I’m reading an overwritten book right now.In fact, I just finished an overwritten book.Such works, I suppose, are the results of being taught how to write.It’s not that people can’t be taught to compose, but for various reasons some authors, either through the privilege of having high-powered publishers, or their own conviction that they don’t require correction, overwrite.I suppose overwriting is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder.Several years back I recall a critic stating Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events was overwritten.I thought it was fun.Yes, deliberately exaggerated, but nevertheless well-composed.Those books were enjoyable to read because, I think, they refused to take themselves seriously.Writers can be temperamental people.
As an editor something I need to repeat—for academics are consummate overwriters—is to keep your intended readership in mind.No book is written for everyone.In fact, many people can’t make it through books like the Bible because they’re hard to read.Religious books often are.There’s no such thing as a universal book, but some believers in some religions make the claim for their sacred texts.Like many curious people I find it rewarding to read the scriptures of other traditions.It’s not always easy—in fact, it seldom is.It’s frequently disorienting and I look for an edition with an introduction.The reason is when it comes to books, even sacred ones, it’s not one size fits all.Many religious conflicts in the world could be resolved if we’d just realize this.
Someone who reads a lot is bound to be disappointed from time to time.We turn to books either looking for a certain mood or specific pieces of information.Authors often take things in their own directions.Our minds don’t all work in the same way.That’s why, in my opinion, reading is so important.I prefer “long form” writing—I always have.Sometimes an idea can be well expressed in an article, but taking the time to develop ideas requires a nuance not all publishers appreciate.(Yes, I realize that by expressing this sentiment in a brief essay like this I leave myself open to deconstruction—one of the overwritten books I just read was written by a deconstructionist.)Still, I have trouble abandoning books that take ideas in a way I wouldn’t go.Usually when I start reading, I’m committed to finish.Some would say that’s foolish.I take it as a learning opportunity.