Literatured in the wars.

Before I started reading this list, most of the books I read were non-fiction, particularly history books, and primarily about World War II.  I've always had an interest in the War, and like to read as many books about it as I can.

But as I've been prodding my way through Time's list, I haven't spent much time reading about World War II.  In fact, I haven't read a War book in over two years.  I suppose Gone with the Wind could be a war book, but that's the Civil War.  The Berlin Stories would be the closest thing, taking place in 1933 Berlin, just as Hitler rose to power.  But it was published before the War began, and, well, it's a novel.  These aren't the books I used to read.

Last week, however, I started Antony Beevor's Stalingrad, falling off the wagon after so long.  I shouldn't say that, it isn't as if I've been purposely avoiding books about the War, I've just been trying to expand my horizons, and as a result haven't read any.  However, I'm starting to think I might not read any more either, until I have finished the list.

The problem I encounter when reading a War book, is I tend to move very slowly.  First off, I just read a little slower, as I try to soak everything up.  To make matters worse, I end up doing a lot of secondary reading.  When I come across unfamiliar people or places, I often hit my bookshelves to read up on a certain General, or maybe to look at a map, so I have a better understanding of the situation.

What this means, is that my reading schedule has become as bogged down as the soldiers in the Battle of Stalingrad.  While I have been carrying Go Tell It on the Mountain around with me for the past week, I haven't put a dent in it at all.  I haven't even put a scratch in it.  I'm on page seven.  But I haven't forgotten about it, and I resolve this weekend to get some of it done.  I'm halfway through Stalingrad, so I think I'll take a brief break from it, giving me a chance to continue my prime objective; reading through these 100 All Time Novels.