A guilty pleasure

Linda Sappenfield — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:31:00 GMT

Reflecting on Ryan's June 30 Facebook comment--Readers' Exchange is also posted on the City of Round Rock's page--I wonder how many other readers feel vaguely apologetic about their reading habits. Here's what Ryan said:

Unfortunately I primarily read non-fiction online and in trade magazine but I have been known to read a lot of autobiographies, mainly written by musicians. "Scar Tissue" by Anthony Kiedis (Vocalist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers). I've also read 3 of the Sword of Truth series books by Terry Goodkind. I would like to read more poetry and narratives on the abstract side. I should do that.

My initial response was that I should do that--read more nonfiction, science fiction, and trade magazines, that is. I could blog for an entire year about all the titles that I won't get around to though they've been recommended by friends with admirable taste, not to mention the books that would balance out my reading repertoire (did I mention nonfiction, trade journals, and science fiction?) I applaud Ryan's priorities and feel oddly comforted that others may suffer from reading guilt, as well. I just read the blurb for Scar Tissue in the library catalog, and it's now my reading list. It called to mind another music industry-related title that I read a few months ago and would highly recommend: Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon--and the Journey of a Generation.

In return for his autobiography mention, I can offer Ryan this excellent, slightly edgy short story collection by Wells Tower: Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned. How about some poetry recommendations, fellow readers?

Reader's Exchange : Everything Ravaged

A guilty pleasure