Reader, writer, music lover, library nerd, mother and wife. I have big dreams with little time and no funds to pull them off. Join me as I try to dream my way through adulthood.
'Get busy living or get busy dying' Stephen King
A 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind.
One of my favourites
Surreal
Adjective
Having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre: "a surreal mix of fact and fantasy". (haha, that's me!)
How it all began
It was a normal working day, I have no idea which one, recently I think...I have slept since then!
"Hey Sleepy, have you seen this? Keri Smith, she's done these books and you'll love them!" (I am paraphrasing, I reiterate I have slept since this conversation took place.)
There on amazon (we occasionally use it as a search tool and I in no way encourage you to buy from them, use independent where possible or at least proper book people if not *stepping down off my soapbox*) was a list of books. But these titles were like cat nip to me:
When I got home I did a little tinternet searching and found her blog, which is equally intriguing but kind of left it at that. There was no chance of these books being in the library, and with 'wreck this journal' as a title it didn't take a genius to work out why. So I'd look into getting them at some point.
A week or so passed and I found myself in a bookshop and after mulling around for some considerable time, having picked up something for everyone but myself, I saw it. A name I recognised but wasn't sure why. A title that was winking at me and tickling at my brain, whispering 'you know you want to read me....pick me up, go on what harm could it do?'
Little did I know that this little book and its cute title would shake my little booky world!
Cracking the cover
Instead of a generic introduction Kerri starts with 'Notes to the reader/user' after a note about the book there are three things to remember
1. Trust in your imagination. It is the source of all true journeys
2. Things are not always what they seem
3. Anything can happen
Are you hooked yet? I was! It took me all of a day to read from cover to cover. Now I say read....each page is a task to be completed. But what she is suggesting is.....surreal. Cut out this page, draw on this page, stick this page.....It's just not what a book should be, but then it is called 'This is not a book'
This book is dragging me kicking and screaming on a surrealist path; each task is seeking to release the creative potential of my unconscious mind! I am determined that, no matter how wrong it feels to rip out pages or deface a book, I will complete ALL the tasks in the book...and then move onto the next book, and the next (yes that was a hint to anyone who may feel like buying me a present). I think my mind could use some creative unlocking!!
Where to start?
I have no idea! I really don't want to cop-out and pick any easy task that doesn't challenge me. However I equally don't trust myself to do that so I have chosen this page to start with, but I am handing the reigns over to you. Yeah, yeah...cop-out, I know!
All you have to do is choose a number between 1 and 221, post it in the comments and I promise to carry out the task this leads me to. If I get more than one response I will put them all in a hat and pick at random. Lets set a deadline of Sunday 12pm (GMT) and what ever the task I will report back on my progress next week.
Those are such great books. I always look them over really well when I'm at the store. I always talk myself out of the expense, but then maybe they would repay me richly in other ways? Hmmm. Perhaps I will allow you to enable me... As for your number: 42, of course.
Good luck with your challenge! Can't wait to see what you come up with with this ;] And yes, it is me, finally commenting on your blog. I'll be honest, as much as it is a fascinating page, the real reason that I decided to comment on this one and no other was the song choice as that is one of my favourite songs. I only recently got it out of my head.
"Don't listen to a word I say~" THANKS VERY MUCH, JOE.
Your number is 2 good luck. My oldest son has "Wreck this Book" and I love Magritte! Parenting is often an exercise in surrealism. The other day one of my twins asked me "is 100 taller than a tree?" Dumbly I said "100 what?" "You know, Mommy, 1, 2, 3, 4, 100. Is 100 taller than a tree?" It's a lot like "this is not a pipe."
Those are such great books. I always look them over really well when I'm at the store. I always talk myself out of the expense, but then maybe they would repay me richly in other ways? Hmmm. Perhaps I will allow you to enable me...
ReplyDeleteAs for your number: 42, of course.
42....page 42. You cheeky monkey!!
DeleteI have been out this weekend and bought two more of the books...I think I am addicted ;-)
Good luck with your challenge! Can't wait to see what you come up with with this ;]
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it is me, finally commenting on your blog. I'll be honest, as much as it is a fascinating page, the real reason that I decided to comment on this one and no other was the song choice as that is one of my favourite songs. I only recently got it out of my head.
"Don't listen to a word I say~"
THANKS VERY MUCH, JOE.
Well...helllloooooooo!
DeleteI love that song too. Have you heard Passenger? Very similar sound.
Hope to see you back sometime :-)
Your number is 2 good luck. My oldest son has "Wreck this Book" and I love Magritte! Parenting is often an exercise in surrealism. The other day one of my twins asked me "is 100 taller than a tree?" Dumbly I said "100 what?" "You know, Mommy, 1, 2, 3, 4, 100. Is 100 taller than a tree?"
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot like "this is not a pipe."
Number 2 into the pot, watch this space ;-)
DeleteSo is 100 taller than a tree?
Ooh, I am intrigued. I can't wait to hear all about it. I give thee number 154. Then we want the deets, man. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm getting quite excited now. I will post the 'winning' page number on Tuesday ;-)
Delete