The Sunday Salon: Changing Habits and a Rant

Good Morning Saloners! I thought I'd post about my reading this week, but then something else came to my mind that has been gnawing at me lately. Not really a big thing, more like a wondering. But I'll get to that in a minute . . .

I've had a great reading week, which always makes me feel good! I finished THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON by Kate Morton the other day. It was kind of a big book (470 pages), so it took me a bit longer. I'll be posting my review very soon. For now, I'll just say that after reading it, I'm looking forward to her latest book, THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN.

Usually, I only read one book at a time, but after taking a trip to the library this week and coming home with 5 books, I've decided to try the multiple book reading thing again. So far, it's working OK for me. Maybe it's because of the variety of books. All I know is, I'm making good progress on 3 of them.

My main focus has been on THE ONLY TRUE GENIUS IN THE FAMILY by Jennie Nash. I'm a little more than half way through it. It's such a quick read and I'm enjoying the story very much. Another one I'm reading is THE #1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY (Book One) by Alexander McCall Smith. I've been in the mood for a series and I've heard so much about this one that I had to see for myself. I don't get HBO so I've never seen the show based on this series, so I didn't really have any specific expectations. What I've discovered is a wonderfully sweet character in Precious Ramotswe. This isn't your typical mystery. It's so much more than that, and the simplicity of the writing just adds to it. I'm pleasantly surprised by Mr. McCall Smith. And I love that it takes place in Africa! I'm also reading NO ONE YOU KNOW by Michelle Richmond. I've been wanting to read this book for so long! I'm not very far into it, but I can tell I'm going to like it a lot.

Now, on to the thing that I've been wondering about: Now that I've been unemployed for a few months and I've seen some of the daytime talk shows, I'm wondering: Why don't they have any authors as guests on these shows? Especially on the morning shows like TODAY or Good Morning America etc.? Especially now that's it's summer and that seems to be the only time the media promotes books. Instead all we see is a long line of actors/actresses promoting movies. And let's face it, most movies start out as books! It just bugs me! Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against movies - I like movies - but I can tell you that a good book stays with me longer than any movie does. It's been said that people, in general, aren't reading . . . well maybe if books were promoted like movies are promoted, that could change. As it is now, the only place the general public learns about books is from the library and book stores. It just seems to me that with so many great authors out there, they deserve some attention too. A little more than a three minute segment on a morning show between skin care tips and how to grill the perfect burger! Come on people!!

Something that I have seen that surprised me was a commercial for a James Patterson book. I think there should be more of these. Again, I have nothing against James Patterson, but contrary to what a lot of people probably think, he is NOT the only human being writing books! Personally, I'm not a big fan, but at least his publicists are on the right path! I understand advertising like that takes money and many authors, especially new ones, can't afford that, but I would like to see more book promotions in different media sources. Spreading the word of books can only lead to more people reading! And that's a good thing!

OK, I got that off my chest and I feel better. Like I said, I'm not against movies, I'm just tired of the media pushing their idea of what entertainment is on us. They over-saturate us with celebrity-related topics. I would much rather tune in to an interview with the author of a book that interests me. Maybe get some insight as to how they came up with the story - that sort of thing. Am I the only one that feels like this? I certainly hope not. What are your views? Do you think people just wouldn't care? I hope not.

Well, that's where my head is today. For now, I'm going to go get another cup of coffee and read for awhile then catch up on my blog reading. I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing day doing whatever it is that makes you happy.