Who Are You Behind that Book?

It’s Not Just Blogging – It's a Conversation!

While I’m starting to get the kinks out of my mental muscles in blogging again, there’s something I’ve noticed. The closer I get to feeling like I’m talking to you, the more I feel as though I’m writing in my voice. One that’s gradually trusting that it’s okay to be honest about things like screwing up. Learning from mistakes. Being sad or mad or really grateful. Digging in and deeply listening to ideas.

I imagine hanging out with you over a glass of wine (or in the morning, a latte) listening and swapping stories. For when I write “you” dozens of dear faces and names and voices spring to mind. It’s really fun.

I’m not kidding. Right now, I’m smiling.

This appreciation sparked an idea: A community page. Creating a space to exchange thoughts and stories with each other. A place to have fun, to be curious. A location to check in with compassion or to pause and regain calm when there’s disagreement.

I’ll start out bi-weekly and see if this connection matters to you.

For this first post, here’s what I’m wondering about you as someone who loves books. I read recently that the whopping majority of book buyers (85% - 95%) consistently say reading a book is a personal priority. More than entertainment or to pass the time, it’s who they are as a person.

That’s intense! To test it, I’ll take a shot at answering by listing the books I’m about to start or just finished. I do read a lot of historical fiction, but none this month. I always have a contemporary nonfiction book underway. Right now, Democracy Awakening by

Heather Cox Richardsonis teed up. Always have a metaphysical book to explore slowly with a yellow highlighter. Right now, its Facets of Unity by A.H. Almaas. I try to have books in the cue written by author friends (Just finished Sheila Athens’ Neena Lee Is Seeing Things) and reading for upcoming book clubs (currentlyA World of Curiosities, by Louise Penny). Fiction is read straight through; the nonfiction books I can jump in and out of.

What do you see? Curiosity, I hope. A desire to learn…

Your turn! How does reading books define you as a person?