Dispatches from the Edge

I'm not a voracious reader. I would love to say I am. It sounds, well, so SMART. So sophisticated. I've considered trying to be a voracious reader, but then I find plenty of other stuff to occupy my time.
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But I do enjoy a good book from time to time. And right now, I have been pulled into a book by Anderson Cooper entitled Dispatches from the Edge. I bought it on my recent trip with the girls to Birmingham. It was on the bargain table. The price was right. And hey, there is something about that Anderson Cooper that intrigues me.
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The book is an account of Anderson's experiences reporting in war-torn, disaster and famine stricken, chaotic, or politically unstable places...Iraq, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and New Orleans to name a few. Interspersed between these shocking accounts are recollections of his brother, who committed suicide as a young adult, and his father; whose life was cut short when Anderson was only 10. The book is a look into Anderson's inner world and how he has dealt with these personal tragedies ever as much as an account of the tragedies he is reporting about, and how the two interweave as he goes about his chosen profession. I find it fascinating.
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I realized something.
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I find books on real life; real people, real situations, much more interesting than any well-written fiction. People's inner worlds...what makes them tick; take the actions they do...nothing more interesting in my mind. Which is why I am wrapped up in this book; as depressing as it may be...
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Maybe this is why I love reading blogs too. In many cases, it is a glimpse into someone's inner life; how they see the world; how they cope with that world; what motivates them or excites them. Sometimes the blogs are hilarious. Humor is a powerful medicine. Sometimes sad. Sometimes educational. Often inspirational and comforting. They often remind me I am not alone. We are all in this together. Living life. Enjoying life. But not always. Sometimes making difficult decisions about things in our control and beyond our control. Sometimes frozen with indecision because it all seems so overwhelming.
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I am reminded that I am thankful for people who share themselves with me; even if in a book; even if in a blog; even if their tales are interspersed with tragedy and disappointment as well as joy and delight.