Another great piece as always, Tom. I really don't use social media at all anymore, and haven't for a few years. It was amazing... I quit social media, worried that I would be out of touch with the world and everyone I knew. Instead I got my bachelor's degree, made many new friends as well as forming deeper connections with existing ones, went on some amazing hikes, and read some amazing books. But I've noticed recently that social media, or the design of social media, is creeping into everything. Like just not being on social platforms is not enough distance anymore. It's there when I check the news, or look up a recipe, or watch a gardening video online. Avatars yelling themselves hoarse, as you said. Are you finding that as well? If so, how do you deal with it; just stay off the internet altogether?
I’m just happy that it doesn’t take too many pages before I realize that the reason a book sounded so interesting when I picked it up was because I’d already read it.
Brilliant. I haven't got round to reading your wonderful sounding books yet but they're definitely on my list of books I want to read if only I put down my phone and get on and read the books I have but also haven't read yet. I will. I will. Loved this. Also liked the Stone Diaries. Currently liking Tove Jansson's Summer Book. Thank you Tom.
Of all the bits and pieces I've read on substack in the last few years this is the one that has inspired me to, not only buy your book but get back into buying more books in general 😁 !!
And here I was feeling good about my 44... I did not delete Twitter altogether last year, but I did delete the app from my phone. Definitely a good decision. Also I only read tweets by people I set up alerts for. I'm not a very nostalgic person, but I am thinking of the time between 2008 and perhaps 2011 as a golden social media age. Then it's just grown progressively shitter. Yet I found it hard to quit it, because it felt like isolating myself from society or social interaction. I suppose I still do. But I've definitely spent way more time with books these past few years. And it feels like a renaissance for my brain!
I've realised I've been thirsting for reading complex thought. And some of the more contemporary fiction (well, nonfiction, too) doesn't really offer it. It wants to feed the beast created by social media. Don't think I have to worry about that with you though, Tom. Looking forward to your next novel and forward to reading something that doesn't feel like it was written by AI or someone very aware of whatever the fuck Booktok trends are! I'm sure it's going to be a treat!
Adding Stone Diaries to the list. So nice to read I’m not the only one who reads constantly and loves books but can’t seem to remember basic plot structure or important details. I love to think that it’s all there in a stew! Much nicer thought than “my brain is a sieve.”
I find that i have not watched television for months, but have been voraciously reading books of all types. The sadness when a really good one is finished and they have only written one.
I want to scream, ‘Where’s the followup? You can’t leave it like this!’
Absolutely loved this, Tom. Scarily apposite, not least the self-justifying conversations with the Boss of Me to carve out an extra half-hour of reading time, instead of finishing that eminently invoicable slab of work over there...
I heard a few bells ring while reading this. You and I have one or two things in common Tom: firstly that lack of recall of details of books read, and secondly deleting my Twitter account at the beginning of 2022 quite a while before the big shake up. At the same time I also deleted my LinkedIn and Pictionary accounts and have a similarly dormant Facebook account. I can still recall the amazing sense of freedom and peace turning my back on those shackles gave me. Thank you for sharing your words Tom, I love reading what you write.
I found this piece so comforting and wise! I have just read it, before the school run, when I'm normally a grumpy mess. It has cheered me up immensely. I read The Stone Diaries about three years ago, also my first Carol Shields. I absolutely adored it but have forgotten most details, and you have made me feel so much better about that! I want to read Larry's Party next. Now....can I steel myself to finally stop using Twitter? I deleted the app some time ago but still feel compelled to go on through the browser 🫣
Thank you, Rosie. I will check that out. I have been meaning to read Lauren's books for a few years, after enjoying a shorter piece she wrote (I can't remember where).
Very interesting lost on an impirtant topic. I am not on social media; I am trying out Substack for now. I still read books and long-form fiction, but nit quite as much as I did before 2012.
The environment changed and it is not as pleasurable as it was before. I suspect it has much to do with our reductionist society, where only money and acquisition is lauded and applauded. This should encourage escape into good literature, and it might if most of us were not appreciably worried about paying for a roof over our heads, heating our tiny places, and putting food on our tables.
Yes, 2008 is an important milestone, an ignoble year for the common man and women; it is the year, we now know, when the wealthy of Wall Street were rewarded for their avarice and fraud. The rest of us can eat cake, or better yet cake crumbs.
The only one I know, who could “recite” his books, from his youth, is the one and only, (and how I wish, our paths had crossed, in real life) Christopher Hitchens. 🤓🙏🏻👏👏👏👏🌞
Another great piece as always, Tom. I really don't use social media at all anymore, and haven't for a few years. It was amazing... I quit social media, worried that I would be out of touch with the world and everyone I knew. Instead I got my bachelor's degree, made many new friends as well as forming deeper connections with existing ones, went on some amazing hikes, and read some amazing books. But I've noticed recently that social media, or the design of social media, is creeping into everything. Like just not being on social platforms is not enough distance anymore. It's there when I check the news, or look up a recipe, or watch a gardening video online. Avatars yelling themselves hoarse, as you said. Are you finding that as well? If so, how do you deal with it; just stay off the internet altogether?
Great words
Book recommendations are very inconvenient because I can’t resist buying recommended books 😬
The list piles up fast
I’m just happy that it doesn’t take too many pages before I realize that the reason a book sounded so interesting when I picked it up was because I’d already read it.
Brilliant. I haven't got round to reading your wonderful sounding books yet but they're definitely on my list of books I want to read if only I put down my phone and get on and read the books I have but also haven't read yet. I will. I will. Loved this. Also liked the Stone Diaries. Currently liking Tove Jansson's Summer Book. Thank you Tom.
This is awesome
Of all the bits and pieces I've read on substack in the last few years this is the one that has inspired me to, not only buy your book but get back into buying more books in general 😁 !!
Hurray! Thanks Sarah. Good news all round!
I've been asking all who know me, to stop me buying books, if I'm seen anywhere near one or in one.
Best scenario in the Universe - chocolate, books and me, in the same space / time - Aah! Bliss!
Over 70 books!
And here I was feeling good about my 44... I did not delete Twitter altogether last year, but I did delete the app from my phone. Definitely a good decision. Also I only read tweets by people I set up alerts for. I'm not a very nostalgic person, but I am thinking of the time between 2008 and perhaps 2011 as a golden social media age. Then it's just grown progressively shitter. Yet I found it hard to quit it, because it felt like isolating myself from society or social interaction. I suppose I still do. But I've definitely spent way more time with books these past few years. And it feels like a renaissance for my brain!
I've realised I've been thirsting for reading complex thought. And some of the more contemporary fiction (well, nonfiction, too) doesn't really offer it. It wants to feed the beast created by social media. Don't think I have to worry about that with you though, Tom. Looking forward to your next novel and forward to reading something that doesn't feel like it was written by AI or someone very aware of whatever the fuck Booktok trends are! I'm sure it's going to be a treat!
Fab-u-lous ♥️🪄
Thank you!
Adding Stone Diaries to the list. So nice to read I’m not the only one who reads constantly and loves books but can’t seem to remember basic plot structure or important details. I love to think that it’s all there in a stew! Much nicer thought than “my brain is a sieve.”
Wonderful observations!
I find that i have not watched television for months, but have been voraciously reading books of all types. The sadness when a really good one is finished and they have only written one.
I want to scream, ‘Where’s the followup? You can’t leave it like this!’
Absolutely loved this, Tom. Scarily apposite, not least the self-justifying conversations with the Boss of Me to carve out an extra half-hour of reading time, instead of finishing that eminently invoicable slab of work over there...
I heard a few bells ring while reading this. You and I have one or two things in common Tom: firstly that lack of recall of details of books read, and secondly deleting my Twitter account at the beginning of 2022 quite a while before the big shake up. At the same time I also deleted my LinkedIn and Pictionary accounts and have a similarly dormant Facebook account. I can still recall the amazing sense of freedom and peace turning my back on those shackles gave me. Thank you for sharing your words Tom, I love reading what you write.
I found this piece so comforting and wise! I have just read it, before the school run, when I'm normally a grumpy mess. It has cheered me up immensely. I read The Stone Diaries about three years ago, also my first Carol Shields. I absolutely adored it but have forgotten most details, and you have made me feel so much better about that! I want to read Larry's Party next. Now....can I steel myself to finally stop using Twitter? I deleted the app some time ago but still feel compelled to go on through the browser 🫣
BRILLIANT.
Thank you, Lindsay.
Speaking of Mediaeval nuns Tom have you read Matrix by Lauren Groff? It's So Good
Thank you, Rosie. I will check that out. I have been meaning to read Lauren's books for a few years, after enjoying a shorter piece she wrote (I can't remember where).
Very interesting lost on an impirtant topic. I am not on social media; I am trying out Substack for now. I still read books and long-form fiction, but nit quite as much as I did before 2012.
The environment changed and it is not as pleasurable as it was before. I suspect it has much to do with our reductionist society, where only money and acquisition is lauded and applauded. This should encourage escape into good literature, and it might if most of us were not appreciably worried about paying for a roof over our heads, heating our tiny places, and putting food on our tables.
Yes, 2008 is an important milestone, an ignoble year for the common man and women; it is the year, we now know, when the wealthy of Wall Street were rewarded for their avarice and fraud. The rest of us can eat cake, or better yet cake crumbs.
The only one I know, who could “recite” his books, from his youth, is the one and only, (and how I wish, our paths had crossed, in real life) Christopher Hitchens. 🤓🙏🏻👏👏👏👏🌞
He was amazing.