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Dear James,

Why is it that, even when immersed in a book I find thoroughly enjoyable, I feel an insatiable urge to finish it?

Dear Reader,

This is a wonderfully intriguing question that touches on the very essence of reading and the human experience.

I completely understand your sentimentthe fervent desire to reach the last page, to absorb the concluding image, and to mentally catalog the entire work within your personal library of experiences. The phrase I didnt want it to end! is something I never find myself saying or feeling about any book or any experience, for that matter. In fact, I relish endings. Theres an inherent satisfaction in conclusion; I always seek an ending, regardless of what it is, so that I can either quietly treasure it in my mind or, when necessary, cleanse it from my system.

Reading is a unique act, characterized by a linear progression from left to right, and it often seems to accelerate as one delves deeper into the narrative. In the works of Nicholson Bakera writer known for his introspective stylestheres a captivating idea that as a reader approaches the end of a book, they unconsciously mirror the writers tempo. The pace quickens as the author builds toward a climax, creating a palpable sense of urgency to wrap up the story.

However, the essence of your question delves deeper into the very nature of our human experiences. It provides a platform for a bit of amateur philosophy: Why are we unable to savor the moment? Why does our mind constantly race toward what lies ahead and what has transpired? I believe its because we are inherently narrative beings; we are drawn to stories that move forward. The best narratives compel us to look ahead, to anticipate what comes next.

Moreover, we find ourselves longing for past moments because the most compelling stories weave together past and present, seamlessly blending experiences like the intricate layers of a well-crafted narrative, similar to the complexity found in films like The Bourne Identity.

Now, you may not have asked for my personal thoughts, but this inquiry brings to mind my own past struggles with meditation. At a fundamental level, I realized that I wasnt ready to step off the perpetual treadmill of life. Deep down, I yearn to be spun around, driven forward, grappled by the illusions that life presents, and challenged by my inner demons. Perhaps, in a more whimsical sense, I also crave those light-hearted momentslike being playfully flicked in the ear by a benevolent angel.

While I acknowledge I may have veered slightly off the initial topic, I feel content in sharing these reflections.

James

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