Monday, May 20, 2013

Stuck in a Rut?


I've gone through phases as a reader. For a long time, I read only mysteries. Agatha Christie books and Nero Wolfe stories occupied my time and bookshelves. Then, I read lots of romance. Peretti grabbed me with his supernatural fiction. After a time, I discovered a couple of things:

1) I selected books without any thought.
2) I was bored.

At that point, I decided to mix it up. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. It kept my reading fresh and fun.

I keep a list of the books I've read during the year. Due to my own publishing journey, the list is shorter than usual for 2013. Last year, I read over 50 books. Here's what I've read so far in 2013:

Echoes by Kristen Heitzmann  (Suspense with an element of romance)
Heart Out of Hiding by Jan Cline (Non-fiction)
From A Distance by Tamera Alexander (Historical romance)
Sacred Sabbath by Marja Meijers (Non-fiction)
Providence: Once Upon a Second Chance by Chris Coppernoll (Fiction - not sure of the genre)
Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund (Historical romance)
Arms of Love by Kelly Long (Amish historical)

There are many more books on my TBR pile and on my Wish List. Non-fiction, contemporary, sci-fi, futuristic, historical romance, and mystery are all represented.I also want to read books written by fellow authors at Helping Hands Press. My list keeps growing.

Writers & Readers: What are you reading now? What books are on your TBR pile?

Photo Credit: kovik

9 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - all sorts and I have to read books this year - get in the groove .. I read other things, but books I rarely get to .. I'm determined to sit and read!

Hope you'll join us tomorrow for International Be Positive Day .. check my site and Lenny'sWorld blog ..

Cheers Hilary

Jennifer Brown Banks said...

Hi Susan,

Good question here. I usually have my nosed pinned between the pages of several books, at any given time. These days I'm reading a combo of fiction and non-fiction--as I receive a good amount of titles from other authors seeking reviews for their work. Love the look of your new site.

Jen @ Pen and Prosper blog

Jeanette Levellie said...

I, too, am more discriminating than I used to be. I'm reading Days of Vine and Roses by Linda Rodeau right now. I just finished Jody Hedlund's newest, A Noble Groom. It was marvelous!

I also read any number of non-fiction books at a time. Write Tight and Faith Food Daily Devotions are two I'm reading now.

Karen Lange said...

What am I reading now? Well, actually, I am reading the second book in a trilogy by this fabulous author. You might know her - it's Susan something or another. :) It's quite engaging, really, and I'd like to devote more time to it now. But alas, due to prior commitments, it must wait until later. :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary - I'll pop by ASAP. :)

Hi Jennifer - Great to see you! I've added you to my blogroll in case you didn't notice. It's the best way for me keep track of my favorite bloggers.

Hi Jeanette - I want to ready Jody's book as well. Currently, I'm reading Last Chance for Justice by Kathy Macias and one of Jen Turano's books.

Hi Karen - LOL! For those of you wondering about my second book, Karen is critiquing it for me. :)

I love reading, and wish I could stay at that 50 books per year level.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

I devour fiction, mostly contemporary suspense/mystery. I find that I'm thinking hard all day about the realities of my life, and fiction helps me unplug. It's like the fan that cools the computer thingamajig. :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Other than the Bible, I read mostly fiction as well.

Like your thingamajig reference. You sound like me. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Oh Susan, I just posted something about my to-read stack :) I love the variety in your list.
I am reading a couple of Dutch books that have no english translation, so no need to mention those. Although... one is a publication from Open Doors, about persecuted christians. Oh my, such stories, especially about North Korea. Unbelievable, sad, but true.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

It sounds like your TBR stack is as high as mine. :)

There are so many books I want to read. Someone mentioned a speed reading course today. I'm tempted, but don't have time to learn that skill.

Blessings,
Susan :)