Back in the early 90s I read a book by Richard Saul Wurman; "Information Anxiety." It was a helpful, beneficial book. As an information junkie and admitted mediaholic I bought another Wurman book which I cannot read.
That was 1992 when Wurman’s ”Follow The Yellow Brick Road” hit the best seller charts. I bought it and never read it. I can’t.
Why? I don’t know. Since that day nearly 14 years ago, I’ve bought and read dozens of books, though not another by Richard Saul Wurman.
I suspect that the problem is not the author. It must be something else. Incentive and motivation come to mind, though not ncessarily in the same order.
That was then, this is now. I bought the hardcover version, so that should be sufficient incentive, as I obviously placed some value on the book.
The book is from an author whose work I read previously, and found enjoyable, even helpful trying to cope with mediaholic syndrome.
Am I the first of a new generation to suffer from “Tera’s Terrible Fear Of Reading” syndrome? Maybe I could appear on Oprah or meet Dr. Phil.The book’s introduction is from John Sculley, then head of Apple Computer, and the guy who had founder Steve Jobs fired back in 1985.
Since I bought ”Follow The Yellow Brick Road” I’ve purchased and read books by John Sculley and about Steve Jobs, so the mental capacity to read a book is still here.
That’s pure speculation on my part, but I’m comfortable sitting on that limb. For now.
Wurman’s book is about learning; learning to learn, give, take, and use instructions (hence, the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ that Dorothy was required to follow to reach Emerald City).
I’d instruct myself to read the book by next Monday but I haven’t read the book so I don’t know how to instruct myself.
“Follow The Yellow Brick Road” has gone with me on countless trips over the past 14 years. Cruises. Vacations to Vegas, Florida, Hawaii, and Canada.
A couple of times I actually started reading and managed to chew through three or four pages before being distracted by food, view, beach, casinos, food, dates, and the occasional illness (none necessarily occured in that order).
The book has a great forward, which I’ve read. There’s also great quotes on the inside front cover and on the inside back cover.
John Naisbitt, author of “Megatrends 2000” said, ”Wurman profoundly understands that most communication is made up of instructions, and with intelligence, humor, and passion… educates both sender and receiver.”
That sounds exactly like a book I should read. One on developing clear instructions, and understanding unclear instructions.
This is the book I cannot read. “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” is now on my desk. I promise to keep it there or keep it with me until I finish reading it.
That assumes I start reading it. I’m still working on that.
Am I the first of a new generation to suffer from ”Tera’s Terrible Fear Of Reading” syndrome? Maybe I could appear on Oprah or meet Dr. Phil.
Most good books, be they fiction or non-fiction, have an instant ‘hook’ that allows the reader to grasp the direction and intent within the first few pages. Once ‘hooked’, the book should pull you in, motivating you to read on. The best ones tease and tantalize, suggesting mysteries ahead (yes, even in non-fiction) that need to be solved.
Wurman’s book may lack that hook. Doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. Just a bad start. Have you tried ‘dipping’ into it further in? If, after 2 or 3 dips, you still aren’t hooked in any way, then forget it, the material is not written in a way that excites your brain cells, and is a dead loss. Put it behind you, give it away to be sold at a charity book fair. And go shop for something new to read.