Discoveries As I Read

I keep making new discoveries as I read and reread. One of those discoveries is that there’s more to reading than well, reading.

It’s a case of learning about self through reading works of others, that is, learning about my interests, attitude and motivation to read certain subjects and genres. I’ll sure write more on this later, and after the summer reading challenge is over.

For now, all I can say is I’m still reading and happy with the progress I’ve made thus far. There’s a lot still left to read as I’ve included a few titles to my original list. The challenge is whether or not, I’ll be able to read all the books before end of summer. Nonetheless, I’ll continue to read even after summer, as I always do, albeit at a slower pace.

Another important note about reading. If you’ve read, commented and entered the Summer Giveaway: for Poetry Lovers, thank you very much for your contribution. I truly appreciate your support.

And, the winner has been announced. If it’s not your name you see at the bottom of that post, do not despair, there will be more giveaways in the future and another chance to win. Stay tuned!

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

14 Comments

  1. I love that about reading too, Khaya. The books we choose and love, and those that stick with us are windows into ourselves. Happy Reading!

  2. Celestine!
    My eyes are tearing up. What a beautiful review! You have no idea how much I appreciate your support.
    Thank you, thank you so much. <3

  3. What is beautiful is the message you send that if someone who writes such labor-and-love intensive poetry can find time and value in reading widely, the rest of us have no excuses! I recently read a book called “There There” by a new Native American voice, Tommy Orange…If one wants to read a genuine and faithful writer who speaks for the “Urban Indian”… this is your book and Orange is your new author to watch…

  4. Wow! Thank you, KC. I was a reader long before I became a writer, and I give reading the same amount of respect I do writing. Because every story matters. And now, Tommy Orange…I have to hear his story. I’ll certainly be on the lookout for this book. Thanks for pointers!

  5. “I was a reader before I was a writer,” this phrase is familiar for me. I think it’s an important first step in becoming a writer and what you describe here is quite accurate.

  6. Rereading is one of my personal pleasures. I love finding new things in old stories, learning new things about the me reading then and the me reading now. Also, I just love enjoying a good story over and over and over. 😀

  7. I can relate to “finding new things in old stories, learning new things about the me reading then and the me reading now.” This is one of the reading pleasures, and a bonus. I guess this quote by Robertson Davies rings true “A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.” 🙂

  8. Khaya, what an idyllic reading spot!! I think you better keep it a secret or you will have many visitors joining you in this hideout! You make an interesting point about learning about one’s self as you read … very true and it becomes a fully immersive time which can stay with one long after finishing the book. Happy Reading and don’t stress about reading them all … savour every single one!

  9. Oh yes certainly, I’m not sharing my hideout. It is where I run to, when the city gets too much. 😀
    You are right about savouring every single book. I realised that after every book, I need a pause to relish the experience before moving to the next. So, there is no way I can rush this experience but I’ll certainly read all in my list and beyond, and even after the challenge ends.

Do leave a trace!