What is the cutoff for deeper meanings? I was quite alert and ready to go on with my day from about 9:30 this morning, to about 12:30. I was getting a lot of things done. Then I decided I would take a little break and read a book that was recommended to me. A fiction book about Chinese religion and mythology.

I think I come across as a negative person who will reject anything, but in the case of many of the things I reject, I am also coming up with a counterpoint, which slowly unravels my mind to reveal what I am capable of.

As I read the book I became very sleepy. I knew I would become useless for conversation with other people, so I retreated into my brain. I stopped reading the book. I went out for a little bit, and while taking the bus back, I vaguely wondered if I looked out of it, or sleepy. Two guys were discussing wanting to buy a used bus. I tried to remember if Pepsi had a red can or if it was Coca-Cola, and whether I was truly unobservant or if it was understandable given that I don’t drink either. I got off the bus and realized only halfway through crossing the street that I hadn’t stopped to look if something was coming.

I hadn’t stopped thinking of the book. I don’t like it very much. I am tempted to ask the person that gave it to me what it is that I’m supposed to get out of the reading. The main character so far is described as someone who is very good at poetry. The best at poetry, even. I stopped there because I felt very cross at the idea that someone is simply “the best” at something, and the author states this as a matter of fact. I always thought the rule was “show don’t tell” but does that apply for old Chinese myths? Is this a Chinese myth? It’s trying to be, but I think that the entire book is written in a very “Western” way that denies some of the essence of Eastern writing. My head got murky from thinking more about the writing style than what was actually being said. I don’t know if I’ll ever be one of those people than can devour a good novel. I don’t know what books I should be reading that are excellent for devouring. Can someone recommend one?

See, this is what happens when I read printed books. I listen to them so I don’t think so much. It’s way too easy to set the book aside and get lost. I didn’t get past 10 pages. I’ll try again tomorrow.