I have spent the majority of my time on this blog writing about writing, so I thought I would address the most fundamental and most important part of this experience with books: reading.
I have been reading my entire life; in fact, I cannot remember a time when I did not read. And reading has informed my life in many ways, not only in terms of career but also in the joys of life itself.
I read books, I teach them, and I write about them, but mostly, I enjoy them. I remember my mother telling me when I was very little that you can go many places that you might not ever have a chance to visit, real and made up, if you read. And I have visited and continue to journey to real and fantastic lands.
I am not a reading snob. While I teach college English Literature, I read in a very wide range, from adventure and horror to drama and so-called high literature, although I am not so certain that this distinction is accurate. Both Shakespeare and Dickens were considered popular writers in their time. Hemingway straddled the mythical fence of literature and genre writing. Today, I happily read authors in a multitude of genres, including Stephen King and John Connolly, among many others. So, I read whatever I choose, in any area. And I get great pleasure from the reading.
I hope that all people can experience this pleasure. I realize not everyone will, but I can keep hoping they do.
Gallows Hill can be found here in ebook.
Gallows Hill in paperback can be found here.
An interview about Gallows Hill can be found here.
Please follow the following links to find my novel:
Thank you!
The book trailer:
Maledicus:Investigative Paranormal Society Book I
My radio interview:
I remember when I was very little thinking that reading was such a wondrous (and important!) ability it was reserved for grown-ups. You can only imagine how thrilled I was to be told that I would learn how to read as soon as I started school.
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Yes, I can imagine it.
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The world would be a sad place without books.
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Yes, it would be.
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I think becoming a reader has a lot to do with how you are brought up and the values your parents instill in you. Some people have no respect for learning or knowledge.
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I hope more learn that respect.
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Books are a combination of oxygen and a best friend. What more can one ask of something you can take with you everywhere and also where it will take you?
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That is a wonderful description! Thank you!
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I sometimes hear people say they don’t have time to read – as if it’s an indulgence busy people don’t have time for. As if, hmm?!
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It is an essential part of life.
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Charles, a wonderful post. I tell my ‘crossing kids’ the same thing, reading can take you anywhere. Unlike a video (movies) that take you where it wants to take you, with reading you make the pictures.
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Thank you so much!
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It is really enjoyable that you shared your own thoughts on reading. I read your post with a smile and nod agreement.
I can’t remember not reading so obviously my parents patiently taught me early.
It is one of my favourite pastimes still today and not a day goes without some reading. It would be starvation.
miriam
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Miriam, thank you!
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And you’re never lonely when you have books 📚 They are great company!!
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Yes, they are–thank you!
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Thank you for these great confessions. What would we be without the knowledge of others, and this knowledge we most times can get with books. Michael
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Michael, you are very welcome.
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Many of my favorite trips and adventures have taken place in books. And the one thing that is difficult for me is coming to the end of a book that I was so engrossed in. It is really challenging to have to switch gears, even when the end is actually a good ending. I am never certain that another book by the same author or on the same subject will be as good as the one I just read. But the wonderful thing about any book is that no matter how little money I have or ability to physically go a special place, I can visit it generally without spending any money except perhaps a tiny bit of gas to get to the library. And I can visit that place as it is today as well as as it was hundreds or more years ago. Magical, truly magical . . .
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Anne, thank you! That was wonderfully said.
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Wonderful post, Charles. Pleasure is the root of a true reader. It’s the engine that keeps it running.
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Excellent post, Charles! Pleasure is the root of reading. It’s the engine and the heart that keep it running.
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Yes, it is!
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🙂
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Thank you!
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