"To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any exercise which the customs of the day esteem. It requires a training such as the athletes underwent, the steady intention almost of the whole life to this object. Books must be read as deliberately as they were written."
~Henry David Thoreau~
I am thoroughly enjoying The Promised Land. I wish all of the books Parini discusses were required reading for all Americans. Most used to be standard offerings in the curriculum. But I'm afraid now they are ignored -- doubtful if they are even referred to. Such a loss.
That sounds wonderful. Would love to read it someday. I can at least check out the contents for future reference.
ReplyDeleteI bet you find you have read most of the books he discusses. I just finished his chapter on "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and am looking forward to his analysis of "Huckleberry Finn" next.
ReplyDeleteThe last line of the Thoreau passage, "Books must be read as deliberately as they were written," should be our blog sub-title!
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