My Turn: A junkie for learning, reading everything

I love to learn stuff. From the littlest bit of information to the most profound. Nothing is too inconsequential to attract my attention. I'm a junkie; the more I read, the more I need.

Sounds like "Trivial Pursuit," but it's things we read about in newspapers that become food for writers and dramatists. After all, everyday happenings can be made into fine movies and plays. Gossip can be good fun and makes for a great read.

I usually forget half of what I was so engrossed in and couldn't put down. It's the enjoyment of the story unfolding, not the retention of every nitty-gritty piece of information that I read. I can't absorb everything, but some nuggets of wisdom seep through by osmosis and pop up again in my brain when I need them.

The Sunday newspaper supplements pile up on my coffee table. The magazines form a Tower of Babel. I can't bear to let them go. What if I missed something? A review of a play I plan to see. Political articles on subjects I'm interested in. Old book reviews. Buried in a pile of supplements hides a commentary on a concert I saw recently. A little gem of a fact may be lurking in the pile that could provide an "aha" moment. Books are taking over, the ones I've read and those waiting their turn.

I always suspected that play was going to be a bomb, but how would I have known the truth if I hadn't uncovered the review hidden in the heap? I just saved $200.

Reading a book of any genre always has some piece of knowledge that I didn't know before. Even the shlockiest novel has concealed within the fluff some nugget of information. The writers do the research, and we benefit. The goodies are there for people like me to enjoy. Learning is my entertainment.

I've read Jonathan Franzen's book "The Corrections" multiple times. Rereading books I have enjoyed provides insight into the characters the author presents and improves my understanding of the narrative. I sometimes open the book randomly and read a chapter or two. It comforts me. I know the family members and understand them more as they unfold. I particularly appreciated the mother in this novel: She reminded me of my own.

My home would be Collier's mansion if my husband didn't throw everything out when I wasn't looking. Sometimes I have to go out to the trash to retrieve a magazine he threw out only minutes before. "Why do you do that?" I yell, "I needed an article in there."

The good thing about learning is that it's open-ended. You don't have to worry about cost; it's cheap. Your age doesn't matter. All you need is desire. It can go on indefinitely. You can even write your own epitaph. "Here she lies, searching for enlightenment."

Instead of being buried with ordinary worldly treasures like the pharaohs were, you can have books, old newspapers, and magazines to keep you company, just in case there is a hereafter.

But, wait! While digging through my pile I found out I've been living in a cave. Fresh information has emerged. Do you know who Sara Mearns is? If you don't know, I suggest you start your own pile and check the supplements.

I guess I'm not ready for my pyramid yet.

Maxine Stone,
Great Neck

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