I have been reading. I have. Its just, like I knew it would be, difficult in the midst of all that I do in mothering and wiving(?). I have been reading Anna Karenina, but not as often as I should be. I have been doing a helicopter-hover in a few chapters lately (after a great beginning before school started) and I’m okay with it.
I am on page 356 of 808. Not bad for about 6 weeks, in my opinion, considering all the other things I have accomplished in the past month and a half.
In school and in teaching, I couldn’t read without a pen in my hand. All of the countless words I’ve underlined and passages I have starred, notes I’ve made in margins – all of these could make up their own set of books. But in reading Anna, I’ve set the pen down. Understand that there a probably hundreds of underline-worthy passages, but this masterpiece, I am reading for pleasure. I’m not taking a test on it, I’m not writing a paper or thesis, and I am surely not going to be teaching it to anyone. So, down goes the pen. And in go the words, the beauty, and the magnificent prose without an underline.
Except for one. I’ve only underlined one part of one sentence.
In the beginning of the book when a despondent Levin travels home to his country house from Moscow (after propsosing to Kitty and then being refused), Tolstoy describes Levin’s happiness at being away from the city. Levin was “…at home, and at home the very walls are a great help” (184).
For whatever reason, this fragment, this portion of a thought – it resounds with me. Possibly it is due to my stage of life: the love I have for my girls and my attempt at making their HOME a safe and comfortable place. Perhaps its just how I feel – home is the best place, a sanctuary from the entire world, a place that I can somewhat control and keep things in order. My walls, these walls, as scuffed and stained as they might be at times, these walls are always a great help to me. I really love being home.
beautiful, sarah.
Great book, great posts.
I love home. I love being home because it matters.
I loved your post today. I love being home and I too want my kids to love being home – it should be their safe haven, their sanctuary. Thanks for sharing!
BTW I haven’t read Anna, but I will add it to my Reading List
I love home because it’s the place where those who live within it’s walls can be themselves, their best and worst self and still love and be loved, forgive and be forgiven.
Kate
I love that quote. I agree, there is a great comfort found at home.
Good thoughts. Great quote. Thanks for sharing!
You’ve inspired me. There are classics that I’ve never read, but have always ‘meant to’. I’m now compiling a list of all the books I’d like to read, and will check them out from the library as soon as I can get a card. I’m starting with ‘Huck Finn’, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘Jane Eyre’, and I’d like to read ‘Anna Karenina’. If you have any other suggestions, I’d love them!
Renee – Jane Eyre is my absolute favorite and there are so many great books out there.
I read like you do, evidently… pen in hand. My books are my friends, well worn, marked, wrinkled, and dog-eared. Sometimes I start out thinking, “no pen with this one,” but eventually it seems to happen anyway.
I loved “Anna,” I need to go back and look up that quote myself. That’s a good one.
Another suggestion for Renee… Persuasion by Jane Austen is wonderful! The Brothers Karamazov is also a favorite.
From one homebody to another, I totally get this post. Actually, I totally get all your posts as you are one very talented and gifted writer. Keep it coming, and I’ll keep reading…
Blessings to you!
Lisa