Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. It’s Wednesday, and it’s time for another post in the Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge hosted by Long and Short Reviews. If you’d like to participate in the challenge yourself, you can find this year’s list of weekly topics here, and if you’d like to read what others have written about today’s topic, you can do that here!
A Book I’m Nervous to Read (and Why)
I am continuously moving one book to the bottom of my TBR pile: The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat. The story is about a group of Royal Navy sailors fighting in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II.
It was my dad’s favourite book, and ever since he passed away in 2008, I have considered reading it many times. It’s not the sort of book I’d usually read, but it’s very my dad. He was a total World War II aficionado, often coming out with random facts about ships, famous soldiers or even family members who served in the forces during the war whenever we were walking anywhere.
For the most part, I often thought his stories were boring. I listened out of politeness, but I’d always be silently wishing we’d hurry up and get to wherever we were going so the history lesson would stop.
However, now, I’d give anything to spend an hour or even ten minutes listening to stories of how the HMS Kelly, a K-class destroyer of the British Royal Navy, was built in our home town. I’d love to hear him wax lyrical about the pigeons who got conscripted to help with the war effort, and I feel I could have some version of that if I were to read The Cruel Sea. It would be like I was connecting with my dad in a way, even after all these years.
All that said, the only reason I keep putting off reading the book is I’m worried I’ll hate it, and my dislike for it will somehow besmirch his memory. I know that’s ridiculous, but that’s just how I feel.
Some day, I believe I’ll bite the bullet and read it, but the possibility of actually enjoying my dad’s favourite book still exists so long as I keep moving it down the TBR pile.
So, that’s the book I feel nervous to read. I wonder which books you’re all putting off reading.
Anyway, that’s post 10 in the bag!
As always, thank you for stopping by to read my words. It really does mean the world!
Until next time,
George
© 2025 GLT
Categories: life, Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge
GEORGE L THOMAS 
This makes sense, George. I hope you love that book if or when you ever read it.
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Thank you, Lydia! 🙂🙂
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Another heartfelt and perfectly sensible reason. Thanks for sharing George.
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Thank you, Kathy! 🙂
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Oh, totally understand that feeling, George. Have you written about those memories of you and your father? It’s lovely that you have those treasured memories. Thanks for sharing and for visiting my blog.
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Thanks, Cheryl! I’ve written little bits here and there. And I feel lucky to have had a good dad, as some don’t have that. Makes me thank my lucky stars.
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Not ridiculous at all.
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Thank you. 🙂🙂
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I don’t think that’s ridiculous at all. I actually completely understand that. I’d also put it off because if that was the only book I had of his (or that he loved) I’d not want it to be over, feeling like it would close a door that’s currently still left ajar. Not sure if that makes sense, but that’s how my mind works. My grandfather was in the navy during WWII, but he died of cancer that metastasized from a shrapnel wound in his leg. I never got to meet him, and often wish I could have. WWII is one of the only historical eras I’ll voluntarily read about, and though I know nothing about his experiences or what he did during the war, I think that knowing he and my grandmother went through the war and the blitz in London is a big part of why it’s of interest to me. I’m sorry you aren’t able to have more time to listen to his stories from a more grown up and appreciative point of view, but I think it’s beautiful that he did share them with you and that, however unwillingly at the time, you listened and spent that time together. Whether you continue to save that precious book or do eventually read it, I don’t think that those memories and that connection will change. Thank you for sharing such a personal story this week. As always, lots to think about!
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Thank you so much for this comment! I completely get what you mean. I have a couple of books that belonged to him that I have read, such as Hogfather by Terry Pratchett, but he held such affection for The Cruel Sea, and the copy I have is the one he received as a gift before I was even born.
I’m also the same with World War II documenties and the like. Although I’m not a spiritual person, I like to think he’s nearby pointing out inaccuracies. 🤣
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