advancing the intellect
3 months ago
...because there are so many brilliant, thought-provoking works of literature that I’d like to soak in.
How to become well-read
It made me
Satisfied 
"Since I continually read books that aren't frivolous, I'm bound to become at least a little well read."
How I did it: It's arrogant to claim that one's well read. But the site only gives one the choice between I've Done This and I'm Doing This. I have two degrees in comparative literature and guess that's helped somewhat. More to the point, I got enamored of reading at the age of 15 and have read at least two books that I consider at least somewhat serious every week since. Reading is a very productive way of living. If anyone wants to ask me about my experiences in this respect, fire away.
Lessons & tips: Start with serious writers whose prose is very easy to read: Kurt Vonnegut, Ernest Hemingway, Joan Didion, Richard Brautigan. Gradually move up through writers such as Somerset Maugham, whose prose is slightly more challenging but still easy to read. Save writers such as William James, Virginia Woolf and James Joyce for last. (Note: while Woolf's fiction is hard to read, her essays are generally easy to read and are entertaining.)
Resources: Books or collections about experimental writing will often introduce readers to writers whose prose styles are very easy to read. Don't try to read the books; rather, read the quotations from writers until you think you've found some writing that suits you.
People doing this:
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Lewisville
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Malaysia
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