The First Library Haul and Reading List, 3/13/15

People are often curious about what and how often I read. The answers are, “Almost anything and all the time.” I can churn through about five books a week unless something extraordinary is going on. I’ve even been known to read cereal and cracker boxes during meals if nothing else is available.

If you’ve ever watched the TV show, “The Middle,” and seen the youngest kid, Brick, reading, you can get a good idea of my reading habits. I was just like Brick as a kid and still am, minus the whispering and whooping tics. Thankfully, because I’m weird enough without that extra baggage.

Anyway, I visit the library at least once a week and usually come home with a decent-sized stack. I also borrow from the library’s eBook collection. Each week I’ll try to post the books that I’m currently reading. This week’s haul includes:

• An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, by Col. Chris Hadfield: Growing up, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Even though that dream went bust, I still enjoy reading about the space program and those who work within it. This book is part memoir and part self-help. Interesting to see just what makes an astronaut tick.
• Heir to the Jedi, by Kevin Heame. I love Star Wars, particularly books that take place within the universe of the “original” trilogy. This one focuses on Luke, just after the events of “A New Hope.”
• The Highest Frontier, by Joan Slonczewski. A “New Adult” novel written before “New Adult” was a genre. Girl goes to college in space? Yes, please.
• Mistborn, by Brandon Sanderson. Everyone tells me this is a must read for any sci-fi/fantasy fan. I’ve enjoyed some of Sanderson’s other work, so I’m finally going to give this one a try.
• Data and Goliath, by Bruce Schneier. Because I like to keep myself up at night with thoughts about how we’re being spied on and constantly chronicled.
• Teach Yourself Visually Pinterest, by Janet Majure. Part of launching my “social media presence” includes learning how to use Pinterest. Might as well start at the beginning.