“or just that reading a book not front to back can be a delight” (p. 148)

I opened this book of Ross Gay’s this morning just for a “look, see.” I own his Inciting Joy and The Book of Delights. This second book of his free flow, fast write short essays on delight is on my list to add to my shelves. He is fast becoming one of my favorites – one who when they write a book I add it to my collection. The idea of just opening a book, random, luck of the draw, luck of the page…especially with a book of stream of consciousness type writings…

I love the idea of this! A dip into a place unknown, not the beginning or the end, maybe not even a middle…just a surprise point in the essay that sets me up for a wandering of my own, across my mind, onto the blank page in my journal. There is something about just beginning at a mid-page phrase or word even that is exciting…a bit rebellious even…taking a peek further in than p. 1.

It makes me stop, smile to myself and delight in words on the page. Thank you Ross Gay.