Reflecting on Ryan’s June 30 Facebook comment–Readers’ Exchange is also posted on the City of Round Rock’s page–I wonder how many other readers feel vaguely apologetic about their reading habits. Here’s what Ryan said:
Unfortunately I primarily read non-fiction online and in trade magazine but I have been known to read a lot of autobiographies, mainly written by musicians. “Scar Tissue” by Anthony Kiedis (Vocalist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers). I’ve also read 3 of the Sword of Truth series books by Terry Goodkind. I would like to read more poetry and narratives on the abstract side. I should do that.
My initial response was that I should do that–read more nonfiction, science fiction, and trade magazines, that is. I could blog for an entire year about all the titles that I won’t get around to though they’ve been recommended by friends with admirable taste, not to mention the books that would balance out my reading repertoire (did I mention nonfiction, trade journals, and science fiction?) I applaud Ryan’s priorities and feel oddly comforted that others may suffer from reading guilt, as well. I just read the blurb for Scar Tissue in the library catalog, and it’s now my reading list. It called to mind another music industry-related title that I read a few months ago and would highly recommend: Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon–and the Journey of a Generation.
In return for his autobiography mention, I can offer Ryan this excellent, slightly edgy short story collection by Wells Tower: Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned. How about some poetry recommendations, fellow readers?
