On Reading a Lot

Yesterday a class mate mentioned that I read a lot. This is true, but I never know what to say when people bring it up.

In our culture reading has a special virtue that other forms of entertainment don't. But I don't read to to be virtuous, I just read because I like reading. I am frequently asked "How do you find time to read?" I make time to read because it is one of my favorite things to do, and because it helps to maintain my mental health. My first year of grad school I read way less and was unhappy.

When people comment on my reading it feels like they are complementing me, there is cultural subtext of virtue there. It is awkward. It is not a direct complement, so I can't just say thank you and move on.

Links

When I lived in England I was surprised to learn that my friends did not think that cheddar cheese should be orange. Here is an NPR story that helps explain this cultural difference.

I've been writing the history section of my groups neighborhood plan. At one point I wondered if the area had ever been redlined. I couldn't find any data for the city I'm working on but I did find this page with residential security maps of many US cities.