Throwback Thursday: What I Read in 2023

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.
There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.”

Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Ever since I read the most books in a library summer reading challenge way back between the fourth and fifth grades, I’ve been a reader.

That may have been the summer I read all of the Oz books that the library had on their shelves.

These days, I find it hard to sit down and just read. Well, except 1) if I’m captivated by a particular book, or 2) I’m in the home “library.”

If you know, you know.

I do a lot of my reading these days with audio books. Thanks to the drives back and forth to the amusement park, not to mention the day job, I have a lot of listening time. I used to fill that with talk radio. That’s another story. For someone else to tell.

Some years I make my Goodreads reading challenge goal. Some not.

In 2023, I set out to read 25 books. In the end, I completed 39. Not bad at all.

My favorite authors?

I love the works of Dean Koontz. I wish I was as skilled with the use of the English language.

I also find myself enjoying an occasional Stephen King novel, as well as Harlan Coben. And this year, I finally read (listened to) my first Tom Clancy novel.

I met Clancy years ago, but that’s also another story.

The graphic below shows the books I read. I should add that I also read through the New Testament and the Psalms. In 2024, I’m working my way (again) through the chronological Bible.

But enough rambling. There are books to read.

Give me your recommendations in the comments below.

Available on Amazon.

Happy Birthday, Professor

“I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and
I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”

Bilbo Baggins as written by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on this day in 1892. He died on September 2, 1973.

Thanks to a favorite high school English teacher, I “discovered” Tolkien a couple of years later. I’ve been a fan ever since.

You can’t be a regular reader of this blog (okay, when there are regular posts) and not know that.

Late in 2023, I took the challenge of finally reading The Silmarillion. I’m a little more than halfway through. And it’s going to take a second reading, or three, to fully comprehend this masterful work.

I don’t know Tolkien half as well as I should like, but I’m a fan of the books, and THE MOVIES.

Well, let’s say I’m a fan of The Lord of the Rings movies. The Hobbit films..,well…too much of a good thing.

I’m also watching The Rings of Power, but the series does not hold the same magic as the original LOTR.

I’ve written before about my unique group of online friends who met online during a time of national turmoil, who loved the movies, and who forged friendships that continue today.

Thanks Professor Tolkien.

Back to reading.

 

Available on Amazon.