I’ve never been one to read all the best sellers. Reading for me (like relationships) is a matter of establishing trust. Once I give an author my trust, I’m willing to read anything they produce. Though back when I read a lot more than I do now, prolific writers were dropped if they never changed voice or plot. Trust is one thing, but don’t bore me.
Also, as a children’s librarian, it was the children’s books I needed to stay abreast of. Now in retirement, I don’t feel current with much of anything.
During the Covid lock-down, I re-read many books from my own shelves, both childrens and adult, fantasy, sci fi, realism, you name it. In addition, I was thankful for my iPad and a library system with a plentiful selection of e-books.
Over the years, I’ve wished I had read more of the classics. For a time, we were part of a couple’s book group. I really appreciated being forced to read books I wouldn’t have picked. Maybe I should join another book group, to broaden my intake.
The topic of what we read came about because of a panel discussion at Bubonicon, (Albuquerque’s science fi/fantasy convention) The panel was discussing books they re-read. I could only stay for a short while so missed most of the talk, but it got me thinking about how personal our reading choices are.
One neighbor told me that one of her turn-to authors is Faye Kellerman. I love reading autobiographical matter by writers, and when I went home, I found a brief essay of Kellerman’s describing how she began writing. She included brief biographies of Lazarus and Decker, her mystery sleuths.
Interested, I checked out her first book: The Ritual Bath, and was hooked. I gobbled up the next two in the series before the week was out.
Okay, sometimes you have to break off a book relationship to get on with your own projects. But I will return to Kellerman—pretty soon.
Sophie has made amazing progress with her hind legs, and has thrilled neighbors who witnessed her hobbling these last couple of months. She’s walked without the sling for a full week, and often circles two blocks rather than just the one.
Kate Harrington 