During my recovery from surgery, I’ve spent all my spare time reading fiction books.
When I was a young girl, I loved reading fiction books. But as I got older and my social life increased, I stopped reading. Obviously, I read my undergraduate and graduate textbooks, but nothing more than that.
Business books
Then, when I started HJMT Public Relations, I spent countless hours poring over business-related books, seeking insights and strategies to help my company grow. I continued reading books on business, marketing, public relations, social media, and leadership books throughout my tenure.
Triathlons
Later, when I discovered my passion for triathlons, my reading list shifted towards sports-related books. Titles about running, swimming, cycling, and triathlon filled my bookshelves, reflecting my new athletic interests.
But then…Brain Surgery
However, following my brain surgery to fix an aneurysm, I found myself embarking on a totally different literary journey, one that my family had never seen. I started reading fiction books and memoirs.
When I bought a needlepoint kit right after surgery, I thought perhaps I would become a master needlepoint maker, getting involved in groups to learn about stitching and colors. But, once I completed the first row of the project, I never looked back.
However, when Charlotte Wexler sent me her latest mystery, that’s when I got hooked.
From January 1, 2024 – March 11, 2024, I have read 13 books — most were fiction books recommended by my daughter who is a big reader. There was one memoir that my son bought me, “Being Henry.”
Here are some of the books I read during that time period:
“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a compelling novel about four famous siblings who throw an epic party that spirals out of control, revealing secrets and testing their bonds.
“The Collective Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer is a touching exploration of death, friendship, love, and regret. It showcases the protagonist’s self-discovery journey.
“Remarkable Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between an older woman and an octopus, highlighting their connection, understanding, and empathy. There are lots of subplots, twists and turns. Wait until the end to find out the real story!
“Other Birds” by Sarah Addison Allen is a story about a young woman who moves to her deceised mother’s apartment in a strange little complex with unusual and interesting neighbors. This book also has a lot of twists and turns.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a riveting tale about the glamorous and mysterious life of Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo, whose seven marriages become the subject of intrigue.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus is a witty, insightful novel set in the 1960s, featuring a female scientist who challenges societal norms and revolutionizes the world of cooking using science.
“Being Henry” is an inspiring non-fiction book that offers a deeply personal account of the Henry Winkler’s life, providing valuable insights into overcoming adversity and embracing change.
“Murder Across the Ocean” by Charlene Wexler is a thrilling mystery novel that takes readers on a gripping journey across continents which involves a murder.
What’s Next?
It’s strange that I’m loving the escape from reality through books. Recently, Lisa Gordon, my business partner at HJMT, sent me two books – Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad, which is a memoir, and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. At the time of this blog post, I finished both and decided that I will review them both in upcoming blogs.
It’s amazing that a major surgery can bring me back to the place that I once loved and I’m so happy to have found it again. The journey has been well worth embarking on.
