A Dying Breed

I’m known at work as the book guy. I read during break times and lunch. I always have a book sticking out of my lunch bag. In fact, checking to make sure I have a book with me is always one of the first things I do before I leave the house. Not just going to work, but pretty much anytime I leave the house. I can’t fathom having pockets of dead time escaping me when I could be enjoying a good book.

A brief discussion with a coworker a couple of months ago stuck with me, and in recent weeks I’ve been thinking more about it. My coworker asked me how many books a month I read, and at the time I was averaging about four a month. He was astounded by that number and couldn’t believe it when I told him I had read, at the time, about 40 books for the year.

The thing that got my mind going recently was the number of books I’ve read so far this year. To date, I’m averaging over seven books a month, and I am currently reading my 23rd book of the year. And the part that really gets to me is that I could do better. There is still a lot of time that I waste doing a bunch of nothing and watching TV.

Since the conversation with my coworker, I’ve paid attention to those around me when I’m out and about. Very rarely do I see someone reading a book. At work, there is no one to discuss books with. I only know of one coworker who reads occasionally. In this age of TV, movies, game systems, and computers, it almost seems as though those who read for entertainment are a dying breed.

I know I sound like an old fart. Heck, maybe I’m becoming one. But I don’t think I’m at a point where I’ll run around saying the sky is falling. Even though it’s a divisive issue, I think ebooks are here to stay and they may encourage a new generation to take up the written word as a viable form of entertainment. I can totally support that. And I was encouraged just a week ago when I ran into a couple who each had a book with them.

It would be a terrible thing if reading for entertainment is cast to the side. I hope I can instill in my kids, if not love for, at least a respect for the written word. And if reading keeps on losing its luster, heck, I guess that would be a good thing for me. I could pick up more books at the used book stores!

My Inner Fanboy

Over the past few days I have been looking back at this previous year, specifically in regards to my reading history. And as I take inventory, I can't help but get excited. I've read so many writers for the first time, and my excitement has been very difficult to contain. I read the most books during a one-year span in my entire life. All in all, it has been a wonderful year when it comes to my reading. And this year is off to to a much bigger bang than last year.

Here is a list of writers I read for the first time this past year: Robert B. Parker (may he rest in peace), Bernhard Schlink, Michael Connelly, Scott Nicholson (one of my favorite storytellers), Shirley Jackson, Joe McKinney, Christopher Ransom, Richard Laymon (a master of horror), Gary A. Braunbeck, Jonathan Maberry (extremely talented writer), Dean Koontz, Brian Keene (a writer who gets you emotionally involved in the story), Jack Kilborn (delivers a ton of action), Jack Ketchum (another master), Wrath James White (no one grabs a reader and doesn't let go like him), John Skipp, Cody Goodfellow, Bryan Smith (can tell one sick story), Paul Tremblay (just see my entry below about The Little Sleep), Tom Piccirilli, and Gord Rollo (another of my favorite storytellers, definitely my favorite Canadian storyteller :)), and Bob Ford (no one matches the raw emotional elements in his writing).

Whew! I was getting all worked up just writing that list. I feel foolish when I am finishing my books because I honestly am blown away by the satisfaction level that I keep attaining with each successive book. I feel like such a fanboy! I guess it's because I am!

And the best part is that I have been able to have some level of interaction with many of these writers via message boards or Twitter (I thought it was the stupidest thing ever when it came out, now I have a hard time going without it!). So, if any of the above writers or others that I read for the first time in the future happen across this post, please know I am not trying to be obnoxious or blow smoke up your butt when I compliment you. I sincerely mean it. It's just that my inner fanboy tends to get in the way.