100

I thought perhaps that my 100th post should have some momentous content. What, though? Questions of craft? A new short story? Another section of my first book? Deep philosophical thoughts?

Shortly before my brain burst into flames from all the possibilities, I remembered a quote I read earlier today. Really, it wasn't anything new; an author compared trying to be a cook by looking at pictures of food with someone trying to write without reading. I have to love the formula: do something I love, love, LOVE to do so I can get better at something else I love to do.

Now, I've always been a voracious reader. It was really the only reason I wanted to go to school. My little child's mind had it all figured out: go to school, learn to read, leave school and read about everything else I needed to know. Alas, it didn't work out that way (a whole other post that I'm not getting in to here), but my love for reading has continued unabated.

So, what am I reading? Thanks for asking. I visited a little book re-sale shop this weekend (too close to closing time, so I'll return soon) and found a couple of non-fiction titles. First, I saw Born on the Fourth of July. I saw the movie years ago, but reading Kovic's own words was quite powerful (Hmm, book was better than the film; go figure!). It was a quick read, and I've moved on to another book I picked up: Elegy for Iris by John Bayley.

I also saw this movie when it came out in 2001. I haven't gotten far enough in this book to make a judgment about which version is better, even though I think I already know my answer, but I am touched by Bayley's descriptions of his wife and his style.

Finally, I picked up Citizen Soldiers by Stephen E. Ambrose. I haven't started reading this yet, but I chose it because I've not read very much about World War II. That needs to change. I read World War One by S.L.A. Marshall some years ago, which I would recommend to anyone looking to research The Great War, but I'm embarassed to say that I've not read much in detail about World War II. Watching Band of Brothers was interesting and entertaining, but I need more. It's no substitute.

Looking at this list, I realize I'm boning up on my non-fiction reading, not fiction, like what I'm writing. I almost felt guilty, thinking I wasn't even taking my own advice. I thought about it, though, and realized that it's all good. I can still learn craft in the non-fiction. I'll be adding in a spot of fiction, though, for good measure.

So, what are you reading?