I’ve got a little less than three weeks to go before I begin the first part of my Qualifying exams for my PhD. Re-reading so many books over the summer (and up to and through this typing and beyond) is both a blessing and a curse. I realize how distantly I read them the first time and how much better I understand them now (both individually and in relation to one another). At the same time the staring at a bookshelf full of books (diminishing rapidly at this point) has never been anything but intimidating and, at times, angering. Despite these blessings and curses I’ve finally hit the point where I just need to ensure that I’ve done what I feel I need to do in preparation for this exam.
Behind my little desk is a shelf that used to house all of the unread books and articles and plays I needed to re-read. Since I’ve been steadily finishing those items the shelf was looking bare but my focus, too, needed to shift. Through the power of digital means I printed off a list of all of the readings I need to do for each of the courses I am reviewing for my exams. This is surprisingly helpful. It was really satisfying to cross out a large number of them after a summer of reading. Now I have the goal of everyday crossing something new out. This is getting easier as I’m able to (finally) start reading articles and plays which are much shorter than whole books. I continue to read books but also make sure that I’m reading the small stuff. Beyond helping my troubled brain (15,000+ pages will do that to you) it is also helping my drive to continue. Another crossed out book means one less until the finish line. It is a motivational muse spurring me to recline again in a comfy chair and set my eyes on so many words. It occured to me that this might be helpful for classes too. The reading list came straight off of the syllabi I’d previously been given. Perhaps this will motivate you to read what you need to for the upcoming year. At any rate, it’s good to have your syllabi always in sight.