Writers are Readers - Chandler - July 2020
Though I’m usually more of a focus-on-one-thing-at-a-time kind of gal, I’ve recently been working through two separate books. One I’m reading for pleasure, the other I’m reading for work. Now, I work in a physical therapy clinic as an administrative manager, so reading books for work isn’t something I do very often, but my boss has started a professional development group that he opened up to everyone in the company. Only a handful of us joined, but it’s basically a book club where we read books on self-development. For our first few meetings, we’re slowly working through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. I’m not the type of person that typically seeks out these kinds of books, which is why I decided to join the development group at work. There’s no growth to be had just staying in your comfort zone. But I digress.
7 Habits is an interesting book, and one I really thought I wouldn’t enjoy. The beginning is slow, he basically just lists his credentials and tells a lot of stories about how he’s a successful business man and how in becoming successful he realized he wasn’t always going about things the right way. It’s mostly fluff, and I honestly can’t remember what all he talked about. I didn’t start paying attention until he started talking about the habits. Right now, I’ve read habits 1-6, and I’ve gotten the most out of habit 3. I’m not saying you should drop everything and get this book right now, but it’s free to read for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, and I would definitely say there’s some value here. I’m trying to make changes in myself, and this book is becoming a good baseline for me. You can check it out here.
For fun, I’m working through Diana Gabaldon’s fifth Outlander book, The Fiery Cross. I started the Outlander books on my co-conspirator, Stephanie’s, recommendation and I’m very glad I did! If you haven’t read any of Diana Gabaldon’s work, you should. Her writing is dynamic and her prose is lyrical. The world she creates, or maybe recreates, feels true and her characters are personable and flawed. The Stars TV series is a great adaptation that holds true to the books and I’m thoroughly enjoying reading all of them. There appears to be a million books in the series, so I’ll have something to hold on to for a long time. And thank goodness for that because I get way too attached to the characters in my favorite books. If you’ve never read these, start your journey by clicking here.
These are two very different books, but each of them holds value for me. Reading has always been a great way for me to escape, so I’m looking forward to sharing what else I’m reading with you!
Best,
Chandler