Books I Read for Research
Here's where I satisfy the CRA that yes, all of those books I buy do get read and put to good use. I didn't pick up The Veterinary Guide to Horse Breeding to read at the beach.
Finished Reading:
The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck
Done! The descriptions and the historical research are excellent. The writing is engaging. I've learned a lot about mules and Schuttler wagons, and I'm still writing about Wild West re-enactments. Fun fact: my grandfather used to train and drive teams of oxen. I suspect that was more fun for him than you. Since children weren't allowed near the oxen, it was zero fun for me. Oh yes. And they wore shiny little metal caps on the tips of their horns. I assume that ties into the reason why children weren't allowed near them.
Recently Read:
Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis
This book was recommended to me by a financial advisor who surprisingly, wasn't eager to help me steal cryptocurrency, but was more than happy to recommend a book on the subject. Anyone who thinks cryptocurrency is a good investment should really read this book. (Spoiler alert: not the safest investment if you're worried about your retirement nest egg. Buy a lottery ticket.) The heroine in my upcoming book Bad Boy Cowboy (The Roped in Time series) gets herself in trouble trading crypto--trouble being the hero, who's hired to kill her.
Books I Wish I'd Written
I read a lot when I'm supposed to be writing, but I don't read in the genres I write. I mean, I do read in the genres I write. Just not when I'm writing.
What I'm reading right now:
The Time Police Series by Jodi Taylor
I'm actually re-reading this series. I read The Chronicles of St. Mary's and fell in love. (I've re-read that series, too. Several times.) Who doesn't love misfit historians (don't call them time travelers) who study history in contemporary times? The research behind both series is impressive. Jodi Taylor is my current writer crush.
Books I'm not Smart Enough for but (try to) Read Anyway
The list is endless!
These books take a while for me to finish. (If ever. See header above.)
Finished reading:
Evil: A Very Short Introduction by Luke Russell
Wow, Goodreads reviewers can be harsh. I think the book is thought-provoking. What, exactly, is evil? How do we define it? We throw the word about when we strongly disapprove of someone, or some organization, but is it their actions we perceive to be evil, or are they inherently evil? What is abhorrent behavior? What is the uncrossable line? What are the boundaries? I love these Very Short Introduction books. You'll be seeing a lot of them. I have about 15 in my TBR pile. PS. There were no surprises.
Currently Reading:
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini, PhD
I wish I could remember why I thought I desperately needed to read this book, since I've read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie and those books had no impact on my life whatsoever, but here we are. Your guess is as good as mine. Stay tuned.
A book I'll be reading forever:
Values(s): Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney
My degree in social anthropology really let me down on this one. If I ever decide to become a world-renowned PhD economist then this will be my training manual. Until then, I'll just nod wisely when asked if I've read it. As long as I'm not asked if I understand it, I'm good.