Dear Friend,
A very happy new year to you and thank you for joining The Contemplative Reading Project for its sixth season!
We have a lot of exciting things happening this year, including our first two collaborative reading projects (Proust’s Swann’s Way in February and March, and Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey in September!) Another book I’m personally looking forward to is the new Ocean Vuong novel, The Emperor of Gladness, which releases this May, so we’ll have it on our calendar for June.
Our January 2025 Reading Selection
It’s been quite a while since I first read The Little Prince. I remember being taken by the philosophy and simple charm of it at the time, but besides those impressions, and a vague sense of the plot, I don’t remember too terribly much about the book, so this one seemed an interesting choice both for a new year selection and for only the second re-read (for me) of this project.
Most important in my selecting this one to kick off a new year and new season was that I wanted something that would be accessible yet significant, something simultaneously inspirational and comforting for those of us thinking about what a new year, season, or cycle might mean for us.
Publisher’s description: A pilot stranded in the desert awakes one morning to see, standing before him, the most extraordinary little fellow. “Please,” asks the stranger, “draw me a sheep.” And the pilot realizes that when life’s events are too difficult to understand, there is no choice but to succumb to their mysteries. He pulls out pencil and paper… And thus begins this wise and enchanting fable that, in teaching the secret of what is really important in life, has changed forever the world for its readers.
Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince, presented here in a stunning new translation with carefully restored artwork. The definitive edition of a worldwide classic, it will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. (Harcourt)
About the author: “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a French writer, aviator, poet and author. Raised in an aristocratic family, he fell in love with aviation at an early age after took his first airplane ride at the age of 12. He received his pilot’s wings during his compulsory military service in 1922, around which time he also began to write. His adventures as a pilot would supply the inspiration for all of his literary endeavors, which culminated with the 1943 publication of the classic The Little Prince.” (Biography)
There’s a more detailed biography at the back of the Clarion Books paperback edition, which is the one I’m reading.
Why Contemplative Reading?
Contemplative reading asks us not just what we’re learning about the book in our hands (or ears), but what we’re learning about ourselves through the experience of reading it. The aim is to create deeper awareness of ourselves and understanding of others. It is often described as “holistic,” but also as “heart-knowing.”
Heart-knowing. Doesn’t that sound nice?
The Plan
This book is a short, illustrated children’s novel, so I don’t expect it will take long to read it, even when reading with slow care and attention. That said, I do still want to pace myself and to return here with thoughts at least twice, once on the first half of the book and once on the second. Instead of three or four reflections, then, I’m going to plan two: January 15th and January 29th.
- January 1: Introduction
- January 15: Progress Post
- January 29: Wrap-Up
Reading & Responding
Each set of reading will guide my responses here on the blog and on social media. I will sometimes share the most provocative line or passage, and what it makes me think about. Other times, I’ll ask questions about the reading, things I’m wondering about or confused about. And still further, I might compare what I’m reading to what it reminds me of from other readings or experiences. I don’t want to give too much guidance about how to read, except to say, read attentively, read slowly, and listen to yourself. What thoughts and feelings arise as you’re reading? Write them down and give yourself some moments to reflect on why you’re thinking what you’re thinking, or why you’re feeling what you’re feeling.
I encourage you to join these conversations and leave your thoughts in the blog comments or on your socials. On social media, please use #theCRPblog.
Meditation
“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” ―Mary Oliver
With loving hope for this new year,
~Adam
Contemplative Reading Project 
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