Beautiful, beautiful collection.

Since I don't have enough courage to read poetry, I think I shall have to make essays my initial substitute. That is, until I get up enough nerve to start reading poetry, because it really scares me. I have always been fascinated about the process of writing and this book had none of the technical terms such books usually spill over with. "Negotiating with the Dead" is, more than anything else, a series of testimonials, whether it be about the duplicity writers are burdened (or enlightened) with, the groping darkness they are submerged in when they face a blank page, etc. This book has helped me tremendously and not because I am a writer, or even an aspiring one. I have only just realized that I should stop referring to myself as that W word (I think Wannabe is allowed, though) because it is much too grand for the likes of me. I will Read. Not read. Read. That's about all I can do for now.

After this stupid paper, I will go on to VS Naipaul's "Literary Occasions." The thought of starting it thrills me.

(Reading is so much better than dealing with people who treat me like I'm a means to something else. I'm not here for anyone's convenience, I'll have you know.)