悦读人生

When I was little, books were plentiful2 in our home. My mother had been an English teacher prior to3 becoming a stay-at-home mom and reading books was expected of my brother and me. We devoured them like Oreo cookies.4

But somewhere in primary school5, my love of reading faded. I noticed how a friend of mine was constantly absorbed in her books. I wasnt like that. The transition from learning to read to reading to learn was uneventful6 for me.

Somewhere in that process, I lost my passion for reading and soon discovered that school textbook requirements were enough. Novels were long, and the instant gratification of television replaced any desire to read for pleasure.

After I graduated from university, I made an effort to read books for fun. I craved the knowledge and satisfaction that radiated from my friends after a good read.7 I wanted to know what it felt like to stay up all night with a good book, to relax in a comfy8 chair and forget about time.

I made New Years resolutions to read at least five books a year, but always ended up short of my goal. It took me many months to finish a book, after putting it down for days or even weeks during busy times. Subsequently, Id forget what Id read then procrastinate9 at the thought of having to reread several pages. Once I tried to speed read my way through a novel, but my attention to detail conflicted with my attempts to skip even a single word.10

Chores, exercising and socializing took precedence over books.11 And reading in public was hopeless, as people-watching competed for my attention.

When a friend of mine asked me to join her book club, I made another effort. I knew I wasnt an avid12 reader, nor was I comfortable expressing my opinion in a group. But I didnt care. An escape from my mom duties for one evening a month, and the opportunity to ignite the reading spark Id lost years ago, was hard to resist. So I accepted the invitation to this well-established group of readers.

That summer I read Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry, the required book for my debut meeting in September.13 I wasnt particularly fond of that book. I had wanted to give up after the first chapter, but the potential embarrassment of showing up unprepared was enough to make me persevere.14

I was apprehensive15 walking into the first meeting. I recognized all seven women in the room, casual acquaintances16 from the neighbourhood. I received a warm welcome, smiles and pleasantries while I accepted a glass of wine, hoping it would calm my nerves.17 Idle chit-chat kicked off the meeting, followed by a short book discussion, then more conversation, all while we sipped wine and devoured appetizers.18

Even though I had read the book, I contributed nothing to the discussion and little to the chatter19. I felt like the shy, new kid at school who had been incorrectly placed in a higher-level class on the first day.

But there was something in this meeting that I did do. I listened intently20. These women were fascinating, sharing their knowledge from all the reading they had done. They talked about the current book, compared books, discussed authors and recommended other good reads. Their enthusiasm was contagious.21 And I was like a sponge, soaking up every word.

I dont know what the group thought of me, but later that night I had trouble drifting off to sleep. I couldnt stop thinking about the meeting. I felt inspired, maybe a little overwhelmed22, but I was determined to read the next book and go back the following month.

Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew23 was on the list for Octobers meeting. I read the book and, surprisingly, liked it. Instead of the regular weeknight meeting, our group took an overnight road trip to Stratford, Ont., to see the play. I remember my confidence as we strolled out of the theatre critiquing what wed seen.24 I felt energized, excited and accepted as I shared my opinion.

Each month that first year, I read every book. Some I liked, some I didnt. I even read a few that were not on our list, but had been recommended as good reads. The women offered an infectious25 energy for books that I adored and respected. They were passionate about reading and I wanted to feel that way too. And that meant challenging myself to read more.

Eight years later, Im still a member of the same book club. Im fairly quiet in our meetings, and I will never read as much or as quickly as the others. But Im learning more about other cultures and religions, exercising my mind and increasing my vocabulary. I now sink into26 a good book on a rainy day, stay up late to read a few more chapters and recommend good reads to others. For that I am grateful.

1. reignite: 重新燃起。

2. plentiful: 丰富的，大量的。

3. prior to: 在……之前。

4. devour: 如饥似渴地阅读，津津有味有地看；Oreo cookie: 奥利奥奶油夹心巧克力饼干（商标名）。

5. primary school: 小学。

6. uneventful: 平淡的，平凡的。

7. crave: 渴望；radiate from: 自……發出。

8. comfy: 舒服的。

9. procrastinate: 拖延，耽搁。

10. conflict: 冲突，抵触；skip: 跳过，忽略。

11. chore: 日常琐事，家庭杂务；precedence: 领先，优先。

12. avid: 劲头十足的，热情的。

13. Family Matters: 加拿大著名作家罗辛顿·米斯垂（Rohinton Mistry）的作品；debut: 首次亮相。

14. embarrassment: 尴尬；persevere: 坚持。

15. apprehensive: 不安的，害怕的。

16. acquaintance: 熟人。

17. pleasantry: 幽默，开玩笑；nerves: 神经紧张。

18. chit-chat:〈口〉聊天，闲谈；kick off:（使）开始；appetizer:（餐前的）开胃小吃。

19. chatter: 喋喋不休。

20. intently: 专心地。

21. enthusiasm: 热情；contagious: 有感染力的。

22. overwhelmed: 不知所措的。

23. The Taming of the Shrew: 《驯悍记》，莎士比亚的著名喜剧。

24. stroll: 溜达；critique: 评论。

25. infectious: 有感染力的。

26. sink into: 沉浸在……。