The announcement of a literary shortlist has enabled a British reader to make substantial progress in the acquisition stage of reading.
Enthusiast Simon Brace bought all six novels, arranging them on a shelf at an angle that communicates engagement while concealing several unopened predecessors.
He says he hopes to finish them before the winner is announced. He has not specified which year’s winner, preserving a sensible margin for professional commitments.
The purchase follows his successful participation in last year’s prize season, during which he read four reviews, half an interview and most of the delivery notification.
Friends report that his opinions are already developing nicely. One novel is apparently ambitious; another would have benefited from an editor. These conclusions were reached while removing the packaging.
Simon rejects the suggestion that buying books is merely a substitute for reading them. It is, he argues, an essential preliminary stage that can take decades to complete properly.
He is considering joining a reading group to provide accountability. The group meets beside a bookshop, which he believes could be extremely helpful.
Meanwhile, a paperback he bought in March has been moved to the front of the pile as a warning to the others.
