Books, Books, and More Books

For the majority of this year, I’ve had a book that I have been reading. I’d estimate that I’ve read close to 20 books this year. I know it’s no great feat, especially compared to the lady who is reading a book a day and writing a review about them each morning on her blog. I’m happy with the number and plan on increasing it next year.

All of the books that I have read this year have been gay-themed books. I’ve read some really great stuff and some mediocre stuff. There has only been one that I lumbered through just because I wanted to complete what I had started. One of the best books that I ready this year was The Bishop Brothers by Bart Yates. I’ve also enjoyed works by Michael Thomas Ford and Jim Grimsley.

I am probably missing a whole segment of the gay-themed fiction genre because I am extremely picky about the books I read. I’m looking for stories that are as real as possible. I don’t want to read about any enchanted lands, any mythical creatures, any supernatural events, or any elaborate murder mysteries. I like reading about the daily trials and tribulations that the characters are faced with. Because I’ve limited my selections so much, I’ve been able to lump most of the books that I’ve read this year and in previous years into three categories. As much as I hate to reduce the hard work of the authors, it is something that I can’t help but point out. Those categories are: hustlers that turn good, coming out stories, or the classic fairy-tale ending romance. My favorite of the three is the fairy-tale ending.

Books have always been like great friends to me. I'd rather buy the book, than borrow from a friend or the library. I'm hesitant about lending a book out because I worry I won't get it back. I hope to one day have a room dedicated as a library.

Books are the greatest escape. You can easily loose yourself in the lives of the characters you are reading about. You feel very real emotions for the characters. When I read, I create a world for the characters. Not only do I have an image of what each character looks like, I also create their surroundings. I imagine what their apartments look like, the coffee shop they visit, and the layout of the town they live in.

For the upcoming year, I've decided to challenge myself to read 25 books. Twenty-five is just high enough of a number that it will be a challenge, but it will also seems achievable.