I have declared that the year 2024 will be the year of reading! I have this thing where I go through reading spurts. Do you? I’ll get on a reading kick and then, all of a sudden, stop. For months, I won’t pick up a book. Sometimes years.
But lately, I’ve been reading again. Some are actual paperback books, and some are on audio. I love listening to books while I am working. Thankfully, I have a job where I can put in my earbuds and listen to podcasts, music, and books.
This is also the time of the year when I usually start peeling off and away from social media. It is getting nasty out there, folks. I only want Christmas music, good tidings, and cheer this time of year, as Bing and David brought us years ago.
It’s not really Christmas until you see the two most unlikely people befriend each other, mend their differences and join together two classic songs into one memorable performance. RIP Bing/Thin White Duke. pic.twitter.com/HmeoVBcopq
— Living In The Past (@LivingInThePas5) November 26, 2023
So, diving into books for escape is what I plan to do in 2024. Maybe I’ll flood my social media accounts with book reviews and recommendations. And perhaps I will include it in my podcast, too.
While I don’t want to leave social media altogether or quit my podcast, this may be a great way to fill it in with stuff that isn’t gloom and doom, like the news and politics.
Also, eventually, I want to write a book. And reading will give me some inspiration.
Let me start by telling you what I have read recently, what I am currently reading, and what I plan on reading next.
The Bible – Normally, I read it in my car while on my lunch break at work. Starting from the beginning, I need to take it in small sections. The Bible I am using is The Daily Bible (NLT). I’ve been in Genesis for months!
Recently Finished Up
Recently, I finished an audiobook by Daniel Steele called Second Act. I don’t like criticizing other people’s work, so I’ll say this wasn’t for me. It was enjoyable enough as far as it was something to listen to while at work. I felt the plot was rushed. This was my first Daniel Steel novel, and it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Mor than likely, I won’t be reaching for another. However, I did appreciate that the content was clean.
Currently Reading
I am finishing a book titled The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper was the first book by this author that I listened to in audiobook. It was a good listen, which made me confident in buying the Little Italian Hotel book. I have about 50 pages left to read. Parts of the book are decent, but I don’t like how the central character drones on and on about her husband. When I finish the book, I’ll return to fill you in with more details. But again, I appreciate the content being clean.
The most recent reads I have thoroughly enjoyed are The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood.
Doing a recent Google search to find authors similar to those mentioned above, Anthony Horowitz showed up, so I purchased one of his books, Magpie Murders.
This YouTube video by Penguin, where Anthony Horowitz talks about what makes a great murder mystery and how to do it, is mesmerizing! I know I will enjoy Magpie Murders!
I wish I could leave social media altogether, but I must stick around for some things. However, I certainly can limit myself from endlessly scrolling through the feeds. And now that I plan to read a lot this upcoming year, I have something to look forward to doing.
Thanks for taking the time to read. You can also listen to my podcast, which is still a daily one.
