Earlier this week, I took the train from Baltimore to Chicago. The Amtrak Cardinal Line 51 took me on a 26-hour stretch through Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indianapolis, and into Illinois. It was a long, relaxing ride.
Deliberately disconnecting from my laptop and phone during the trip allowed me to connect with a few things: the beautiful scenery beyond my picture window, the passengers on board, and William Faulkner.
I boarded the train well-prepared: the latest issue of Poets & Writers, manuscripts of my own to edit, and several novels.
One of the books I brought along was one that’s been waiting on my shelf for years: William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. I spent several hours of my train ride with Faulkner. In fact, I read the entire novel -- cover to cover -- in one sitting.
As someone who simultaneously has several books going on a time, I seldom read an entire book in one sitting. So I was pleasantly surprised as I finished the journey with Faulkner’s colorful cast.
Sharing the ride with Faulkner was a pleasure; in fact, it was one of the most enjoyable parts of the train ride -- the uninterrupted, peaceful stretch of quiet time for reading.
Do you ever find the opportunity to enjoy an entire novel in one sitting?
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Eric D. Goodman, Books Correspondent:
Eric’s column, Lit Bit, is published every Wednesday to Gather Essentials: Books. Featuring bits on writing, writers, books, and literature, Lit Bit will fulfill your literary longings.
Eric is a full-time, professional, published writer and editor. His work has appeared in local, national, and international publications, including a story in the current issue of The Baltimore Review.
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Comments: 14
P.S. Read As I Lay Dying for a college lit course and wrote a paper on Dewey Dell - great book.
Donna and Arlene, yes, some Amtrak coaches do have Internet connections. The car I was in did not. I could've tried wireless (in and out of range) but decided not to bother. It's nice to be out of touch from time to time.
regards,gayle
As for your pick for your train ride, I did not like that book at all. You call the characters "colorful." I call them morons.