I have a confession: I didn’t really enjoy reading until I was about 28. As it turns out I am more of an auditory learner, so reading and then listening to the words in my head (rather than just processing them) slows things down a bit. However, that also made me more critical of an author’s style of writing. Because of the transformation that takes place when I read, the words need to flow well, almost poetic, or it wasn’t really worth the effort. I believe that has helped me as a writer. I don’t just type words, I speak them, mull them over, and then hit the keys.
Fast forward a few years and things have changed a good deal in this area. I consume a fairly large number of books through Audible, and usually have 2 or 3 at home that I am reading through (at my slow pace), and I have a few that I would recommend as must-reads for any man; books that have either shaped the way I think, or added clarity and confirmation to my thoughts and beliefs.
This Fireside Topic is going to be a little different:
- Buy a copy of your favorite book for a friend (or an audio version)
- Write a not-too-cheesy note in the front cover
- Give it to aforementioned friend
- Get together and discuss said book
I tried not to make it sound like a book club, so as long as you keep the friend count low and have meat of some kind during step 4 you should be in the clear.
- Fireside Topic articles are interesting topics to get men talking. Find a few friends and throw a question out there and see what develops. Read more here. -