Did you know that today is National Read a Book Day? It is observed annually on Sept. 6. According to the National Day Calendar, “Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime. Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!”
Like a glutton for punishment, I have four books that I’m currently reading four books at once. I constantly do this to myself. I tell myself only three books at once, and then that currently reading list balloons to four to six titles at once.
Most of my focus has been given to The Burger Chef Murders in Indiana by Julie Young. It highlights a case from Speedway, Indiana, which has gone unsolved since Nov. 17, 1978. Despite having grown up in Indiana, I’d never heard of the case until Julie, a freelance writer for two of magazines that I manage, sent the book by way. After just a couple days, I’m over halfway through. It’s a very interesting case, though it’s also one that frustrates. Police made a lot of errors at its beginning, and that might be one reason why it’s gone unsolved.
I also try to read a writing craft book once in a while, and my current choice is On Writing and Worldbuilding, Volume I by Timothy Hickson. I’ve been a fan of
Hickson’s YouTube Channel, Hello Future Me, and wanted to support his efforts by purchasing the ebook. It compiles a lot of his video content into one easily referenced book. I feel he brings up a lot of good questions that writers should ask while worldbuilding and plotting their novels.
I always try to have one nonfiction book in the works that more often than not is a history book. Currently, filling that position is To Conquer Hell: The Meuse-Argonne, 1918 by Edward G. Lengel. I purchased the ebook to aid with research for my historical fiction novel. I’m only about 14% through but have been enjoying Lengel’s writing style. I look forward to when I can give this book more attention; it definitely deserves that. Similarly, and also WWI-centric, I need to give more focus to Her Privates We by Frederic Manning. My co-worker had loaned me this one, and I’ve been hanging onto it.
So what are you reading this National Read a Book Day?
Blood & Ink 