January Recap

So the vital statistics: I started January with 54,328 pages to read, and ended the month with a total of 2,128 read.  That leaves 52,200 left to go.  Let's get visual on this breakdown:

Projected Reading Progress for 2012

Ouch, line graph.  While the blue line represents the pace I'd need to read to complete my goal, the red line is the 12 month projection of what I will accomplish at my current pace.

I don't think I ever actually expected to be able to read everything on the list but the goal is still a good one even if I fall short of completing it.  So I will push on to get done what I can and prepare a savings account to pay for what I can't.

And it may be time to ask for some help.

The Player Of Games

The Player of Games is a tremendous book that I am hesitant to talk too much about, because there is an element of mystery involved that could be ruined by a loose tongue.  A disillusioned man (though as with any of Banks' Culture novels, the entire society is out-of-whack) whose role in life is to play games is 'given' an opportunity to travel to the exotic and barbaric empire of Azad, to play in their great tournament, which decides the station of all who play and the makeup of their heirarchy.  Fireworks ensue.

One of the most successful parts of the writing is the way that Banks describes the playing of several games, while not actually describing any games at all.  He finds just enough detail of the mechanics to show you how someone would approach the games he has not truly invented, and in doing so externalizes the inner workings of his characters.  Their actions often represent entirely their engagement with the world around them and Banks uses it to his best advantage.

It is fair to say that books have been written more closely resembling the record of a game - especially histories which catalog movement, action and outcome - but could not be less interesting to read.  Banks' approach with this book serves to draw the reader into Gurgeh's story, even giving you the impression that you can imagine the board or court where the game is taking place, though you can't fully and, frankly, what you've imagined is not right.

I'm sorry, but you're wrong.  That piece is actually supposed to go over there, and you've got it upside down.

I would recommend this book:  and would then yell "Jenga" or "Uno"

I got this book:  winning an intergalactic poker game, in a pot with two spaceships and the deed to a black hole.  I lost everything but the book on the next hand going all-in with a pair

This book is now:  Going back on the shelf until I see the Hauths again, because Jim would like it

What Else Is There To Do?

I suppose at this point the $64,000 question is "Why have a blog if you don't post to it and does your silence mean you aren't reading as much as you should be?"

Touche, me-pretending-I'm-you.  Yes, it means I haven't been reading enough. I've been distracted of late and I'll tell you how, in no particular order.

#1: The Y - A few years ago I joined the YMCA and lost a bunch of weight, then promptly gained most of it back.  Last fall I made some lifestyle changes and decided the Y might be a good substitute for some of my poorer decisions.  Then Christmas and New Years happened.  I have been back the past 2 weeks though, and going almost daily.  I'm still looking for a goal, or some motivation.  Is there a shirtless holiday about 6 months off I should know about?

#2: Television/Wall - I sold my TV to a coworker last year in an effort to spend less time idolizing it (I hope he is enjoying it still.)  My roomate, however, has a projector.  Fortunately for me, I haven't spent all my time watching it.  Just some/lots of my time.  One note: Grumpy Old Men is a fantastic movie and I don't regret at all having watched it last week.

#3: Work - One would think that working at a bookstore is helpful to reading, but no.  In a perfect world I'd set a time every day for reading, say 10am-2pm, and stick with it.  The world isn't perfect though, and I work a somewhat random schedule.  Add to that the constant temptation to buy more, different books and you've got a recipe for not getting things done.

You didn't expect me to be so predictable, did you?  Truly, I am dull, folks.

I am still reading, I promise, and I will have a post up about my most recent conquest shortly, as well as a recap of my first month of reading every book I own.  In summary: not done yet.