I have the most eclectic taste in books, and I’m fortunate to be working in a bookstore where I can exercise my interests without the need for a second mortgage. In college I studied literature … serious, challenging, meaningful literature … so as a result I rarely if ever read serious fiction any more.
Most of my serious reading is confined to current affairs and religion, and I’m particularly interested in the stories of real people’s encounters with those two areas. One book I read recently, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down was a great example of the sort of non-fiction I enjoy. It’s about a Hmong family in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota who have a child who is epileptic.
Within their culture, epilepsy isn’t necessarily seen as solely an illness; it can also be seen as a blessing. A child with epilepsy is considered to have special gifts, and is regarded with respect and a certain amount of awe. The way in which these beliefs intersect with a health and social service system that sees things differently made for a fascinating look into a culture about which I know very little.
When it comes to fiction, I really don’t read anything of any weight anymore. I like to read mysteries and thrillers, preferably series with a recurring character. Although he’s been around for a while, I only recently discovered Michael Connelly, whose books about Detective Harry Bosch are my constant companion right now. I don’t usually have the patience for police procedurals, but these are an exception … he’s a pretty compelling character.