So... Wednesdays are going to be focused on Writing. This is a broad topic in my life, so I'm pretty confident I can stick with this as a weekly blog headline. I'm also going to try to focus my actual Wednesdays on writing, too. Okay...so... not so much today maybe, even though it's obviously a Wednesday. Today I need to get a handle on putting the holidays away...
Today's blog topic, however, will focus on writing - and one important aspect of Writing is Reading.
Reading good books helps a writer improve their own writing. Not by copying, but by being inspired. (Reading bad books can help too, but that's a topic for a whole different blog post!)
The two best books I read in the last month have been ONCE UPON A RIVER, by Bonnie Jo Campbell and THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern. Both hit the bestseller lists early on. Both books have been on my TBR list for ages. And I resisted cracking either of them open. I don't know why. But I read them both in December and recommend them with my whole heart. Two very very different books, but each achingly beautiful in its own way. If you like romances with an odd touch of paranormal, you need to read THE NIGHT CIRCUS. Campbell's book has not a hint of paranormal or sci fi, but is full of cold, stark reality, in all its beautiful and horrible glory.
The YA series I've been obsessed with for the last month is the I AM NUMBER FOUR series by Pitacus Lore, which is not a real author name although I read that James Frey is one of two writers behind the series. I've read all 3 books and all 3 novellas in the series, the last one in hardcover since it only came out in August 2012. I have to admit I don't like all of the writing, but I love the way the story is put together, and the way it flows from one scene to the next, especially the action sequences. When I was in Mexico I read the second book on the beach in a day, and then re-read it again the next day. These are definitely paranormal and sci fi, with alien teens from another planet hiding on earth from other aliens bent on destroying their race. Lots of action. Fun reading. Totally recommend if you're into this type of book.
Okay, so what have you been reading? I'm always looking for a good recommendation, or something new to review. In fact, I should probably post "real" reviews for all 6 of these books on Goodreads. Maybe I'll get to that today, too. After I finish vacuuming the pine needles!
And be sure to leave a comment and tell me what to read next!
I loved THE NIGHT CIRCUS so much! It took me so long to get around to reading it because I didn't think it would be one that I liked. My sister read it and highly recommended it (and bought me a copy!) so I finally took the plunge. Well worth it! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, my sister is the one who tried to get me to read it too! She took my daughter shopping in December and bought it for her to read and then my daughter wrapped it up and gave it to me under the tree. So I *finally* read it and so glad I did. May even re-read it over the summer by the pool, more slowly to savor the descriptions....
Deletethanks for stopping by!
I couldn't agree more. Reading is such a crucial part of becoming a better writer. And for the record, LOVED The Night Circus.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Johanna! Knew you'd be a fan of The Night Circus, after reading your book ;-)
DeleteI haven't read the "I am number 4 books," but I did see the first movie, and I really liked it. As for what I'm reading . . . Maggie's Child by Glynis Smy. Can't tell you much about it yet, though. Maybe I should pick up "Unfolding the Shadows" next.
ReplyDeleteHI, Angela! Yes please - add me to your TBR list ;-)
DeleteHappy New Year!
I haven't read The Night Circus yet, even though it pretty much smacks me in the face every time I walk into the bookstore. Maybe it's time that I crack it open myself...
ReplyDelete