TDF
So many books, so little time. This conundrum evoked a deep sense of anxiety in filmmaker Max Joseph. How could he find the time to expand his knowledge by wading through an endless ocean of books? As if the sheer volume of titles were not enough, his quest was made even more challenging by our modern age of streaming, 24-hour media, and other stimuli begging for his attention at every turn. He documents his search for a solution in the infectiously fun How to Read More Books in the Golden Age of Content.
Is it an issue related to time management? With the help of friends, Joseph calculates his speed of reading and the amount of time he currently devotes to his reading pursuits. Just as people reserve 30 minutes a day to exercise, it is determined that he can increase his reading volumes by as many as five times by simply engaging in a book each morning during breakfast. Additional advice is offered by Howard Berg, the Guinness World Record holder for the title of fastest reader.
Other avenues of interest are explored during the course of the short film, including the intimidation factor that comes into play when tackling dense works of prose, the potential for uncovering the meaning of life within classic literature, and the habits one must establish in order to become a voracious and accomplished reader.
Along the way, Joseph visits a series of gorgeous bookstores from Brussels to Portugal to New York City. The shelves in some are stacked with rows and rows of deliciously colorful spines; like an irresistible candy store for the avid reader. Then there are the stores that offer a holier environment in which to explore a love of books, including a converted church in the Netherlands.
How to Read More Books in the Golden Age of Content assumes a light-hearted tone, but it deals with issues that harbor more serious implications. In a world where endless streams of content are produced and consumed like disposable product, books should occupy a more permanent and sacred space. We simply have to recognize their value, and devote ourselves to the exploration of their riches.
