Though it was annoying while traveling here and there, I am so happy with all the books I brought along. Before arriving in New Zealand, I spent some time reading guide books and was horrified to discover that books were super expensive. Makes sense…it must cost a lot of money to ship them all in to the most isolated country in the world. So I came prepared with about ten books that I really wanted to read.
The past two weeks have been great for catching up on reading. Mornings begin with me sneaking out of bed, with the hopes of not waking Kyle up. I always do though…sorry. Anyway I then turn on the kettle for a nice cup of tea. Ah yes, Kiwis love tea, so of course our furnished loft came with an electric tea kettle, an absolute necessity. While the water boils, I pop two slices of bread in the toaster, jelly them up,and out I go to the deck with tea, toast, and a good book. And how nourishing it’s been to read as long as I want, not worrying about the day ahead. It’s just me, a good story, and the pigeons that live below the deck.
Last night I finished ‘Tis By Frank McCourt and what can I say? It was UNREAL and a phenomenal sequel to Angela’s Ashes. I was left feeling drained and mixed with many emotions. There was the overwhelming sadness I had for McCourt, thinking about the hard times he had growing up and getting started in the world. I felt personal regret that he died this year and the world will never have anything new to read by him. I flew so quickly through Angela’s Ashes & ‘Tis. I wish now that I took my time and savored the books more. I always find it hard to grasp that after reading some one’s story and getting to know their voice, that there is no way to ever reach out. There will never be the option of seeing him speak, hear McCourt’s voice, or let him know how much I enjoy his work. Envy also trickled in. My sister Heidi had the great luck to go to Stuvyesant High School in New York & had him for a teacher. I don’t think I ever had a teacher that left any impact on me beside, “yeah she was nice” or “he was pretty cool.” But then again, if I was in highschool, who know’s if his presence would have been taken for granted.
I think the book touched me because I identify with him in many ways. He was an English teacher – as you read through ‘Tis, it was a rocky road to find his own way to teach, when all he wanted to do was share the love of reading and writing. Those are reasons I’d want to teach English as well. What a great way to journey through life – reading books, talking about them, and hopefully inspiring the written word in some little way. Then there was his longing to write. The mixture of jealousy & doubt when those around him were making their art work and wondering if he’d ever create something good enough. Anyone on the artistic path knows that feeling.
Every step of Frank McCourt’s life was an extreme challege. Each door was locked, but he found the key and made his way through. I was left inspired, missing my family, and hoping I’ll do something good in this world someday.
There’s one more book – Teacher Man - and I intend on taking my time with that one.
New book by Augusten Burroughs! How didn’t I know this? How could this have happened?
And a new one (finally) from the chick who wrote “Eat, Pray, Love”…the book that absolutely inspired me to take my own travel adventure.
