book list

This is my book list right now. It's a running total of all the books I read from on a daily basis. Some is for fun, some is for interest, some are for classes I'm teaching, and one is for a class I'm about to teach. The ipod has a book on it, too. Okay, I snuck in last book club's book, AND the current book club's book, but that's because I'm in between them. One of the kids in my book club has already finished the current book. I guess I should probably start it.

One time I thought I should write a book. Staring at a blank screen for 3 hours and 57 little Jamaican vacationesque braids in my hair later, I thought, well maybe I should research how to write a book. That took me straight to my first and only Stephen King book: On Writing. My sister loves Stephen King. But after getting her synopsis about a few of his books, I stayed far away. He creeps me out. But a book on writing, from a very successful writer with all those creepy and wacky stories, could help. So, I read his book. Mr. King suggests to be a good writer, I should do two things: 1. write. 2. read. I used to read, but not a lot. I like to re-read books, because as it stands, I don't retain information too well. I forget how the book ends, or how the plot was designed, and go back and try to remember along the way. I also forget movies. So, I'm a re-reader. I've read Wuthering Heights probably 20 times. 11 of those re-readings was the summer before my Junior year in high school. I guess it was a slow summer. But it was long long ago, and you not quizzing me on Heathcliff and what's-her-name's romance is greatly appreciated.

Case and point on the not retaining information well - Stephen King's book, On Writing is as thick as the rest of his novels. And all I can remember is that I'm supposed to read and write. But Stephen King told me to do it, so I remembered that. Actually, I seem to remember how he got his main character for his book - Carrie. He created that character based on a troubled girl who went high school with him. Anyways....

Hey, aren't you a college professor or something? Isn't it your job to retain information!? NO! No, it's not. Down in the front, mister. My job is to judge others and if they are retaining the information. For the record, I review the texts right along with the students. I've probably read and re-read more text books far more thoroughly than I ever did as a student in college.

Tack on the fact that I am now hosting a book club at my kid's school. It's a long story, but I signed up this year noting that I'd like to help but not so much with the kids. A few weeks later, I must have really pissed off the teacher and instead of taking it out on my kids like a professional educator should, their teacher conned me into doing a book club. Hands on. All alone. WITH A MASS OF CHILDREN. Yeah, I know. Teacher wins.

It turns out though, that the book club is good for me. Oh sure, it's good for the kids too. But it's great for me. Reading along with a kid, or a group of kids, and discussing the preview of the book, preparing a post discussion and coming up with ways to entice kids to love reading - it's actually got me reading more than I ever thought possible. Which by the way, the best way to get a kid to love reading and being in my book club is the same way I lure my friends to like me: I bring snacks.

It took me a few years to read the On Writing book. And then a couple more years to actually write. And somewhere in there, I discovered that I was reading books that didn't particularly interest me. Along with that, I was trying to write stuff I didn't like either. I was trying to write what I thought I was supposed to write. Soon, I found my niche in writing and a new love for books and reading. The less time I have to read, the more I want to. Mr. King put his money where his mouth is: Reading does spark ideas to write, as it turns out.

Here's a book list of the books I've read in the last year. They are books I deem worthy of finding the time to read:
On Writing - Stephen King (I keep it close by for reference.)

Anne Lamott - Bird by Bird (I'm pretty sure I'll keep this one around for reference too, especially the chapter titled: Shitty First Drafts)

Wade Rouse - America's Boy, Atleast in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream, It's All Relative: Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays, and 50 Boxes of Wine (A Memoir), and I'm Not The Biggest Bitch in This Relationship - I keep this guy around for reference and the need to lol all the time. And I might be going to one of his workshops in a couple of weeks. This guy is hilarious, raw, honest, and sincerely one of the coolest mentors. I think he just called me Xena in his latest book. I'll be addressing it with him when I see him.

Bill Scheft - I read this guy's blog. He's brilliant, insightful and helpful with the process of writing. He makes me want to go have dinner with him sometime and quiz him on so many things. But then I think I might come across as Kathy Bates-ish in Misery (I watch King's movies, just don't read the books) I wonder if I promise not to hobble him... Time Won't Let Me, The Ringer, Everything Hurts and The Show.

A Dog's Purpose - W. Bruce Cameron (This one wins the prize for the most gifted book. I've given a copy to atleast 10 pals, if not more.)

I hope my pile grows deeper, and so to my writing. Until then, I'll maintain a steady streamline of being overwhelmed by both - the pile of reading, and the determination to write. I'm starting to think my pile of books and my determination are making me way cool.

What have you been reading?

That's how I roll.
Song of the day: Storybook Love - The Princess Bride Soundtrack