Small or Big // Book Pros and Cons

We always compare paperbacks and hardbacks, but what about small books and big books? Of course, there is that quote that. . . someone said [apparently] about how a book is never too long. And there's another about liking big books and not lying [how honest]. So with that, one would think that the vote is unanimously for big books.

Ha! Sir, I contest thee.

Perhaps shorter books have redeeming qualities too, and long books some not-so-advertised qualities. Ever think of that? We shall explore.

Big Books

The Pros

[Think you're so huge and mighty, huh! Well. . .] 

 

1) There's a whole lot of book, thus a whole lot of adventure.

2) Some people see a challenge. They tend to be the people who like a challenge.

3) They make good improv weapons.

 

4) You can stack them to add necessary height in any number of circumstances: for setting up a camera for a bookstagram shot, for reaching the top shelf, for building a book fortress. . . use your imagination.

5) You can hide your face behind them when in public or when running from your enemies. 

6) They make you look smart.

7) They build your capacity for commitment [if you actually finish them and you're into that kinda thing].

8)  You can read and exercise simultaneously.

The Cons

[Indeed, these exist.]

 

1) They are so heavy! Have you ever traveled with big books [obviously you can't travel with just one book no matter how big]. This is why books went digital. It's the fault of long-winded writers and big books [thanks Tolkien]. And what if you want to take it to school, but you have to fit all those textbooks in your backpack too?

2) They are daunting.

3) Like what if you don't want to commit to something that loooong!?

4) What if  you don't have that kind of time?

5) Or attention span?

6) They're discouraging to slow readers. It can take a year to read one.

7) They attract a lot of attention in public. If you're carrying around this ginormous book, people tend to see it. They lean over and ask you questions about said book when obviously

a) you're reading, thus hello, you want to be left alone

 

b) dude, if you want to know the title, just read the cover or spine

 

c) your introvert soul certainly does NOT want to be noticed, especially not by strangers

d) reading in public is neither a spectator sport nor a team effort, so go away

e) please and thank you.

 

Small Books

The Pros

[Huzzah! I mean, uh, totally not biased here]

 

1) They're small and adorable, and sometimes they even fit inside your pocket.

2) They're less time-consuming.

3) They're more approachable.

4) You can read them fast.

5) Thus you can read more of them. 

6) They don't attract as much attention in public, so you can manage to hide as an introvert and do your reading undisturbed.

7) You feel so accomplished for having read a book in a day or two. It was only 200 pages? Pfft. Don't be silly. Page numbers don't factor into the equation at all.

8) They're the perfect packing size and won't tear your arm off when lifting them. [So I've a 5 pound textbook this semester. Honest. I weighed it on a scale. What is wrong with professors?]

9) People who have short attention spans and commit issues can read books too!

10) They're like coffee. They're energy and motivation shots that keep you going throughout your insane life.

The Cons

[Just to be fair]

1) They don't hide your face well. So to hide from your enemies, you have to go secret agent style and use a newspaper.

2) There's less book, so less adventure. Like, where is the rest? What if you want more?

3) They're not the best choice of weaponry. Unless your opponent is a fly, I guess, they're great fly swatters, yeah? Or if you're talking paper cuts. Never underestimate paper cuts.

4) They're just a little too easy to finish. Is it weird that sometimes you want something that takes more effort?

PS--So sorry for being gone for about ever. Without telling you. Heh. . . Uh, not dead? 

What do you prefer, small books or big? What would you add to the list?

October Footnotes // a quotation about a character

Life has been really busy. Every now and then, I see in my email or Blogger feed the amazing posts you people are writing, and I want to read THEM ALL. But what is time? Some say it's a myth and that we just made it up. Unfortunately, professors with academic deadlines won't buy that line. So I'm must keep up with their deadlines. I don't even have time to find a gif to show you how bummed I am about this. This is the saddest day of sad days, friends.

But we shall shake that off because who needs to be in the depths of the despair all the time? Not me, not you. I do blame the lateness of this Footnotes on college, but then I was also two weeks late for my own birthdate. So, I was literally born this way. Late.

*ahem*

Footnotes is *supposedly* a monthly link-up hosted by Emily @ Stranger Worlds [pst, go follow her, off you are now, you can thank me later] and me @ right here [obviously]. You get to write about quotes! Who doesn't like quotes? We'll give you a prompt, but feel free to do as you want.

This month's prompt is

a quote that defines or captures the essence of a favorite character

Fun, yes?

Here's the button.

And if you'd be so kind, please sign the link because I'd love to read your post. But seriously, sometimes I forget to sign the link.

Living Life to the Lees -- Tennyson // Footnotes

 


Recently, I've been wanting to read poetry more often. I know, I know. Half of you probably think that's absolutely dull. And I don't blame you. Poetry, especially that by classical authors, can be a little difficult to wrap my head around. It seems so cryptic sometimes.

In one of my classes this semester, I read Tennyson. While I don't always like the subject matter of some of his poems, I love Tennyson's way with words. His poetry is always smooth and lyrical. Here's a few of my favorite lines from his Ulysses. I'll possibly take it a bit out of context


 


 [not completely so don't breathe fire just yet] and, lucky you, I'll omit the extensive analysis of my fellow classmates.

Some background on the poem as a whole: Ulysses is speaking to his men about setting sail to seek more adventures. He's already returned home from the Trojan War. He's no longer one of those youths whom people expect to seek quests and daring deeds.

"I cannot rest from travel; I will drink 

Life to the lees"

lines 6-7

I heard this line in an English class wherein we didn't actually read the whole poem. It was just something that my professor quoted, and I loved it then as I love it now. "Lees" is the very dregs of a cup. I like this idea of getting the most out of life. Never stopping just because it's expected of you.





Everyone seems to have this idea of what your life timeline is supposed to look like [graduate, go to college, get a good job, get married, have kids, retire // stereotypically go from passionate, to cynical, realistic, nostalgic, then useless]. To me, that seems to call for a lot of settling for less. It's odd to me that we're taught that this settling for less is somehow the best thing and something we all ought to look forward to. Of course, to some people it's not actually settling; it's what they want. And that's great for them. But I wonder how many people might secretly want something else.

"And this gray spirit yearning in desire 

To follow knowledge like a sinking star, 

Beyond the utmost bound of human thought."

lines 30-32

I'm love learning, and I certainly believe there is no age limit to it. To all those elder people [I say that with respect] who say that they would've loved to learn [insert hobby here] but think that it's too late, Ulysses is telling you, you're never too old to be fabulous.


 

Also, that those last two lines. I'm a great advocate for thinking. Thinking is cool. 

[can NEVER keep a consistent theme]

"Old age hath yet his honor and his toil. 

Death closes all; but something ere the end, 

Some work of noble note, may yet be done, 

Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods."

lines 50-53

This relates a bit to the previous one. Some elder people whom I've met seem to have this mentality that they don't have any future and thus think they ought to stop living life [I'm not speaking literally].


 


No way! Now I understand if someone can't physically do or learn the the things that they want. But truly? Elder people can be great too! Even you are physically inhibited, that doesn't mean you have to be useless or boring. There is so much potential, if anything wisdom, to be found in elder people. I've met a few who are determined to live life to the very lees. And I love being around them and learning from them.

So here's the last of the poem.

"We are not now that strength which in old days 

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are-- 

One equal temper of heroic hearts, 

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will 

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." 

lines 66-70

What do you think? Should/can learning, trying new things, and seeking "adventure" be a life-long pursuits? What's your favorite poem? Or your least favorite?