When Mark got the book he did not read it at first. He would try to read "The Stones of Summer", and just couldn't get into the novel. Later on he picked it up again and told himself he had to read it. He read it over 6 weeks and found that he really enjoyed it and found it fascinating. Since Mark felt so connected to the story, he decided he needed to find out more about the author and talk about his amazing writing. He made it clear that the book brought back his childhood. While growing up Mark loved to read and books themselves are what changed him as a person. He admits that he does not remember much about his childhood, but could tell you everything about all the books he read. Mark decided to go see his mom to find out more about his childhood. After finding out more about his childhood, you can really tell books were a major part of it. Marks mom even recalled him always carrying a book in his back pocket.
Mark describes how he loved the time spent in the libraries just looking at all the books, but how in today's society many people resort to the computer and internet. He seems to be saying that everyone is missing out on the true reading experience. As a child, Mark was happy when he walked 45 minutes to the nearest book store and would just sit on the floor looking at every book they had. He was able to use his imagination through the books, instead of through video games like the kids today. I find it amazing how the times have changed over the years. I for one can say I did not become a fan of reading until I came to college. I really enjoyed when he said that reading is the only thing that has kept him sane. Reading is such a huge part of his life he doesn't know what he would do without it.
He starts talking about how his life is stressful with his job, and how he needs the time to just read a good book. I also really liked when he talked about how the place becomes a book and the book becomes a place. This shows that even when he is at work he can think of a situation in which it is part of a novel. Reading has captured a huge part of his life and will always be there. I find his love for reading really interesting, because he can take a bad day at work and make it a great one just from opening a book.
Mark goes to visit John who wrote the only review for "The Stones of Summer". I found it very interesting how much the two men had in common just from reading the same books. Mark even comments on how he feels like he has known John for many years just from their interests in the same books. I really enjoyed when John was saying that even if it is a great book that doesn't mean you have to like it. I also enjoyed when Mark mentioned "The Catcher and the Rye", because I read this in high school. I could relate to some of the great works he was mentioning. I am interested to see how this documentary plays out and what Mark will find out about the mysterious book that no one seems to know anything about.
I thought it was interesting how you picked up on the fact he confessed he tried a few times to read the book and couldn't get through it. I usually take this as a sign the book is not good, or at least one that I enjoy but it is clear that forcing himself to get through it was extremely beneficial and he did in fact enjoy it. I also think its interesting how you picked up on the time when he said a place becomes a book and the book becomes a place - I liked this idea too and wrote about it in my blog as well. It's interesting that you didn't become a fan of reading until college, I kind of feel it had the opposite effect on me. I used to read so much and here I feel I am too busy to read and truly enjoy it. But that is what summer if for I guess!
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