Reading blogs or reading books?
I did something I haven’t done in awhile – brought an actual book with me to read on the train! Since I bought my baby computer back in March, that is really all I have brought with me for entertainment during the hour and twenty minutes (x2) commute. I use it to check emails, and surf the internet, but mostly, just to read blogs. I try to get all of that done on the train so that when I get home I can just chill with Steven, and leave the computer off.
I feel bad though! I have so many books at home (loaned to me), and here I am, choosing to read blogs during my commuting time, instead of books (to my credit, I try to read books at home, right now, it’s Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life). Blogs and books both keep me engaged and entertained, but is one better for me than the other? Hmm…
Anyway, that is not what I came here to write about today (on my commute, on my baby computer). Last week, I read on many blogs (ha) about the new book from Jonathan Safran Foer – Eating Animals. A small excerpt from the amazon description says, “Eating Animals explores the many fictions we use to justify our eating habits-from folklore to pop culture to family traditions and national myth-and how such tales can lull us into a brutal forgetting.” Check out the amazon site for a full description.
A lot of bloggers were writing about Natalie Portman’s post on the Huffington Post about how reading it made her vegan (if you have an hour or so to kill, the comments on that post are pretty heated and interesting). I was somewhat intrigued with her post, but didn’t think much of it.
But mention of the book keep popping up everywhere! Someone even pointed out that three vegan books, including this one (the other two are on my wishlist, wink wink), are in the Amazon Top 100 list. And yesterday, another blogger mentioned that the author of Eating Animals was doing a tour. I excitedly clicked over and saw that he would be in Chicago on November 18th, at the library that is two blocks from my office! (Event information is here).
I love, love, loved seeing speakers when I was at Iowa State University. I went to see Obama, Michael Moore, Morgan Spurlock, and countless others. I miss doing things like that! Steven was really enthusiastic about going to the reading as well, so he picked up a copy of the book for us to read before (and hopefully get signed!). Last night, I told Steven I hope there are some debates in the audience – it will be interesting to see what people have to say about this book!
Whoops. That story ended up a bit LONG.
So the big question is, am I going to read this, or use the baby computer to read blogs? For this early morning commute, it looks like the book wins – this pos computer didn’t charge last night!
Themocracy
I was just reading yesterday about another blogger who was on her way to see Augusten Burroughs speak (I love his books – love!). And I was a tad bit jealous. And while I’m not vegan (not even close! hahah), I think the book you mentioned sounds interesting … and would be incredibly interesting to hear the author speak. Long story short is, in the future if you want a book tour buddy, let me know – I’d be happy to tag along (so long as I have ample time to read the book!). hahaha.
.-= Author’s last blog post… Married =-.
Wow, you can read blogs on the train? Does that mean there is wireless? The train from CU to Chicago definitely doesn’t have it. Booo.
I’d say read the book! Blogs will still be there, in full force, when you get back. Also, it’s nice to take a break from constantly hearing about other people’s lives. (I’m kind of in a misanthropic mood today.)
.-= Author’s last blog post… A series of vain pictures and body whining. =-.
I read blogs more than books now a days, but I used to read while I ate fast.food for every meal while I was at work, but now since I am eating my yogurty breakfast at my desk…your blog won!
I do think I am going to read that book since I chickened out of Food, Inc.
.-= Author’s last blog post… My favorite player of last weekend: On the OTHER team. =-.
I’ve definitely noticed that I read fewer books/magazines now that I read blogs…probably not such a good thing! Oops.
.-= Author’s last blog post… PPE…it’s like Halloween all over again =-.
This might sound bad, but I do most of my blog reading at work. I do it when I’m having down time or when Im on a conference call that I’m required to be on but doesnt actually require my attention. I have, in the past year really gotten back into reading books. I realized how much I missed them!
.-= Author’s last blog post… Walking Wednesdays! =-.
i keep sort of wishing i had a public-transportation commute (as opposed to a 45 min drive!) so that i’d go back to reading more. i tend to fall asleep if i read at home, but i love reading while commuting / traveling!
.-= Author’s last blog post… halloween two-fer =-.
I wish I could read on the train 🙁 Darn motion sickness!
I used to read books a lot more when I couldn’t eat at my desk and I didn’t have internet access at work. Now I find that I only read before bed. I think it’s a nice way to wind down from the day.
.-= Author’s last blog post… A Scary Halloween Story =-.
I’m like Erin–I get sick reading on the train. 🙁
Thankfully my short attention span solves the problem for me. If I’m going to read a book, I really want to have the time to sink my teeth into it and enjoy it. Like on a vacation. Well, usually on a vacation, or if I’m sick. Blogs usually take just a few minutes and I can read them one at a time. Most of the time it’s just more social interaction for me, which I love.
BUT I could totally understand feeling like the book would be a better use of your time. And I support that 100%!
That’s cool that you can read blogs on the train! I don’t have online access at all at work, so during the downtime I read a real book!!! 😉
.-= Author’s last blog post… Money Madness =-.
Get a book. I’m trying to read more pulp-based goods as well.
.-= Author’s last blog post… I’m gonna set you free… =-.
I’m horrible about reading books, even though I love to read them. I also love shopping for books and buy at least 8 a year. But making time for it due to the laptop and computer, it’s one of my self-admitted downfalls.
So with that, I say the book. I much prefer paper reading to electronic fiddling on the train. It’s easier to immerse myself.
.-= Author’s last blog post… Birthday Interruption =-.
Oooh, I’m intrigued by that book. I think I’ll pick it up. I love food/eating books like this.
.-= Author’s last blog post… 500 Miles! =-.