Comments on: 6 things I learned from annie dillard

By: cynthia

cynthia — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:49:12 +0000

In reply to Terresa Wellborn. The Maytrees qualifies, Terresa. Let me know what you think when you get a chance to read it.

By: Terresa Wellborn

Terresa Wellborn — Mon, 31 May 2010 05:48:21 +0000

I just added The Maytrees to my Goodreads “to read” list. I love reading a good story crafted and beautifully written.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Sun, 30 May 2010 12:24:37 +0000

In reply to Nichole Bernier. Nichole, isn't it interesting how some books you can just zip through. I don't mean bad books. I mean well-written books that just read fast. The words are good. The story's good. But there's nothing underneath or between the words. And then there are others, like The Maytrees, that when we try to read quickly, we miss so much.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:44:55 +0000

In reply to Barb. Barb, someone else mentioned the density of her prose, and I really felt that quality this go round. I appreciate your letting me know that it's possible to enjoy these posts without having read the book. And I'm so excited about all that's going on with you : )

By: Nichole Bernier

Nichole Bernier — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:29:03 +0000

You’re right—there’s nothing fast about Dillard. She’s best taken in small bites, slowly digested. As you’ve done here. Thanks for reminding me of this memorable book. I knew even as I read it that I was going too quickly, damned impatience.

By: Barb

Barb — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:15:25 +0000

Dillard is definitely not for everyone, but when I read all her work for a class in grad school, I really started to appreciate her and the density of her prose. Definitely not for the light reader looking for a quick fix, but Dillard always left me feeling like I’d experienced something special. I haven’t read The Maytrees, and with what i’ve got going on right now it’s doubtful I’ll find the time to digest it any time soon. I love being able to read about it here though. Thanks for sharing so much of the experience with all of us.