For me, it took practice to grow accustomed to reading this way. I usually read (listen to) audiobooks because I have a neurological issue with my eyes and I have to save them for work.

I used to slip out of focus a lot but have - with a lot of practice and rewinding - learned how to pay attention. Incidentally, I’m easily distracted, so this was a concerted effort.

I am so terribly sorry about your grandma.

I have multiple “comfort” books from several different genres that I’ve reread many, many times.

Examples:

• Harry Bingham’s Fiona Griffiths series
• Poetry by Adelia Prada, Pablo Neruda, or William Stafford
• Plainsong by Kent Haruf
• Various books by Stephen King but especially The Dark Tower series
• White Noise by Don Delillo
• Ann Cleeves (any series but especially Vera)
• Louise Penny
• Beloved by Toni Morrison
• Jenny Lawson or David Sedaris if I need to laugh (a lot)

I have a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition. I work as a professional writer and have for almost 20 years. Neither of these facts make me any better - or more intelligent - than anyone else. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to attend school and find a career I enjoy. That is all.

Horror is one of my favorite genres. I also love poetry and literature.

People read what they enjoy. Sometimes they read to escape incredibly cerebral jobs. Sometimes they read to be intellectually stimulated.

I am glad that you rediscovered an enjoyment of Stephen King. However, I truly hope that you do not see people in terms of being part of “[the] unwashed masses.” Such a point of view is genuinely revolting.

We are humans. Period.