Let the reading begin!

Kind and almost certainly imaginary reader, I pray indulgence. This blog will (more than likely) not be entertaining; indeed, such is not its purpose. Instead, it serves but one function: to give me an outlet for recording my thoughts on the many, many books on my comprehensive exam reading lists.

But why blog for such an odd reason? says my imagined interlocutor. Why not simply write them -- or type them -- in some private venue, when only your own edification is needful?

An excellent question, and one explained without much effort. I am a performative writer: I write to be read by others, and find private writing dull and uninspiring. Therefore, the mere possibility of an audience will (I hope) encourage me to post on this blog, while a notebook would lie gathering dust, as empty as [apt pop culture reference]'s mind. Here I may record and review my thoughts -- the practical purpose -- while also letting myself think that someone else might be reading and benefiting. Perhaps it will be true, or not -- but it remains a motivating fiction.

My modus operandi: first, I shall post my reading lists; then, as I read them, I will post summaries/responses. So, sit tight, let me post the lists, then let the reading begin!