Update the Whatever (aka What I’m Reading Right Now)
My wonderful wife and her family got me a Nook Simple GlowTouch for my milestone birthday recently, and it’s turned my passion for reading into overdrive.
Those who have known me for a long while know of my “talent” for reading 5-7 books at a time and managing to keep everything straight with regards to characters, timelines, plots, and so forth. I feel like I’m lagging behind when I’m down to only two books, so you can see my appetite is voracious for reading. It’s not always fiction; I have a wide range of taste, from military tactics to history, how-to manuals to spiritual insight, fiction to gaming resources.
The Nook has simply turned my reading passion up to “11.” (That’s a Spinal Tap reference for you young ‘ins.)
So, to clue you in on where exactly my interest is as I finish Handbook: House Kurita and Gamer’s Most Wanted, I give you my current reading list:
Day of War by Cliff Graham (trade paper): first in the Lion of War series and a book I received on my birthday, it’s an interesting fictional look at David and his ‘mighty men of renown.’ I actually had an idea along this line several years ago and am intrigued on how another (first-time) author is handling such a ‘foggy area’ of Biblical history.
Operation: Outer Space by Murry Leinster (Nook): I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of Leinster before. This 1950s era sci-fi novella is fascinating and amazingly detailed in its believability. I also picked up The Aliens to read after this one. Both of these were borrowed from the library, which I am super-stoked I can check out e-books through the Fairfax County Public Library system.
Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead (Nook): First book I purchased on the Nook. I read this over 15 years ago and despite the fact I own most of Lawhead’s novels, this one I’d completely missed. I’m enjoying the return of Aiden and his journey into the byzantine world of the Holy Roman Empire.
Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation by John Ehle (trade paper): A very ‘meaty’ read but a must for anyone studying or wanting to know truth behind one of the darker points in Cherokee history.
Glasslands by Karen Traviss (trade paper): Next in the Halo universe after the events of The Ghosts of Onyx. Slow to start, like most of Karen’s novels, but a great look at Dr. Halsey’s character and other events. I think this is also prepping Halo fans for the release of Halo 4 later this year.
Song of the Serpent by Hugh Matthews (trade paper): A Patherfinder Tale, this one I have to read as it’s a submission for this year’s IAMTW Scribe Awards, of which I am a judge.
War by Sebastian Junger (Nook): Words can’t really describe this book. It’s a follow up to the great Restrepo documentary done by the late Tim Hetherington and a really poignant look at the brotherhood of soldiers who served in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. Another great pick-up from the FFCPL system.
Latchkeys: Unlatched by Steve Savile (Nook): A project I’ve been a part of for nearly four years, this is the starting point of a great YA series. My episode isn’t coming out until April 2013.
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John C. Maxwell (hardcover): After the events that opened 2012 at my prior place of employment, I decided I needed to refresh my own look at teamwork as I began this new director-level position. It’s been a while since I’ve studied Maxwell’s principles, and it’s been a refreshing read. Plus, it reinforces that I was not crazy during the ‘stress times.’
Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado (trade paper): Another read that is immensely helpful and reinforcing to me after the stresses of the last several months. Especially in facing down some seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your life.
So that’s what I’m pouring over at the moment. And any given week that list will adjust as I finish one book and move to the next. In the meantime, back to my writing…