Remember the Pizza Hut BOOK IT Program? Summer programs incentivized reading goals. My sister and I would compete; I am very goal driven and don't enjoy second-place. But as most children, reading was not particularly fun. Regurgitating information in school frustrated me. Why do we need to know this random ass fact (RAF)? I'd rather be out exploring the world, learning from experience, and living the world. Reality rather than fiction intrigued me. Perhaps because my reality was filled with adventure and challenges. After middle school, reading wasn't very cool. Nor did I prioritize it. During college (and my post-graduate years), I read out of necessity rather than desire. Summarizing journal articles. Reading stories about seasonal climate change. Broadening my cognate knowledge in various disciplines including public health, computer science, and trying to understand words like epistemology in Jim Tyner's Environmental Geopolitics. Life proceeded.
During covid-19, I renewed my passion for reading. In part, because I was alone. Teaching online asynchronously provided very little human interaction. I dove heavily into cycling, but I also was interested in learning for the sake of learning. Bit by the travel bug, I wanted to further my knowledge of place, near and far. I wanted to better understanding cultures and processes. I wanted to learn more of the complex stories of peoples and communities. Knowledge is power, and authoritarians often use knowledge as a tool, downplaying critical thinking and harvesting knowledge to minimize dissent. Why is the most dangerous question. Never stop asking why.
This blog serves as a forum to highlight my readings. Initially, the posts will aggregate recent years. I more formally started tracking my reading successes in 2024. While I preferring non-fiction, biographies, and historical accounts, I am always willing to explore new genres. Recommendations welcome. Much to learn.
Find me on GoodReads.
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