Wrestlings and Other Stories
There’s nothing as delicious as being able to snuggle up on a raging wet, grey day with a good book(s). Have you ever noticed how time stands still? Or how easy it is to get lost in a completely ‘other’ world and not feel that we’re missing out on anything in a sunnier day.
Since yesterday I’ve had hunger pangs for that two books in two days feeling, so in keeping with that fickle streak and wanting to ease myself in gently, I started reading Beach House by James Patterson (not to be confused with Richard North Patterson whose story telling I consider sublime) with Peter De Jonge on Friday night and later on that morning I began WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels (Shawn Michael Hickinbottom) autobiography “Heartbreak & Triumph.”
I was surprised by the Patterson/De Jonge collaboration; it was nothing taxing, as Patterson’s books have want to be these past few years. But unlike previous books this one is Patterson’s first legal thriller. This new tack seems to bode well for his readers. On my popcorn scale, they get 2 out of 3 boxes for a good twist.
In a completely different vein, I was impressed by the Shawn Michaels (aka HBK – The Heartbreak Kid) bio. It was hard not feel impressed by the passionate thread for his sport that wove its way throughout his wrestling career. I liked his honesty. In particular I admired Michaels personal ethos of speaking his mind (which got him misunderstood and in a heap of trouble too!) to the person rather than hiding behind rumour or back-stabbing.
It’s a not-so-evident quality in a person (in what can amount to as an insalubrious environment, which can blind side our perception) if you miss reading diligently between the lines. Do we still admire that quality in people these days? Personally, I think we should and I hope we still do. And like the sport, the book might not be everyone’s cup of tea but you can find decent people in some of the most unlikely places.
We all have prejudices if we admit it to ourselves. I like that every now and then an HBK comes along and turns them on their heads. It’s kind of a righteous justice really. Well, at least I think so. Writers and books aside, reading rocks. Get into it.
