Books Read

Way back in May, just as the Covid restrictions started loosening up, I had a sinking feeling that I wasn’t making good use of all my free time. I decided to get my arse in gear and do something productive. I started “reading” in full force.

I’m not entirely sure why this list thrills me but I think I have a pretty good idea. This is an accomplishment. Normally, my days are measured by pills swallowed and bathroom breaks taken. In other words, existing. But reading entire books – now that’s something to be proud of.

I apologize for including a list. Reading another person’s list is about as exciting as reading the ingredients on a box of cereal. I provide it now for selfish reasons. It makes me very happy to see all the titles in one place. It reminds me that I spent some time thinking about something other than my own dreary existence. Publishing this list might encourage someone else to read one of these books, and I’m always happy to give other writers a plug.

One detail. When I say “read” I actually mean “listened to.” Sadly, the effort of holding onto a book and turning pages is beyond me now. My hands are just too clumsy. I didn’t think I would enjoy listening to books but I was wrong. I surprised myself. Again. Since Covid I’ve been eating meals in my room and it turns out that books are the perfect condiment. However, nothing will ever replace the physical, tactile joys of book reading: the sound of a page turning over, the way a book smells inside, seeing my bookmark advance through the thickness of the pages.

And now – drum roll please – here’s the list of books read between May 1 and August 2.

Self improvement

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms … (Brene Brown)

Summary of The Gifts of Imperfection (Brene Brown)

Gutsy Women Win: How to Get Gutsy and Get Going… (Pat Obuchowski)

Memoir

The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself and Win (Maria Konnikova)

I Remember Nothing (Nora Efron)

Into the Planet: My Life As a Cave Diver (Jill Heinerth)

To the River: Losing My Brother (Don Gillmor)

Just for the hell of it:

Elon Musk: Tesla, Space X, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Ashlee Vance)

Fifteen Dogs (a novel, the first one I’ve read in probably 10 years) (Andre Alexis)

The Never- Ending Present: Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip (Michael Barclay)