I’ve been a reader ever since I can remember. Even when I couldn’t read yet, I was being read to, either by my mother or one of my grandparents. At three, I was trundled off to the library where I spent many happy hours selecting books, participating in programs, and eventually working my way into a career as a librarian, starting as a page. As a child, I couldn’t imagine a time when I’d graduate from the children’s section of the library, but I did, migrating to teen and adult collections as I grew up. My mother never censored or really paid attention to my reading and I know there were things I read at times that were inappropriate for my age. But I always appreciated the freedom to read whatever I wanted.
My favourite genres today are cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and clean contemporary. I also enjoy reading memoir, biography, and books about Christian living. I don’t follow any particular reading program but belong to a couple of book clubs, one focusing on Christian reads and the other more diverse. I read throughout the day whenever I’m alone or time permits. According to Goodreads, I’ve read just under 2200 books and I have 776 books on my to-read list. Looking at my personal shelves, I’d say some of my favourite authors are Rhys Bowen, Sharon Garlough Brown, Genevieve Graham, Joanna Goodman, L.M. Montgomery (I have all of the Anne books), Janet Sketchley; Francis Chan, Jim Cymbala, Anne Graham Lotz, and Charles Stanley. That’s certain to be a very incomplete list. As the saying goes, so many books, so little time!
Some people look to awards or bestseller lists for titles; I tend to find books through my book clubs, word of mouth, featured library lists, and emails from Indigo Chapters. I read both print and digital books, and like to have eBooks on my phone for those times I have to wait somewhere. Book bub is a great source of free and deeply discounted e-reads.
For me, it’s hard to separate the reader from the writer. How does my reading life influence my writing life? Well, I’d call myself an eclectic writer. I don’t write for only one age group or in only one genre. Reading a LOT has helped me to distinguish good writing from bad, and to aim for excellence in my work. When I ask myself whether I’d rather be writing or reading, the honest answer is reading. It’s easier, after all. But God has given me the talent and ability to write, and he’s given me an audience. That’s you, dear reader. And so I keep on writing as much as life and time permit. I trust that God will use my words to bless, edify, encourage, and perhaps even entertain others, just as he uses others’ words to do the same for me.
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c. Susan Barclay, 2025. For more about Susan and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com
I so enjoyed your post today, Susan. What a lovely glimpse of your reading life along with titles of some books you loved reading through the years. Like you, our mom never censored or really paid attention to our reading - no doubt I read things that were inappropriate for my age too - I read whatever was available. I was most interested to see your Goodreads Books Read Total - a goodly number! How long have you been keeping track?
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your reading and writing story. Love all the experiences, like being “trundled off to the library,” that go hand in hand with our love of books. Makes me pause and consider my own. Thank you, Susan.
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