So far this year I've read 3 biographies: one of Cleopatra, an autobiography of Agatha Christie, and am in the middle of an autobiography of Tim Rice. Reading biographies isn't a usual choice for me, but as I grow older, I find that my literary choices are changing*.
Reading biographies is an interesting view into someone's life, but also an easy way to see how dull your life can be in comparison, and how bad your memory is for past events (provided you don't keep a diary or journal). I could pretty much sum up my life thus far into a few bullet points:
Born
Did well in school academically
Got a university degree
Failed CA
Had a couple of serious relationships
Had 2 jobs: one in accounting and one in IT
Got married
Adopted a cat
That's pretty much it. I can flesh out some of those topics some more, but it wouldn't be the subject of a book that anyone would care to read.
This is, in part, why I can't understand the viability of the Real Housewives TV series, Jersey Shore, The Hills, or any other slice-of-life "reality" TV show. It's obvious that the "events" which happen to these people are fictional, because otherwise they'd be as boring as me. Who watches these shows? Is life so bad for you that you have to live vicariously through fictional characters? I don't feel the need to supplement my life by watching fake life pretending to be real. I'm growing increasingly tired of seeing episode recaps of these shows on websites, I skip past them as fast as possible.
The truth is that most of us aren't all that special. When today's parents attempt to brag about their child reading at an earlier-than-average age, or walking sooner than most, etc., I can't help but chuckle a bit. Your kid probably isn't anything special, and lots of kids learned to do those things early (my mother says I read her the obits when I was 4). I will admit, I am not a parent, and if I was, I'd probably brag right along with the rest of them.
I was a fan of reality TV when it began. It was fun at first, but I grew out of it. I wish the rest of America would do the same.
*Not that I intend to make a habit out of reading biographies, as I can't say I've loved what I've read to date. Jury is still out on the third, but it's the best so far.
2 comments:
I think you have one story that a majority of people would find at least somewhat interesting. It involves a dashing American, a long-distance love affair, the trials and tribulations of the two getting together and overcoming the obstacles to their relationship, and finally ends with the American uprooting himself and moving across the continent and to a new country to be with you.
That seems pretty special.
Look at the world from a different lense and realize that everyone is unique: even twins are not exactly alike! Every life has an element of difference that separates the individual from all others similar to, but some people have lives that are filled with challenges, obstacles, exciting adventures, and, obviously, the unlimited financial resources to live that lifestyle.
You are the answer to my son's prayers, and that makes you pretty darned special to him, his sister, and his mother. Really.
*mourai
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