Lately I’ve found myself considering the numerous reasons people read. I’m speaking broadly about reading for pleasure, the kind that isn’t required for school or work, although naturally there’s some overlap – work and school reading can certainly be entertaining and enjoyable.

I read an above-average amount and across several genres. I read for entertainment, to broaden my perspective, to learn, to experience different cultures. As a writer, I read to observe use of language, flow, story structure. I’ve read plenty of classics and great literary novels, but those aren’t the first books I select. I’m drawn to women’s fiction, biographies, children’s books, science-y books written by experts that have been put into simpler language for the general public. I like true crime. I enjoy psychological thrillers. All said, I am open. Fantasy is not my first choice, but occasionally I will read a fantasy novel. I love words and language, and I can usually find something I like in most books.

Here’s where I’m going with this:

Lately, I’ve become acutely aware that people have strong feelings about the books they read, and I’m not sure that I really do. Maybe I’m tired. Maybe it’s middle age. Maybe I’ve reached a stage of life where I want less analysis and more pleasure and enjoyment. Reading is where I go when I want happiness and joy. Immersing myself in another world brings me joy like nothing else.

Why do YOU read?

I have a Facebook friend who shares about books she reads. I suppose you could call them reviews, but they’re not really that. She sort of spouts off that she just finished such and such book. She’ll post a snapshot and then she proceeds to write her “review.” Nine times out of ten, she does not like the book and discusses what she didn’t like about it. Even if she claims she DOES like the book, her tone never matches her praise. I’m perplexed by these reviews, but as a book lover, I can’t look away. I try to keep in mind that one person’s review is just that, ONE person’s take on the book.

What are your thoughts? Does a harsh review intrigue you or turn you off?

Here are some books I’ve read (fairly) recently and enjoyed:

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

All In: An Autobiography by Billie Jean King

The Shining by Stephen King

Educated by Tara Westover

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker PhD

The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne

These books are from different genres, but I walked away from each one better than before reading them.

I loved the story and the use of dialogue in Such a Fun Age. I enjoyed the youthful optimism and perspective of an industrious daughter of Asian immigrants in Front Desk. I felt like I was on tour with Billie Jean King in All In – her insights were numerous, and I walked away empowered to be a better tennis player and person, and to never take no for an answer when I believe in a better world.

I read The Shining along with my fifteen-year-old, Wallace. It would not have been my first selection, but I loved it. Stephen King is a fantastic story teller, and I could not pull myself away from the horror taking place at the Overlook Inn. Danny, Wendy, and Jack filled my thoughts and I found myself tearing through the pages far past my bedtime, clearly invested in the lives of these complex characters.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good memoir, and Educated not only did not disappoint, but it far exceeded my expectations. It didn’t speak to me when it was released in 2018. The description seemed generic and overdone in the world of memoirs. Sometimes I feel like books choose me – strange, I know. But if a book continues to come across my radar, I take it as a sign that I should read it. This was the case with Educated. Multiple people brought up Idaho to me over the summer (that’s the author’s place of birth and where Educated takes place.) Additionally, I stumbled across a copy at multiple places and then it was the first book listed as available at my local library. I finally gave in, and I’m glad I did. Powerful. Moving. This is a book that will stick with me forever.

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward pulled me in and didn’t let go. Ward’s lyrical prose is profound. This is an unforgettable story about family. The characters are multidimensional and deliciously complex. It’s a phenomenal work of art.

I first read The Interestings about ten years ago. It was a monthly book club selection. I loved it then, and I loved it more the second time around. It introduces readers to gifted teenagers who meet at a camp and follows them into adulthood. It’s beautiful, tragic, and exhausting in all the best ways.

Why We Sleep was not a book I chose, but Gil started listening to it as he drifted off to sleep every night, which meant I had no choice but to listen as well. I was intrigued. This one has lots of the latest sleep research, and since I have a complicated relationship with sleep, I decided to do a deep dive. Sleep is wildly important. If you want a well-researched book on the subject, this one’s for you.

Finally, The Friday Afternoon Club, by Griffin Dunne was delightful. Dunne is the son of Dominick Dunne and nephew of literary power couple, Joan Dideon and John Gregory Dunne, and boy does he have stories. Again, I do love a memoir, and this one did not disappoint. Family complexity woven with details of old Hollywood, Griffin masterfully quilted a story rooted deep in love and warmth for these larger than life characters that were his world.

What about you? Have you read any of these? I’d love to know your thoughts. What books have you enjoyed lately?

Thanks for reading! Hope you all have a fabulous week!