A Good Read

What book of fiction have you read most recently? I was asked that question today, and I had to think about it for a moment. Finally, I remembered; it was Never Let Me Go by British author Kazuo Ishiguro. I think I made it through the third chapter, but I have difficulty remembering when so many months have passed. The idea for the story was very interesting, but the writing style didn't capture my imagination.

I should probably feel embarrassed for having gone so long without reading a novel or short story. I don't. However, I am not an uncultured swine--I am a very cultured one. I enjoy reading books of many genres. In fact, I am writing a fiction novel at present. Yet, my favorite books are ones that teach. Whether it teaches a skill, a method, an historical event, a moral, or just about any interesting fact, I love to read it.

Growing up, I would read from the children's encyclopedias my family owned. While we had generous supply of story books and novels, I instinctively reached for more raw information. I don't know why.

Even today, when I curl up on the couch with a book it's usually a reference material of some kind. I can very easily recall the last non-fiction book I have read from cover to cover--Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design by Andy Clarke. Very few plot twists, I must admit, but riveting nonetheless.