18-Apr-2007

OMG, OMG, OMG... so, the Honeybee understands my taste in movies and books.  She hasn't quite mastered the music and television part.  I know she hasn't mastered the music part because she blasts PIPPEN when I'm in the car with her, telling me over and over that she knows I'll grow to like it.  No.  No, I won't.  In fact, I often debate jumping out of the car and rolling headlong to my death when we get to a major intersection just so I don't have to listen to that godawful tripe.  She also thinks I will grow to love THE 4400.  Again, no, no, I won't.  Even though I can't stay awake for an entire episode, she still thinks there's a chance. 

However, the Honeybee knows which books I will like.  She came over Monday night, toting Stephen King's ON WRITING.  She handed it to me, I opened it, and I barely put it down until last night, when I finished it.  A 24 hour turnaround isn't that impressive, but literally, it's the best book on writing I've ever read, even beating THE ARTIST'S WAY for first place in my heart.  It's part memoir, part notes on the craft, but it is always engaging, humorous, and mindful of the basic tools that make a writer.  Because that is what writing is, it's a craft, and you have tools which you have to master, so it becomes very objective, with a hint of magic thrown in here and there.  I CRIED at the end.  CRIED.  Me.  Over a book on writing.  I didn't want it to be over.  I am such a girl... but seriously, even if you're not a writer, READ THIS BOOK.

I have tried to recall other writing that has evoked such a vivid reaction from me, and the bit that sprung immediately to mind was the first "chapter," aka four paragraphs, of LOLITA.  Do yourself a favor - find a copy, read those first four paragraphs, and see if you don't feel your stomach fly away like you're on a rollercoaster.  Dare ya.