Leading up to Christmas, I was feeling that my storytelling reserve was empty. It must have been all of those overlong, self-obsessed New York Story posts that I churned out. So during some free time during Christmas break, I stumbled upon this revolutionary new practice that would improve my vocabulary, fuel my imagination, and teach me from masters of the written word: reading.
I have rarely read for recreation. I read the Lord of the Rings series and a few books like it because, despite my looks, I am a big nerd. People usually mistake me for a small nerd, me being 5’5 and all.
I picked up some good deals at a used bookstore and Amazon. Since Christmas, I’ve read
- Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
- The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
- Stardust by Neil Gaiman
I spend at least an hour on the subway round-trip everyday; I have plenty of reading time. After looking for the strong points within each storyteller, I’ve felt refreshed when it comes to my own writing. Now I just need to put down some of these page-turners and start writing!
What kind of books or which authors do you like to read?
I read all sorts of different things. Lately I’ve been reading all the “hot” Christian books, so it’s been a lot of serious, memoir type stuff. But I also love mysteries – political or espionage thrillers, preferably. However, last night, I laid on my couch and read an entire romance novel. The fluffy stupid kind (although not smutty, because it was a Christian novel, thankyouverymuch). And it was lovely.
Hehe – how romantic do those Christian romance novels get?
“When they shook hands, their WWJD bracelets brushed. Her heart and legs swooned…”
If you like LOTR, you should try the Wingfeather saga by Andrew Peterson (you may know him better for his music). They are quite fun reads…and I can’t wait for the next one to come out to see what happens! I typically read mysteries, though, and stick to the Christian authors for them so they don’t get too gory or freaky. I like Terri Blackstock and James Scott Bell.
I didn’t know that Andrew Peterson wrote fantasy novels. Quite a talented guy!
I’ll admit that some of the books on my list got a bit freaky. I just picked up what was on sale on Amazon. For example, The Curious Incident… book was unshy with the profanity, but I took it in stride as British culture where an F-bomb is more like an F-cap gun.
Ooh, I LOVED The Eyes of the Dragon.
I’m one of those people who is able to re-read books in the same manner that some re-watch favorite movies.
I’m currently reading the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (I’m on #2) from which the current movie Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is from.
My favorite authors are Orson Scott Card and Lois McMaster Bujold (I love 3 name folks, I guess).
I’m very familiar with Neil Gaiman and his work, but I somehow don’t think that I’ve actually read any of his books. After seeing your recent reads, I’m quite sure I need to change that…
Maybe I should check out this Percy Jackson business. I actually haven’t even picked up that one series, though it’s pretty obscure, I know that some of my friends liked it…whatshisname…oh, Harry Potter.
Reading Harry Potter was a lot of fun. I started it just because I couldn’t stand for there to be something the kids were talking about that I knew nothing about. My responses to them went as follows…
1st book: That was a cute little story.
2nd book: Not too shabby series going here.
3rd book: This is actually pretty good, I have to admit.
4th book: HOLY CRAP THAT WAS AWESOME WHEN’S THE NEXT BOOK?
5th book: Got it the weekend it came out.
6th book: Waited in line with friends.
7th book: Waited in line with friends.
I will have to jump in. Down with cynicism because something is popular. Up with good storytelling.
How did you like Stardust and The Eyes of the Dragon? I enjoyed both (especially the latter) – found them imaginative and entertaining.
I’m reading a lot of literary fiction these days – Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout; Waiting, by Ha Jin; Like Life, by Lorrie Moore; Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami; and recently, A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini. All are very quiet and contemplative.
Loved them both. That was actually my first King novel. I’m interested in tackling The Stand at some point.
I actually have Olive Kitteridge now by your suggestion!