Why I Read—

This was written for my World Literature class.

—to gauge how well I write.

I come about discovering books I eventually read and finish by means of design. I can’t ignore these things anymore, I knew I was officially a design snob the moment I turned away a brand of cereal because of the kerning. I honestly cannot think of a book I’ve recently read that did not have acceptable typography and art. But that is only the first element that captures my exhausted eyes. After I’ve given the book a quick weighing— not too heavy, I have things to do, the back cover gets a quick scan. Mildly interesting, I take note and move on. If the library supplies such a book and holds my interest within the first two chapters- no matter how horrible it becomes, I keep reading and finish.

From last June to November, a repetition occurred. Each book I analysed, weighed and read contained a plethora of suffering, loss and pain. Such books were City of Thieves, What Is the What?, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and Everything Is Illuminated. The typography gave no such hint of this. Since I thought these books were good, I decided to abandon my technique and actually search for suffering, loss and pain. I ran into just as depressing stories, but failed to go beyond it.

The things I’d never do is take advice. People have a terrible track record of recommendations. All tainted by how great the film Eraserhead was described, I haven’t taken any suggestions since.

A grade school teacher once told me that reading books will make you smarter. I’d like to think this while I’m reading, since it’s a relaxing time, becoming smarter in the process sounds easier than a three hour lecture. I can’t really back that statement up with evidence, nor can I deny it. What I do know for certain is that it makes me sleepy.

But I’ve come to realize that I read to know how other people think, to experience another life or culture without leaving my apartment and to see another picture of the past without a photograph. I don’t know if my I.Q. will increase, but at least I do feel smarter and more worldly.

It Happened and Now I'm Here

I read it for the first time last Friday. I might have learned more from my family's past here than through stories told after Christmas dinners. There were grammatical errors, which I didn't expect. Typos riddled each page like a third rough draft (you might've thought they've all gone—)

Amazon does not have a picture. The customer reviews are positive, 2 five star ratings and reviews written in the late 90's and early millennia. Only a blockbuster film could stir any interest in purchasing such a book; people don't think about one of the worst sea disasters everyday.

Although, Pirate Radio stirred a sickness and fear in my stomach during the scene where the cold sea rushes into the rooms of the ship— that scene was entirely too long.

And when I hear Celine Dion, any song, really.

There is a blanket of sadness that lays over me when I think of her. The questions she could never resolve, not matter how many times that night replayed in her mind. Did she ever know where Pekka went?

Having raised my grandfather, something from that traumatic night may have passed onto him, ran through his blood and now rushes through mine.

Several years ago, I decided to look for Pekka. My would be great grandfather, I suppose. Through Finnish specific encyclopedias, interviews, short stories— many have incorrect information. Where do they get this crap? "I'll go out and see, what's going on." Never left Pekka's lips.

Some references have the wrong names completely. Erin and Pekko?

An interview was finally recovered from a man that claimed to have been running around in the chaos with Pekka that night; even the last seconds of life Pekka had in the freezing Atlantic.

So, did Elin ever find out what happened to her husband on the night she became a widow?

Having died on the day my uncle was born, sitting in a chair with A Night to Remember laid on her lap, I'd say the Titantic had actually taken her life too, so many years ago.

http://www.amazon.com/Going-See-What-Has-Happened/dp/0965717402