Reading an Iris Murdoch novel — The Sea, The Sea — mostly because Matthew Crawford cited her so extensively in his book on the nature of 21st century work — and remained baffled by the book. It raises the question I ask my student teachers to consider constantly: why do we continue to read books we’re not sure about? In other words, what do I do if:
*I like the writing but don’t understand the plot; should I continue muddling on?
*I despise the main character and don’t really care what happens to him; should I keep reading?
*I don’t believe in the possibility of the main character or the plot…
*”finish what you start” is in conflict with “I’m bored senseless”