Books I can't wait to read
And why reading is so hard for me when I'm in the drafting cave
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Jenn asked:
Are there any books you are looking forward to reading? I love knowing what authors like.
So my least favorite question to get asked at events (i.e. in person) is “what book is on your nightstand?” or “what did you just finish reading?” or “what book are you most excited to read next?”
I know all of you can relate. When put on the spot, we suddenly forget all books we’ve ever read. All author names too. It’s like a selective black hole opens and sucks out anything pertaining to literature.
What are books? Who are authors? Have I ever actually read anything before? Hmmm, seems the answer is no.
To be fair, the same thing happens to me if I’m asked about a TV show or game. Uh, what am I watching or playing?
Since I can answer more slowly here, I’m going to make a real effort to give you some answers. That said, I’m also in the drafting cave and there are no books in the drafting cave.
I know many authors can read while under deadline, but I’ve never been one of them. I can read nonfiction, but fiction is a true struggle.
My theory is that reading fiction—unlike watching TV or gaming—requires an active participant. You have to engage with the words, track them in your head, learn new names (especially if you prefer fantasy or science fiction, as I do), learn backstory, follow motivations, and keep up with the plot.
But, Sooz, you have to do that in a video game or TV show too. Do you, though? The show (or movie) will keep playing before you and visually entertain, if you’re not tracking everything. And even a story-rich game often has plenty of things to simply do that don’t rely on you engaging in any way with the plot.
A book though…You’re an active participant. Your brain is required to keep you moving forward and absorbing the words on the page. And I spend all day doing the same with my own books, so when the moon rises and it’s time for bed…
Well, the thought of processing any more words feels completely impossible. I simply can’t keep track of any more places or names or story arcs, thanks. 😭
Side note: this is where I’m going to talk about audiobooks. I love audiobooks. Love them, and when I get really into a book or series, I often will have both physical copies and audio versions of the same book. That way, I can read or listen depending on the situation I’m in.
But you know what audiobooks do for us, right? They read the book for you. And audiobook narrators often perform the book too, and when that happens…
Well, guess what: you’re not an active participant anymore.
If you want to zone out and just let the book be read to you, dipping in with full concentration as you desire, you can! And it’s a lot easier than having to actively engage simply to find the word that’s before you.
In today’s world of mental overwhelm, I’m not at all surprised we’re seeing audiobooks explode in popularity. They allow us to do something we love (reading) without the same brain demand. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a win-win!
Don’t get me wrong: just like a game or TV show, there’s still some requirement from the listener to engage with the story. But the degree of engagement is entirely up to you. The story will continue on whether or not you pay attention. That’s not true for words on a page.
Now, to actually answer your question, Jenn, because I do love sharing what I’m enjoying, here are some things I’m currently zoning out with:
Star Wars: the Old Republic — technically this a MMORPG, but I’ve never once engaged with others. Ha. It’s more like a free-to-play RPG with a ton of mindless fetch quests I can enjoy without thinking about at all. In other words, it’s the perfect game for the drafting cave. (It’s also a BioWare game, so GREAT characters and story!)
Wednesday — a friend has been nudging me to watch this for a while because it reminded her so much of The Luminaries. And now I totally see what she means! Super teen. Super atmospheric. Monsters and creatures and mystery…Yep!
And as for what I’m looking forward to:
Dragon Age: the Veilguard — duh. This needs no explanation. Lucanis will be my future husband. The end.
Frostpunk 2 — I can’t wait to feel my blood pressure exceed healthy levels as I desperately try to keep my city and its people alive!
Rings of Power Season 2 — Oh boy. Can’t say much without spoilers of season 1, but oh boy. Come to me, Halbrand.
Slow Horses Season 4 — love these books!! Highly recommend! The show is also absolutely fantastic, and the cast is perfect.
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey — I love The Expanse books and TV show so much! This is by the same author duo, and I’m ready.
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by
— love how Beth writes, and especially her sci-fi. That lady knows how to plot!The Edge of Yesterday by Rita Woods — Rita is so stinking talented. More people need to discover her works! The prose just slides off the page into your imagination.
Ghostsmith by
— this just released yesterday, and y’all I can’t wait to finish this awesome duology! It’s so great for fans of the Witchlands.
What are YOU all consuming right now? And what are YOU looking for? Is there anything I should be adding to my list?
💚 - Sooz
I'm currently reading the Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djeli Clark. So far, I'm loving it!
I’m waiting to read Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis. I need something light right now!