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- I had the exact same thought as you: “No discussion of what books and why.” But while reading your comment, I realized that I am actually fine with that. I re

- I had the exact same thought as you: “No discussion of what books and why.” But while reading your comment, I realized that I am actually fine with that. I really do not want to think critically about why I read books. Over the years, I have come to feel that many of the things I find worthwhile are somewhat self-evidently worthwhile (appreciating art comes to mind). Do you really want to think critically about why you enjoy spending time with people you like? Also, part of the joy of reading, for me, is precisely that it helps me get outside my own head and avoid that kind of critical thinking. - Regarding "The World of Yesterday", I should say that it was one of the most impressive books I have ever read. I still often remember particular passages and the emotions they evoked. There is also a certain irony in your saying that you cannot relate to it, because part of what makes the book so fascinating is that it describes a time that is chronologically quite close to our own, yet also profoundly different, beautiful, and completely gone. My two cents: please give it another try!

vintermann 3mo ago
I do want to think critically about why I read specific books. It doesn't take away from my enjoyment if the answer is just "I really enjoy the writing". And when the answer is about other people, then I think it's good to be aware of it - so you can say, for instance, "I'm glad I have all these books as a shared experience with all my fellow Terry Pratchett fans" --- or maybe, "Why do I care about what these people think?". About "The World of Yesterday", I can only say that e.g. Zweig speaking about how he was moved to tears by some piece of art feels a bit alienating, when the art has no such effect on me. What you say > it describes a time that is chronologically quite close to our own, yet also profoundly different, beautiful, and completely gone. IS why I find the book interesting, there's just an asterisk by "beautiful" for me, since clearly Zweig thought it a lot more beautiful than I do. I can't feel what he's feeling just from him describing it, since recent as it may be, his background was completely different from my own in most ways I can think of. I do think it's likely I'll pick it up again, but I can't relate well to it on a personal level.

vintermann 3mo ago

I do want to think critically about why I read specific books. It doesn't take away from my enjoyment if the answer is just "I really enjoy the writing". And when the answer is about other people, then I think it's good to be aware of it - so you can say, for instance, "I'm glad I have all these books as a shared experience with all my fellow Terry Pratchett fans" --- or maybe, "Why do I care about what these people think?". About "The World of Yesterday", I can only say that e.g. Zweig speaking about how he was moved to tears by some piece of art feels a bit alienating, when the art has no such effect on me. What you say > it describes a time that is chronologically quite close to our own, yet also profoundly different, beautiful, and completely gone. IS why I find the book interesting, there's just an asterisk by "beautiful" for me, since clearly Zweig thought it a lot more beautiful than I do. I can't feel what he's feeling just from him describing it, since recent as it may be, his background was completely different from my own in most ways I can think of. I do think it's likely I'll pick it up again, but I can't relate well to it on a personal level.