read- starting with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 

Isn't this passage enticing.  Charlie (the protagonist) on a Mixed Tape he has made as a Christmas Present. 

“I had an amazing feeling when I finally held the tape in my hand. I just thought to myself that in the palm of my hand, there was this one tape that had all of these memories and feelings and great joy and sadness. Right there in the palm of my hand. And I thought about how many people have loved those songs. And how many people got through a lot of bad times because of those songs. And how many people enjoyed good times with those songs. And how much those songs really mean. I think it would be great to have written one of those songs. I bet if I wrote one of them, I would be very proud. I hope the people who wrote those songs are happy. I hope that they feel it’s enough. I really do because they’ve made me happy. And I’m only one person.” 

I have simple aspirations in life. To be well spoken, well mannered, well dressed, well traveled and well read. Also, well feed. (Basically, Belle from Beauty and the Beast.)

I know resolutions are normally made at the beginning of the year, but next week is my birthday and as I near my mid twenties (help me!) I have decided to become serious regarding those aspirations.

That means reading daily. (Both books and newspapers- I am enthralled with America's political climate at the moment- sadly more so than Australia's)

Well dears, I am off. To tidy, to choose a book and perhaps make a cup of tea. 

Sweetest of dreams to you all. 

x

(Photo Source)