New Introductions!

[Douglas]

Hello - there seems to be a lot of members in this group but virtually no ongoing discussion or interaction among the members. That's not good! Someone has to post first (it seems like it has been a few months since anyone posted) so I'll take the bait and introduce myself to everyone. Lifelong reader and lover of all things books or really just anything that tells a story (movie, comic, game, etc.). I pretty much read anything I can get my hands on, but I do have a few types of books I gravitate to - including US history, biographies and real life events, 19th century literature, sci-fi/fantasy, graphic novels, and books about my favorite sports teams. I'm all over the place when it comes to reading! Would love to hear from more of you in this group - so feel free to post a quick hello if you like. Enjoy!

[Melissa]

Hi, I've also been a lifelong reader. I had to get glasses in 2nd grade because I was always reading by moonlight after bedtime and ruined my poor eyes (genetics were also against me). I'm into fiction: apocalyptic, fantasy, space, erotica, young adult, contemporary, historical (especially war). But I can get into poetry, nonfiction (again, especially war or historical), science. I guess I could go into any well-written category outside of fiction.

[Liz]

Another bookworm here! I'll sway between nonfiction/deep reads and fluff (mystery, vampires, young adult, etc) to keep my palate fresh :) I have over 100 books in my to-be-read pile and though I tell myself not to add to it I find the pile ever-growing.

My first book was Frog and Toad. My favorite authors are Isaac Asimov, Stephen King (early work is better than current), Harlan Coben, Charlie Huston. I like the Stephanie Plum series and the Sookie Stackhouse series. Fast Food Nation scared the bejabbers out of me.

[Douglas]

Hi Liz! I wish I knew what the first book I read on my own was. I do remember Island of the Blue Dolphins and Charlotte's Web having a pretty big impact on me when I was in 1st/2nd grade or so, probably the first books I thought of long after I was done reading them. I was a HUGE King fan and read every book he wrote up until about 1990. My sister and I would swap books and read together in the same room so that we wouldn't get too scared - fun stuff :-). And you are right, Fast Food Nation is a pretty spooky book in its own right...

[Douglas]

Hello Melissa - thanks for posting and introducing yourself. :-) I started reading every night before going to bed at a pretty early stage and still do pretty much every night to this day. Still the best way to separate from the day's events to relax and get to sleep. You have a great wide variety of things you like to read, I'm the same way. I always have 10-15 books going at once so that no matter what my mood is when I want to read, there's always something to match it on my reading list. I have noticed I'm reading much more non-fiction than fiction lately, not sure why. The writing is better now in non-fiction books; authors do a better job at telling a story now rather than just presenting facts. I'm a big WWII and military history buff as well - so cool that you are!

[Ryan]

Hello, I am Ryan, about 45 minutes northeast of the DFW area. I am a reader and a writer. I teach history at the junior college level so I read a lot of history, mostly nonfiction although I do enjoy a good fiction book as well. I am a nut over Civil War stories as you can probably tell from my picture, I am a Civil War reenactor. In fact, that is what my first book is about, The Life He Never Knew. It won the Pinacle Award for historical fiction and was a finalist as the North Texas Book Festival this year. Its good to see other military or historical fiction buffs out there.

I read other genres as well, even a romance from time to time. I like to read anything from the past to help me get an idea on how people would relate to reading that work during their time. Anyway, thank you Douglas for taking the first step in getting people to talk in this group and I hope to get to know you all more in the future.

[Douglas]

Hello Ryan, thanks for stopping by and telling everyone a little about yourself. I've also created a Writers and their Work folder specifically for members who have their own works and want to share events, signings, publishings, and any other information. Hopefully this will be a nice avenue to let us all know the great writers we have in our midst. :-) Looking forward to getting to know you better - thanks for posting!

[Nate]

Hello my name is Nate. Currently reading Infinite Jest, Everything and More and dipping my nose in a bunch of others.
I'm grew up constantly reading non-fiction and have since switched tastes to fiction. I like reading long books. Books that take effort and enjoyment to really get into them. The one question I ask myself on every book is: How immersed am I getting?
Recently though I've checked out a couple books on Math and Infinity because I'm well ahead of my current reading goals and I think reading about the particularly abstract and conceptual stuff helps me to be a better reader and writer.
Also enjoy some poetry. But I usually need to be in a setting where I can read it aloud.
If anyone would like to add me as a friend please do so.

[Aimée]

Hi, my name is Aimée, one year resident of Collin County. I just finished reading The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien and it was truly incredible. I am currently reading Emma by Jane Austen (huge difference I know) just to blow off some steam before testing begins.
I grew up reading, and even though English is my second language, I've learned to love it ardently. I love reading fiction (mostly realist, e.g. man vs. himself rather than man vs. man), some NonFic, and Poetry (mainly poetry in Spanish though).
Can't wait to get to know all of you (: Also shoutout to our new mod! Thanks for taking this group up.

[Gary]

Hello all. I'm Gary and live in North Fort Worth. I read a wide variety of books as well, and lately have been trying to mix it up a bit. I grew up on Sci Fi/Fantasy novels. I love history and historical fiction, especially if the author strives to be as accurate as possible and only adding or embellishing to flesh out what we don't know. Otherwise, I just like books that try to make me think.

Look forward to hearing some good recommendations through this group!

[Douglas]

Nate, Aimee, Gary - thanks for posting and introducing yourself! It seems like we have a wide variety of interests so far represented here when it comes to reading. It's an interesting process on how our reading habits change as we move from one part of our life to the next. In my life it certainly wasn't something that happened slowly. A few years ago, all of a sudden it seems, I realized I hadn't read a fiction book in 2-3 years. I was shocked!

Nate, I have an entire shelf at home with hard science books I've been meaning to read. I'm about halfway through a book on Quantum Physics, but I'll admit I needed to take a break to digest everything. Aimee, welcome to DFW and I hope you are enjoying Emma. Jane Austen is one of the few authors I will reread from time to time because her books are still so timeless in their characterization. She's probably my favorite author of all time. Gary, it seems we both have followed a similar path in our reading lives - from science fiction and fantasy to history. I've probably only read a few historical fiction books over the years, but it sounds like a nice way to combine two different genres of reading together.

[Michael]

Hey folks, Michael here. I'm a high school English teacher, so it's no surprise I'm on here. I'm a big SFF fan, and I read a lot of world classic fiction/plays/etc. I wish I read a little more history and other nonfiction, personally.

I'm currently reading, and really enjoying, Mark Helprin's Freddy and Fredericka.

[Audrey]

Hi I'm Audrey. I live in North DFW near Denton. I just completed Let's Pretend This Never Happened. I read a lot of everything. I gravitate toward Fantasy. Less into westerns. I'm a stay at home mom who is hoping to one day get into writing. Maybe I'll meet someone who can give me that nudge.

[Andrea]

Hey there. I'm Andrea and I'm an artist who lives in Fort Worth. I am a voracious reader of most any genre. I will give any book 100 pages. I do remember learning to read but I've no idea what the first book I read was. I wish I did though! I read multiple books at once but at the moment I'm mainly reading The Old Man and the Sea.

[Megr]

Hey Andrea. Much like you, I will give almost anything a try when it comes to reading. I joined this group a couple of weeks ago, so am not sure if they are still active. It would be great if at least some of the members were still interested in discussions from time to time. I have lived in Richardson for quite some time, but recently found Goodreads.com and cannot get enough! Currently reading the Scarpetta series from Patricia Cornwell and various other books I come across (right now: Shelter Dogs by T. Scott and Falling Leaves: The Memoir Of An Unwanted Chinese Daughter). Look forward to hearing from some of ya'll!

[Andrea]

Megr wrote: "Hey Andrea. Much like you, I will give almost anything a try when it comes to reading. I joined this group a couple of weeks ago, so am not sure if they are still active. It would be great if at le..."

Hi Megr. I love Patricia Cornwell's books. I have read all of her books-including the Scarpetta series, up until the last couple of books. I think the earlier books in the series were better. I finished The Old Man and the Sea. I'm now reading The Killer Inside Me, The Tiger's Wife, and re-reading both 1984 and Life of Pi for other book clubs I'm in.

[J. Craig]

Hi, my name is Craig Woods, and I thought it was time to introduce myself. I love to read and I love to write. However, I read mostly non-fiction and write the same. As a struggling author, I thought this might be a good place for us to help each other out. My latest book has just been released, and you can read the introduction to the book at www.anewageofvision.com - This book may surprise you. Are there any other struggling authors out there?

[Lisa]

Hi All, my name ia Lisa. I live in North Dallas and will read anything I get my hands on. Just finished 'Fifty Shades of Gray' for another club I belong to and now am finishing up 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'. Tacky, I know, but I am enjoying comparing the history to 'Killing Lincoln' (which I am also reading). I do not really have a favorite genre, but my favorite book has always been 'Pride and Prejudice'. I have read that over and over sinceI was a girl. Another if my all time favorites has been the 'Lord of the Rings Trilogy'. My dad gave me his copies to read when I was about 10. I am always open for new reads, which is why I read 'Fifty Shades of Gray', and I am compelled to finish a book no matter how ridiculous it is. It bothers me to leave a book unfinished. It took me almost 3 months to finish 'Swan Song' which ended up being a really great book! Looking forward to seeing what interesting discussions come up in this group. Happy reading to you all!

[Megr]

Hey Lisa! I forgot to introduce myself on my 1st comment - I am Meg! I am interested in trying the Fifty Shades trilogy. Just hope I have read too much hype and am disappointed in the end. I am currently reading Next (by Michael Crichton). Being about half way thru, I am getting the feeling I have read it before and didn't particularly care for it much then. Oh well, I will finish it just to be sure. I am currently out of work, so have PLENTY of time to read (averaging about a book a day-every 2d). And BTW, Craig: welcome! I am certainly not a writer, but will check out your link above for your intro.
Anyone out there just reading these updates? Chime in, would love to hear from you!!

[Megr]

CORRECTION: "Just hope I have read too..." supposed to say "Just hope I have not read too..." DUH!

[Lisa]

Megr wrote: "Hey Lisa! I forgot to introduce myself on my 1st comment - I am Meg! I am interested in trying the Fifty Shades trilogy. Just hope I have read too much hype and am disappointed in the end. I am cur..."

I am in the beginning of the second book, 'Fifty Shades Darker'. The first book was more the introduction of the two characters. It is pretty good, but the main character Ana annoys me a bit. Apparently, the second book is a lot better, or so my friend says. I like to give any book a chance, so I guess I would recommend it if your a risk taker! :-)

[Aimée]

Welcome to all of you (: I'm excited to see where we can go with this group.

[J. Craig]

I am still proof-reading my recently released book,"How the Churches Got It Wrong," and, unfortunately, this does not leave me a lot of time for my reading. I do plan to pick up Howard Zinn's "People's History" as soon as possible. BTW, I would not turn down any help offered to me with my proof-reading. Now, I just saying...... www.anewageofvision.com

[Megs]

Hi, I'm Meghan. I'm a huge fan of reading, and I will read just about anything. My favorites are memoirs, YA, and most fiction books.

[Lisa]

Meghan wrote: "Hi, I'm Meghan. I'm a huge fan of reading, and I will read just about anything. My favorites are memoirs, YA, and most fiction books."

Hi Meghan!

Have you read Divergent? I finished it awhile ago and am on book two. It is a YA and I thought it was great. I couldn't put it down.! :-) Just a suggestion for ya.

[Megs]

Lisa wrote: "Meghan wrote: "Hi, I'm Meghan. I'm a huge fan of reading, and I will read just about anything. My favorites are memoirs, YA, and most fiction books."

Hi Meghan!

Have you read Divergent? I finis..."


Thanks Lisa! I will definitely put that on my ever-growing TBR list. :) I'm always on the look out for a great new read. I'm currently reading The Subtle Knife. It is really good so far!

[J. Craig]

Or maybe a good history book will suffice at times.

[Pauline]

Some of you have indicated that you like history books and some have said they like memoirs, I have written and published a book that meetw both criteria. My book it titled, Ashes Ashes The Twins Fall Down.

It's a look at the events of 9/11 from both a personal perspective and an informational perspective. I’ve shared my experience of 9/11, it’s repercussions on my family, my job and how I viewed the world. The book is a story of coping with the news, reframing how I thought about America and the world, and making a conscious decision to become better-informed. I’ve tried to provide a thought-provoking context for the events of 9/11, personal stories, and hard core facts that not everyone may be aware of.

It's on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com in paperbook but also available in ebook on Kindle, Nook and iBooks.

http://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Twins-Fal...

[J. Craig]

Sounds interesting, and I, for one, will have a look at your book. I hope a history of Christianity is of interest to you. After all, we are here to support one another. http://www.amazon.com/dp/1475931344/

[J. Craig]

I just did the first "Like" on your book at Amazon. Hope it helps...

[Pauline]

I also "Liked" your book at Amazon. Good luck....

Pauline

[Teral]

Hi, I'm Teral. I really don't come to this site often enough. I read Christian books or novels and my bibles - I do have several. I also read about real estate as it's my profession and I enjoy photography; I'm really a shutterbug. Other topics of interest include travel, health and movies mostly romantic comedies.

[Monique]

Hi! Reading is the best! I am glad to join this group. I am also a writer and you should check out my new book Across Great Divides if you love historical fiction. I am currently reading a book called The Plum Tree, which is very good! Happy Reading!

[Tommy]

I'm Tommy. I'm a lifelong reader, mostly fantasy and science fiction, but also mystery and gay fiction.
I've really enjoyed the ebook revolution and have recently embraced the audio format. There's now a booming market for short stories with the podcast form factor. I'd love to discuss some of these innovations.

[Leah]

Hi, Marcel: welcome to Dallas.

I've admittedly not been very active with this group, but to get some discussions going...

1) All: recommend any local book clubs with high quality recommendations (classic lit)? Include website URLs if applicable.
2) All: speaking of, what "new" / modern-day read would you recommend with the same level of quality as classic lit (e.g., Dickens, etc.)?

For me, 2) Injured Reserves by DCBourone on Amazon. A novella.

Leah

[[deleted user]]

Hello all! I'm Becca and I'm in the Denton area.

Local book clubs would be pretty awesome I think. I would really like some people to discuss my reads with.

Currently I'm reading Blood Rites by Jim Butcher. I love the Dresden Files so far and am hoping to catch up soon.

[Mikaela]

New to this! I have recently fallin back in love with reading. I've gone through phases, but I think my love for reading is here to stay! My favorite books are Angels and Demons by Dan Brown& Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (no the latter is not a self-help book lol). I just finished Grapes of Wrath... wow, did that put perspective on our lives today! Has anybody read it?
Starting the Crucible tonight!

Also, does anybody meet up locally in downtown fort worth? I live down here & think it would be cool to have a book club, &discuss books at coffee shops!

[Marie]

I've been an avid reader my whole life and I'm trying out Goodreads for the third or fourth time. My favorite authors are Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Ellen Hopkins, Libba Bray, John Green, and J. K. Rowling. I read mostly horror, scifi, and fantasy along with some historical fiction. I love reading about the Holocaust. I'd also like to read some more LGBT-focused books and memoirs. I'm also trying to read more classics, and I think I'm doing a pretty good job of that.

[Brittney]

Moved to Texas last year; have a break from school so started back reading. I like young adult mostly sci-fi and suspense but I will read anything if it grabs my attention.

[Yulia]

Hi, I live in Richardson, working on my doctoral degree in management science at UT Dallas. I am Russian, and I have been living in the US for 2 years. I am a fan of fantasy genre, but now I am trying to get involved into more "serious" reading: classic and nonfiction. I'd like to find friends to discuss books with.

[Robert]

Hello to everyone. I just found this group and am glad to join. My name is Robert Schwab. My novel, Holy Water, is about a young physician whose professional identity is forever transformed by a visit to the French Quarter in New Orleans. Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. I am a physician executive who travels and speaks about the important role of the humanities in the professional development of physicians and other healthcare professionals. I read literary fiction and historical nonfiction mostly, and I write every day. Looking forward to discussing books and writing with you all.

[Robert]

Anyone reading anything really great? I am reading The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake, who took his own life while a graduate student at the University of Virginia in 1979. He writes dark, beautiful tales of his native West Virginia. Some of his stories were published in The Atlantic Monthly, and he was regarded as a genius by Kurt Vonnegut and others. Quite a loss, but the work he left behind is worth exploring.

[Ashleigh]

Hello, my name is Ashleigh, and I'm a fellow bookworm. :) Reading and writing have been my biggest passions and hobbies since childhood. It started with the typical childhood classics, and truly developed when my mom gave me A Wrinkle in Time for my eleventh birthday. Twenty-one years later, I kept that passion dear to me. I love books, both literary and graphic novels, and read at any given opportunity. My favorite genres are psychological thriller, young adult, mystery, fantasy, classic literature, and anything that makes me see the world in a new light. I currently live in Denton, so I'm fairly close to the Dallas area.

I'm also a college student pursuing an RTVF degree. I hope to make some new friends who share my love for the written word.

[Ashleigh]

Marie wrote: "I've been an avid reader my whole life and I'm trying out Goodreads for the third or fourth time. My favorite authors are Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Ellen Hopkins, Libba Bray, John Green, and ..."

Greetings, Marie. :) I'm also very interested in the holocaust and LGBT-focused literature. Could you please share if you find anything good?

[Holly]

Hi, I'm Holly. I recently joined GoodReads.

I enjoy reading when I have the time (rare), and I blog about the books I read as well as some films I enjoy. I've got a hectic schedule, but I try to fit in time to read each day. Maybe a local group can help me stay accountable.

I am open to all kinds of literature, but I did balk at reading horror when I was in my Readers' Advisory class (I'm a librarian). I read it though and had nightmares for a bit.

I hope to get to know y'all and talk about great books and authors.

[BlaznDragn]

Hello everyone I am Chris. I am actually from the Houston area but there isn't an active group there! I read some comics as a kid, but hated reading other things. It wasn't until Harry Potter came out that I actually started reading and I was an adult by then. I am mostly into sci-fi/supernatural/fantasy types of books. I used to write poetry when I was in high school and through some college but it slowly stopped. I am an LVN and about to be in school again to get my RN. So I will be reading plenty but not as much fun as what I would prefer to read lol.

Hope to get some ideas for new books to read.

[arielle]

hi Chris!
welcome!
what are some of your favorite find/fantasy books?

[Russell]

Hey everyone, I'm Russell from the Dallas area. I love anything from fantasy to historical fiction. I have lots of time by myself at my job so I'm an avid audiobook listener and I'm always on the hunt for the next great book. Love to hear about your favorite (and not so favorite) books and always welcome to suggestions.

[BlaznDragn]

Arielle hi. I would say the usual like the Harry Potter series, Twilight series, Fablehaven series, Skulduggery series, Septimus Heap series, Inheritance series, and Bartimaeus series.

[arielle]

I absolutely love Harry Potter and the Inheritance Cycle!!