Balance

Because I have a tendency to get swept up in what I’m passionate about (books, libraries, work) I often lose that healthy balance that ensures that one eats properly, or gets exercise, or (most importantly of all) spends enough time with friends and loved ones. This weekend recharged my batteries in a way. I spent time with someone I haven’t seen in months, went for lovely walks, and cooked veggie-laden foods – something I haven’t done in an age.

I still didn’t get to read my four books, but I did get through two, the first of which launches another book phase which couldn’t be helped, given my new position. I’m very into what is called ‘civisme’ in French, and what translates to ‘public spiritedness’ in English, according to my dictionary (sometimes, living in Quebec, you completely lose English words for things!).

Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community was really good. From 2000, it covers the decline in the involvement of Americans in civic life over the last couple of decades, why this occurred, and whether it will bounce back. As a civil servant, the subject interests me greatly. I love his descriptions and discussions of schmoozers versus machers: those who are highly connected socially versus those who contribute much effort and time to the betterment of their communities, respectively. I think I may forward this book to some of our senior officials, and then read the author’s next book on the same subject, adding it to the small pile of titles growing on my living room coffee table. I can’t wait to read more Jane Jacobs too.

The second book I read was disappointing, despite it’s snappy title. Quirky QWERTY: The Story of the Keyboard @ Your Fingertips by Torbjörn Lundmark was really not so much about the history of the keyboard, but more about the evolution of the letters. David Sacks’s Language Visible fleshes out the same information in a more thorough and interesting way. The single chapter devoted to the keyboard itself could have been gleaned from an encyclopedia entry. I also hated the layout, and thought that it was designed as filler. It’s too bad because I had high hopes.

The week ahead is rather packed as you’d expect. I have great books lined up though, so here’s hoping I can get to them. It’s been a few weeks now that I haven’t been able to read the four books a week as per this blog’s original intent. I should be getting back to my regular posting days soon, however, which are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Speak to you then.

Comments

[Vic]

I was wandering in the philosophy blogosphere when I found this blog. As it's name suggest "the library girl" seems you'l be consuming your life with books. How about creating your own books? Just a suggestion.
Real and actual happenings/experiences in our lives serves also as great books. Anyway, keep up the great work. Nice Blog.