Books have always been a big part of my life and I love discussing them with fellow bibliophiles. As I get older though I find my memory failing me which makes it harder to have these conversations. So, I have started writing short little paragraphs about the books I read to trigger my memory and maybe help my friends find some books they will enjoy.
The name storyrant was suggested by my 11-year-old son who told me I could use it as long as I gave him the credit. So here is that credit. Thanks buddy!
My Reading Habits
I used to think I would never give up the visceral experience of a paper book. The feel, the smell and the act of turning pages is almost like a ritual that pulls you deeper into the story. Then I got a Kindle for the convenience and started to accept the e-book experience. Eventually I started thinking about all the paper needed to make all the paper books I read. I also liked not having to hold a book open while eating or brushing my teeth as well as not needing to keep a light on to read in bed. I have now done a complete switch and never read paper books having committed instead to using the Libby app on my iPad. I am in love with the Libby app attached to my beloved EPL (Edmonton Public Library). Along with my wireless earbuds, it has also opened up the world of audiobooks for me. They fill the hole whenever I am doing something menial. Driving? Audiobook. Cleaning? Audiobook. Cooking? Audiobook. Gardening? Well, you get the idea.
About this blog
As mentioned above, I read e-books and listen to audiobooks. For me, the format can dramatically change my perception of a book. If the reader for an audiobook is terrible (and sometimes they really are!) it can ruin the entire book. I try to listen to books that require less attention and less thinking because whatever I am doing while I listen sometimes pulls my attention away and I can miss bits. Conversely, a really great reader can totally enhance an audiobook. When the reader has a lovely accent or when an autobiography is read by the author, it really improves the whole experience. As such, I will always note whether I read or listened to the book. Trust me, it matters.
When trying to pick a new book, I often check ratings from other readers but I almost never read beyond the first few words of the review. Too many reviews rehash the entire book or outline the plot in detail. I just want to know if it was good and the general subject matter. Reading is an act of discovery and I don’t like knowing very much going into it. I try to keep this in mind when I write reviews. I tend to focus on the feeling of the book or if it reminded me of something else. I want my friends to be able to decide if it is something they would enjoy or if they should pass it by rather than give a book report. I will never, ever write a spoiler!
What I read
I try to read all kinds of different types of books and I like to mix it up. I generally avoid straight romance and although I like to follow the news, I don’t usually enjoy non-fiction books about politics. If you are looking for a great new read, here are some books that I have loved in some of my favorite categories.
Dystopian future: Handmaid’s Tale and the MaddAddam Triology by Margaret Atwood, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde.
Sci-fi: Altered Carbon series by Richard K. Morgan, Culture series by Iain M. Banks, Stanger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein.
Urban fantasy: The Rook by Daniel O’Malley (Don’t bother with the series on Amazon Prime. The book is very different and SO MUCH BETTER!), Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch, Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne.
Auto/Biographies: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris (audiobook read by the author), A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston (audiobook read by the author), Life by Keith Richards (audiobook read mostly by Johnny Depp).
Non-fiction: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson, Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss, A World of Three Zeros by Muhammad Yunus.
Young Readers: City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (this will lead to some very great discussions about current events with your kids and is a fantastic way to introduce the idea that there isn’t always a right and wrong side when people are involved).
All on its own: S. by Doug Dorst and J.J. Abrams (like nothing you have read before – non-linear and lots of supplementary pieces. I adored this book but leant it to two fellow book-lovers and neither one could get into it).
Some favorite authors: Neil Gaiman (great creative storytelling), Christopher Moore (A Dirty Job had me laughing out loud), Michael Chabon (beautiful writing).