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.
Sex Cult Nun: Breaking Away from the Children of God, a Wild, Radical Religious Cult by Faith Jones
Despite the fact that this book was not exactly what I meant when I asked a subject matter expert for a recommendation on cults/alternate belief systems (thanks, but I write about romance, not sexual abuse and pedophilia), the book really does offer insights into the mentality of people who become entangled in one. A lot of the same tactics are employed by narcissists who alienate their spouses/significant others from family and friends. It's heart breaking, and I prefer to write books that are uplifting. Worth reading, but not for anyone who might be triggered by abuse.
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.
Currently Reading:
Junkyard Cats by Faith Hunter
If I'd known these were novellas I wouldn't have bought the whole series. There's nothing wrong with novellas. I just prefer a story with more detail because I like to hang out for a while, like the guest who doesn't know when to leave. It's more dystopian futuristic than urban fantasy, but again, that's on me for not checking them out more thoroughly. I love the premise, however, and the first 25% has held my interest. The writing is solid, so I'll try to stick with it. (Plus I like cats.)
*So far, still not loving novellas. It's too hard to get invested in the characters. I'm not ready to give up, but it's looking grim.
Recently Read:
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.
Conclusion: Still good.
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.)
Currently Reading:
Humans: The 300,000 Year Struggle for Equality by Alvin Finkel
Just an interest of mine. My degree in social anthropology is completely outdated and I like to read books by experts. I'll let you know if it's good. It has endnotes and that's usually a positive sign.
Finished 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.
*I stand corrected. The chapter on social proof alone is worth every penny. I'm currently writing a series that involves cult-like behavior. Cialdini uses a term called "peer-suasion" to explain why people do the seemingly inexplicable. Fascinating. The chapter on liking explains why used car salespeople continue to exist. Disturbing. Humans are not the independent thinkers we think we are.
*Okay, I loved this book. It had some fascinating insights into human behavior. I especially liked the information on "we" culture and business, which explains why some individuals are fireproof, and how that contributes to them taking advantage of it. Ever wonder why someone who's been around forever has shoddy work habits? It's because they've been around forever and their shoddy work habits have evolved from complacency. They know who they need to impress. FYI--it's not you. (And they will crush you if they think you make them look bad, so don't bother to try.) I've learned to avoid them. If I can't, I take notes.
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.
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.