I read an interview with Bill Gates in the New York Times this week that revealed that he reads about 50 books a year. He also has a blog where he reviews books that he has read, which was a surprise to me. I know he's a smart, interesting person, but I never thought of him as a book person. He reads pretty heavy-duty books and reviews mostly books that he likes rather than writing negative reviews.
That led me to think about my own reading. I do a lot of reading, too. Over the winter break, I caught a cold and laid around the house for a couple days mostly just reading. In spite of being sick, spending so much time reading was wonderful!
I read a lot of novels, some just for fun, some for a book club, and some because they sound intriguing. Mysteries are a favorite along with historical fiction. I also read a fair amount of nonfiction of various genres. I like biographies and history especially, but I also read books about education and music.
The book club selections are often the ones that cause me stress. Some of the club choices have been wonderful and I'm so happy that I discovered a particular book because I had to read it for book club. Wonder was one of those books. Also The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. Me Before You. The Year of Wonders. The Other Wes Moore. Other books I wished I hadn't wasted my time reading and still others I just couldn't finish. Following Mr Gates's lead, I won't name them, but there is a certain pleasure in rippiing them apart in a book club discussion. I'm currently reading The Nightingale and I'm finding it somewhat stressful since I know things are going to continue getting worse for the characters. It's World Way II after all.
I like historical fiction because it's a window into the past - a way of seeing what life was like at different times rather than just learning about the big events that shaped the time. On the other hand, when I choose a book to read, it's for me and I don't feel the need to make myself miserable reading a book I hate or that makes me lose sleep. I know I'm not the only one who has trouble sleeping when reading a disturbing book.
But mostly reading is a pleasure, the best kind of entertainment. I read every day no matter how busy I am. It's a way to relax, to recharge.
I'm on Goodreads, if anyone wants to join me there. What books do you recommend?
I loved "The Last Lion" which is Winston Churchill's biography. Also, thanks for linking Gates' blog. I didn't know he was an avid reader either.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I will put that on my list. I really enjoyed John Adams by David McCullough and Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer. Paul Revere's Ride is about more than his ride and more than just his life, but very interesting and well written.
DeleteI loved "The Last Lion" which is Winston Churchill's biography. Also, thanks for linking Gates' blog. I didn't know he was an avid reader either.
ReplyDeleteOh, I miss my reading life. This post gave me reading envy. :( I need to get back into it...
ReplyDeleteYes, do it! I read your OLW post (great word!) and for me reading is part of the joy of life. Being in the world with family, friends, students and colleagues is wonderful, but for an introvert, reading is the essential flip side of social life.
DeleteI carry a book with me everywhere! Reading calms me down and makes me happy. Currently, I am reading the Lunar Chronicles (finished Cinder, and Scarlet...almost finished Cress). I really enjoy this series so far. I'm also getting ready to read Serafina and the Black Cloak. I will look for you on Goodreads!!!
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of that series - I will check it out.
DeleteI am a reader and miss it terribly when life keeps me from it. My favorite is heart fiction or books that make me cry. Best cry of the year goes to Orbiting Jupiter! Now I am off to read that interview because I would not have expected this from Gates.
ReplyDeleteYou must have read The Fault in Our Stars I think. My book club read it and everybody cried. I hadn't heard of Orbiting Jupiter before, but it sounds like a good book club choice, too. Thanks!
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