You don't have to be a writer to have heard of writer's block. I suffer from this malady 98% of the time. Hence my quarterly blog as opposed to my original plan of weekly. Who did I think I was--J.K. Rowling?? Anyway, I have recently diagnosed myself with memory block as well. I've defined this condition as follows:
One's inability to recall what one has read over the years, be it for leisure or educational purposes.
A year ago I read the book "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. I enjoyed it, but wasn't moved enough to rave to strangers about it on the subway (see blog entry: Kindles, Nooks and Old-fashioned Books, 4/28/11). When the book was made into a movie, I didn't plan on seeing it. Regardless, my husband and I ended up paying $35 to see the 3D version. Remember, NYC prices.
It was worth it! The scenery was breathtaking. It was thought-provoking and educational. Who knew the French had been in India? The French were in Vietnam and Northern Africa, but India? Yes, the French had been in India. I confirmed it with Wikipedia.
After the movie, my husband asked, "Was the book better than the movie?"
I opened my mouth to reply. And then I shut it. I opened it. I shut it. I opened it and replied. "I have no idea."
"I thought you read the book," he retorted.
"I did," I agonized. "But I barely remember it. I recall the symbolism at the end and that's it."
"Oh well," he replied nonchalantly. "Let's go eat."
OH WELL. LET'S GO EAT!?!?!? Is he kidding? I am on the verge of a minor crisis here! Why am I reading if I don't retain? Am I reading too many novels? Am I not reading enough? Should I read only non-fiction? Short stories? Should I reread what I just read?
I do not know! I do know that recently I took a botany class. I read and outlined ten chapters of the text. One day, the teacher asked a question and no one replied. Then he asked, "Did anyone read the chapter?"
Finally! A question I could answer. "Yes, I did." I piped up. "But I guess I didn't retain much . . .or any."
I somewhat understand not retaining textbook information, but I read novels for enjoyment. Shouldn't I remember the plot, characters, and/or setting for more than a few days or weeks? If it's truly an exceptional book--Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer (no accounting for taste is there--tee hee) everything is etched in my mind about Scarlett, Ishvar, and Edward.
But, I think I should be able to recall pretty good books, as well. Five years ago I read A Suitable Boy, by Vikram Seth, every 1,488 pages. I remember it takes place in India. I remember lots of characters celebrating lots of holidays. I remember the plot was akin to a Telemundo telenovela. I spent a month reading that book. And that's what I recall--it was reminescent of a Spanish soap opera!
I'm not alone in this condition. A friend said he buys books more than once. However, he blames the marketing department. They cleverly switch covers when the paperbacks are released. Not until he's into the second or third chapter, that a light bulb slowly illuminates.
Another friend started a list of her reading history in 2000. Unfortunately, she lost it. Since 2010, she now uses her computer with a grading system and a personal note about her thoughts of the book.
A book that I hate has stayed with me--Eat, Pray, Love, a memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert. Thanks to her, I have less interest in visiting India, or returning to Italy and Bali. I fear she'll be revisiting these countries while she indulgently writes her third memoir and I'll encounter her!
I'm starting to think my experience with books are like my friendships. The really great ones, I'll remember and cherish forever. While others, are appropriate for the time. They serve their purpose, yet don't have staying power. And even books and friends that drive me crazy, have a place in my memory.
Mmm, well, maybe my condition isn't so bad after all. My husband and I can go have dinner now.
