Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Right Moment

Do you ever read a book at just the right moment?

I recently read A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.  I stumbled upon it in a used book store and purchased it after scanning the jacket copy without really taking it in because if I had taken it in, I probably would not have purchased it.  Despite the fact that I enjoy nearly every historical novel I ever read, I consider myself a reader who does not like historical novels. (Don't ask. I'll be the first to admit this is completely nonsensical.  Cognitive dissonance at it's finest.)

Both the book and the author were new to me, which I can only blame on my own ignorance.  But I liked the cover, the price suited my needs, and so it sat on my nightstand for some time before my stack of books grew smaller and it appeared at the top and I thought, Well then, this book...is next.

I am grateful to the book for many reasons. For the simplicity and beauty of its words.  For the voice, which sang to me.  For the story, which river-flowed at the right pace and emptied just where it should.

But I am most grateful that it found me when it did.  I had been struggling for weeks to understand the structure of my current manuscript and in a just-like-that moment, in a blade of grass snap, the lock was broken.  All that I'd been doing wrong, this book does right.

8 comments:

  1. When the student is ready, the teacher will come. I've had it happen several times. And, like you, I am awed by it. Congrats on unlocking the piece to your manuscript. :)

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  2. It is a wonderful book. You MUST read her newest book, REVOLUTION, it's awesome! Love, love, love it!

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  3. I would pick up that book based on the cover alone. Now I must read it. And I'm glad you found it at the right moment you needed it. Isn't that serendipitous?

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  4. Sounds nice that you found a book that helped you at just the right moment. I love books like that!

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  5. I've heard of that book several times, but I've never read it. (And I AM a fan of historicals, lol.) I should see if it's available on Kindle.

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  6. That is so cool. I like historicals every once in a while. I will have to check this one out.

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  7. I read a review of this on Afterglow Reviews. It sounds awesome!!!

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  8. you have me totally intrigued, Sarno. Plus, I love your giant book.

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