“When you read, you’re listening to one voice, and it slows things down.”
Raphael Badagliacca
“You can’t write unless you can read” — how true these words of Raphael’s are! And how important this is for us to remember, which is why I jotted them down in a notebook emblazoned with a quote from Jane Austen that echoed his words: “There is no enjoyment like reading!”
Raphael is the author of a warm, witty book, Father’s Day: Encounters with Everyday Life, and a lifelong reading enthusiast who believes passionately in the power of storytelling (see Willing Accomplices). In a fascinating, wide-ranging Write Group program called, “How to Read and Write Non-Fiction: Putting Together the Puzzle of Your Life,” Raphael explored the many ways in which reading non-fiction illuminates both our lives and our writing. As he said so well: “A book reads you: it tells you what matters to you.” He also shared some
wonderful ideas for reading dangerously and adventurously:
Read what matters to you: To enliven your reading experience, make a list of subjects that you care about — that will help you delve into mysteries and life themes that speak to your personal life quest. Raphael shared his list, which included: Storytelling, The God
Question, Past to Present, The Self, America. This prompted me to start jotting down my own list: Storytelling & Craft, Nature & Energy Transfer, Resilience, Medieval Times.
Read deeply and actively: Raphael shared some of the books he’s delved into to illuminate The God Question for him, ranging from: Heaven and Man Seeks God to The World Without Us and Immortality. Carefully annotating key passages (with removable transparent slips — this is a book lover!), Raphael actively engages with each text — allowing a book to “read him” by illuminating his own experience and letting him discover and connect new ideas.
Read with an open, curious mind: “Any learning involves a certain amount of surrender,” notes Raphael. The key to passionate reading is being ready, willing, and able to be surprised and enriches by fresh insights an author offers and the insights they trigger. Curiosity not only enriches us, it also educates us — reminds us of what we already know.
Passionate readers are passionate writers. Bravo, Raphael — read on, write on!
I second your opinion that this was a splendid talk. I was impressed how prepared he was, which turned out to be an echo of how he reads: WITH CARE; PAYING ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS. I got the sense that he views book with respect, before reading them too. Afterward, he thinks about what they offer in the short and long term to him as a writer. But also as a human being. Kudos to Ralph for the talk; and to you for bringing its essence to your readers here. Toby Stein
Hi Toby,
Hope you are warm and cozy on this snowy afternoon — a great
day for curling up with a wonderful book!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on “Passionate Readers” —
you are so right. The care and time that went into Raphael’s talk
are echoed in the way he reads — with awareness and attention.
To be an active reader is such a gift for a writer!
And thank you for your kind comment about the post I wrote.
It’s always a pleasure to me when I can share some gems of
wisdom with my KWD readers, all of whom I cherish!
Write on,
Karin
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