I never used to be one for nonfiction books. If I was reading a book it would be a fantasy fiction almost every time. Honestly I think I could read someone Harry Potter by heart at this point.
Personally I don't know what changed. One day The books I so coveted were not holding my attention. I could not immerse myself in the beautiful words these authors had created.
Ironically it was around the time I started writing The Mark of Enchantment. The reader in me was devastated.
I tried countless different series trying to find something that would stick. I tried rereading Meg by Steve Alten (A true favorite. If you haven't read it I suggest you check it out). I even tried getting into Shadow and Bone (Sorry to all the fans out there I couldn't do it).
Eventually I started reading books in running. Now at the time I was new to running and would find myself looking like a newborn giraffe in my neighborhood. I decided I should probably learn some more about what I was doing.
I started with one and ended up devouring one book after another. The same as it used to be when I reading fantasy and fiction. I could not get enough of the words and pages.
Then the unthinkable happened I had an injury and a surgery. My running days were over and there was no point in reading my coveted books on how to be a better runner. I went months without reading and I felt the all to familiar void. Even my writing stopped completely.
There needed to be something out there that would hold my attention and bring back the joy. Enter "self help books". I don't mean the corny ones that pop into your mind. These books were so relatable and helped me better who I was as a person. My thought processes and how I managed my time changed drastically.
Now I am not saying these books are for everyone. Hell, most people don't even think to read them. But they have changed my life. Below this blog post I will list the books I have read so far and recommend.
If you are in a rut for reading don't give up. Keeping looking for the book that sparks the joy of reading. Even if you think it may not initially be something that will. Happy Reading!
-C.E.Keefer
Book Recommendations
You are a Badass -Jen Sincero
Atomic Habits - James Clear
Can't Hurt Me - David Goggins
Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
Girl Wash Your Face - Rachel Harris (Currently Reading)