I have been in a weird thought bubble recently. Here it is…
I am probably one of the biggest readers you’ll ever meet. I have been losing myself in books since I can remember.
I had a senior level of reading and writing comprehension in elementary school. Book fairs had me begging for money. I spent much of my free time grabbing books in the library and I loved going with my mom as she researched genealogy, I would grab book while she found old newspaper clippings. In high school I would speed through classwork so I could finish whatever book I was reading with the rest of class time. I was not well loved by my teachers.
Despite all of this, I can’t remember the book titles, I barely know any authors by name (Stephen King however, reigns supreme) I have been kicked out of a book club once… and please don’t ask me about story lines, plots or in depth character analysis.
Many times over the years I will share my books or my reading streaks online and I am met with other book lovers. They offer amazing book suggestions and they encourage me to join Goodreads – to share my experiences. I have tried and failed to do this many times. Often surprised to discover that I have tried to do this years ago already.
I was kicked out of the book club because I chose the most boring book – “The Man in the High Tower”. I became so bored trying to read this book that I elected to read another book instead, never alerting the club I had diverted. All the while, they also had hated the book but powered through anyway for the sake of discussion. While meeting for brunch that weekend I had to fess up. I was shunned out of the group instantly.
A few things have prompted this introspection.
One, book discussion is everywhere. Many of my friends and clients make great book recommendations – I am also encouraged to update my most recent reads on one of my coaching platforms to spur on discussion with my clients.
Two, my stepdaughters latest discussion around books. Every time she comes to visit, and often on phone calls, she asks me about the books I read or points out all the books her mom has read or bought. Though I am not convinced she herself likes to read yet, she does have me thinking about my journey. She prompted me once to count the number of books I had read in my lifetime. My head spun so hard and I gave up rather quickly on the task. I often will accidentally download books I have already read to my kindle… luckily with new technology I am starting to get notified of the books I have already completed.
Three, last nights discussion with my husband about the show “Silo”
I am currently reading the book and I love it. I am trying to power through as quickly as possible so I CAN WATCH the show. Which really surprised my husband. He pointed out how most “big” readers prefer the book and get upset about making them into movies and TV shows.
I don’t hate it when they do, I actually love it.
A few reasons I have concluded since last night…
One, books consume me fully but I am also just a consumer of books. They have always been my outlet in life.Growing up without any real friends and constantly moving from place to place I dove into books. I imagine myself as each and every character, as many of you probably do. The worlds I paint and the sorrow I feel when the book is over – I must find a book to create a new world in my head straight away, to fill that void. I cannot keep the details in – just the feelings. I consume quickly but it does not make me suitable for anything other than that. Just consuming.
I consume scary movies in the same way.
Two, I prefer to compare my imagination with the writers. Often the show or the movie was co-created with the writer. I love to see how it came out in my head vs. theirs, or even someone else’s imagination – rather than being upset that the screen is ruining my experience. . I cannot wait to see what my world vs. the silos world is like. I am actively trying to avoid seeing the trailer so it cannot sway my brain.
So, with that. I am a reader, but I guess not a very good one.
However, I will leave you with a list of books that have had a profound impact on me. The very few that stuck in my head and I can talk a little bit about.
- Tangerine by Edward Bloor. 3.58 on Goodreads – This book I read in elementary school. If I were to stew on this book – I could probably tell you that as a new student almost every other year of my childhood, I was able to really walk in this characters shoes.
- Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan. 4.43 on Goodreads. Though based on a true story it is considered historical fiction. I openly cried during this book and I have a trip planned to Milan specifically due to reading this.
- The Legend of ZERO book series – all of them. By Sara King. Scores in the low 4’s on Goodreads. Sci-fi is my favorite genre and for some reason that I wouldn’t be able to articulate to you – these are my favorite. I recently finished ACOTAR, which I did thoroughly enjoy, but this series beats it out for me. I hope Sara’s books make it to TV someday.
- The Extinction files: The complete series by A. G. Riddle. 4.37 on Goodreads. Written in 2017 – long before our own COVID-19 scare. Such an amazing book about something that, now that I am writing this, actually came to fruition in real life. I also sat straight up in bed when the author clearly describes how to get to Waxahachie, TX . I am pretty sure I wrote him an email praising his book and my surprise. The one time I have ever contacted an author.
Thank you for reading my thoughts. I am open to your favorite book series as well! Drop a line below please.
Nomad Nutrition 