Finally... it's over.

I’ve mentioned it before, and I’ll mention it again – I LOVE books. I actually list “reading” as a hobby. I even rationalize why I should like some books I don’t… and this is one of those times.

I just finished Reading Lolita in Tehran, and I can’t tell you how happy I am it’s over. For two reasons:

1. It was really hard to for me to relate to since I hadn’t read all the novels that the author uses to illustrate and compare her life in the Islamic Republic of Iran… and

2. I started reading this book before Christmas, and since I got a Nook from Santa, I was excited to start using it!

I don’t want to discourage you from reading this book if you were wanting to; I will say that I think it’s very eye-opening for Western women on some of the experiences of women in the Middle East, particularly in Muslim countries. For example, when I see women wearing veils, I automatically assume they are devout, traditional Muslims, while the author describes being forced to wear the veil by the regime and even losing her teaching job for refusing to cover herself properly. It was an “aha” moment to realize that many people – men and women alike – are not free to express themselves as they truly wish in some parts of the world. And for that reason, I am thankful I read the book.

I just didn’t like it very much.

It’s slow. It’s a memoir where the author doesn’t reveal too much about herself; she spends most of the book making political statements by drawing on literary themes like “hero vs. victim” or “captor vs. captive”… some may love it. I did not.

In fact, the moment I finished Reading Lolita, I downloaded my FIRST NOOKBOOK compliments of my lovely sister who got me a Barnes and Noble gift card for my birthday. (Thanks, sis!)

I am currently reading Water for Elephants, and totally loving it. A page-turner for sure, and I love reading a book before seeing the movie… because usually the movie ruins it.

Speaking of ruining a literary experience, I’ve heard a lot of people diss e-Readers because they think they will ruin the tactile feeling of books or that they will miss turning pages and smelling the ink and paper… I had the same fears.

I’m proud to say there is nothing to be afraid of. My Nook is awesome. I really like reading it; it’s super handy, and I don’t miss any of the old familiar book characteristics.

My sweet little Nook. Pink cover.  My love <3

Don’t get me wrong, I will still geek out over an old library full of hardback books and pages and pages of beautiful typeface. I want these:

Karl Lagerfeld  (Source)

Diane Keaton (Source)

Michael Jackson (Source)

Rod Stewart (Source)

But for the days I can’t curl up on a window seat and pore over old volumes, I’ll take my Nook. And a latte. Thankyouverymuch.

XOXO

jam