I'm seriously addicted to the written word. I've always needed scores of unread books on hand, just in case. Even with hardcovers and paperbacks overflowing my bookcases and end tables, I buy more. And then I go to the library and feed my craving with selections I wouldn't or couldn't buy but can't resist borrowing, just in case.
When my new living room furniture arrived, I knew I had to clear out some of my bookish clutter. Three boxes went to the used book sale at the local writers’ studio. Even so, there are three full bookcases downstairs and another bookcase upstairs. Only 10% of those books are keepers. And I have placed a hold on six books at the library (mainly because my husband will kill me if I start bringing books home again before I’ve cleared more bookshelf space).
Did I forget to mention I’m getting a Kindle for Christmas?
What do I read? Everything. Fiction and non-fiction. All genres. Traditionally published and self-published. Hardcovers, paperback, e-reader. My idea of Heaven is a big library with stacks that go on forever.
I recently finished State of Fear by Michael Crichton, an interesting piece of fiction with tons of footnotes and less-than-excellent dialogue. This novel is an opinion piece and a huge information dump on the global warming and climate change discussion. Do I recommend it? Well, maybe, sort of. I did stick with it until the end to see how it turned out. But it’s not my favorite Crichton novel.
Sunday I closed the cover on The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes. It will become part of my permanent library. Keyes compares “page fright” to “stage fright” and exposes the truth behind procrastination and what some call writer’s block. I'm guilty of serious procrastination, so Keyes' words hit close to home. There’s a lot to think about in this little book. I highly recommend it.What’s next on my shelf? I'm going to read Flesh and Spirit by RMFW member and fantasy author Carol Berg. I’ve been collecting Carol’s books for a while now, so I have a little catching up to do. Her newest novel, The Soul Mirror, is scheduled for release on January 4, 2011.
So many books, so little time.
Pat
