Be sure to follow @anndereads on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Yes, my father. Around bedtime, my father would read adventure stories to my younger brother and me. Later, when I learned to read, I realized those stories didn’t often happen that way. I enjoyed those revised versions, though, complete with sound effects, too.

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I was in my pre-teens when I discovered this tattered book wedged among my mother’s old reading materials. The book was dusty, and the pages were about to fall out of its binder. Perhaps it was the catchy title that caught my eye. I remember I was pretty into horror stories after that.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
When I’m in a reading slump, I mostly pick up a political thriller, a spy fiction, or a cozy murder mystery. It’s only recently that I have begun to appreciate Russian literature.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
There are lines from books that stay in my mind for years. They tend to surface at certain points in my life.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
I usually check out a book or an author through a recommendation from a book I’m reading. I’ve discovered plenty of books this way.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website, bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @jordanmposs on Instagram and on Substack

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Lots of people did. I was very blessed to have many relatives and teachers who read out loud to me, not only as a small child but through much of elementary school. I had the same teacher from 4th through 6th grade (small school), and she ended each day with a chapter from a book, almost always one we found involving. It was a great way to end the day.

But the people who stand out most in my mind for reading to me are my parents. A very early memory is my Mom reading me picture books--simple stuff like Byron Barton's Planes and Ships and Trucks--and my Dad reading to me from a series called ValueTales, which tried to teach lessons in character using historical figures (and cartoon animal sidekicks). Louis Pasteur is the one I remember most clearly, especially since they used the illustrations to help me deal with my fear of shots at the doctor. When I got older, they gave me many of the little paperback Illustrated Classics, and when I felt intimidated by their length, they helped me get started in them. Moby Dick was the first. My eventual favorite, and the first book over 100 pages that I remember reading on my own, was Treasure Island.

As for why, I reckon they thought it was important, but it always seemed to me that they just enjoyed it. It was a wonderful thing to share. I still remember many of the titles and stories and characters--the Berenstain Bears, a Little Golden Book about a runaway cat called Polly's Pet--and have shared many of the same books with my kids.

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
Probably Polly's Pet, that Little Golden Book I mentioned. I still feel the homesickness and the message of unconditional love in that story powerfully, and I've been a bit of a homebody ever since.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
I teach history, so ancient and medieval (especially Post-Roman or Late Antiquity, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking Age history) texts as well as recent secondary histories of those periods, plus general military history. A lot of the latter concerns the American Civil War and the World Wars. But I'll pick up a non-fiction book on any topic that catches my interest. Lately, I've been reading more biographies of writers I love--Poe, Ian Fleming, with more on Tolkien and Dante lined up for the future. And Dante reminds me of another love--epic poetry.

In fiction, I love classic novels, especially Dickens and Austen, adventure fiction like that of John Buchan, espionage and spy thrillers (Eric Ambler, Ian Fleming, John Le Carre, Len Deighton), crime fiction (Elmore Leonard especially), historical fiction of the older school (about evoking a past time and place rather than costumed romance), and I'll season my reading with a couple westerns and sci-fi novels a year. Lately, I've been reading a lot of Tim Powers and, through him, revisiting Philip K Dick.

Then there's "literary fiction," a label I don't entirely believe in, but does describe works that don't slot neatly into particular categories. Here, I tend to like older, Southern-flavored writers: Flannery O'Connor, Charles Portis, Cormac McCarthy, Shelby Foote, and Faulkner. Historical literary fiction that dovetails with my research areas in history--books like John Gardner's Grendel or Frederick Buechner's Godric--are also favorites. I don't keep up with much contemporary literary fiction, Ron Rash being a major exception.

I guess the shorter answer would be that I don't pay much attention to genre, but this is much of what I end up reading. It's hard to summarize.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Certainly! There were a lot of childhood reads that proved formative, shaping my sensibilities, as well as later books that engaged me intellectually--challenging or testing a belief or, more rarely, answering a difficult question. Possibly the most important of the latter was Socrates Meets Jesus, by Peter Kreeft--and not even the book itself, which was good, but Kreeft's introduction, which clearly resolved a tension between faith and reason that I'd felt in high school and college years before I read it. Not only did it help me personally learn to think, but it also illumined past approaches to thinking that have helped me understand historical and philosophical subjects better. The right book at the right time.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
It depends. I'll buy books or pick them up at the library on impulse sometimes, usually on the basis of their subject. But most of the time I read things I've heard about elsewhere--word-of-mouth from friends, a mention in a review of a movie or another book, a podcast discussion, a review in a magazine or history journal or online, or from mentions in other books. Finding a book I like, learning about the author and what he or she liked to read, and then seeking those books out--that's how I've discovered a lot of favorites. Call it word-of-mouth from beyond the grave.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website, bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @black_belt_reads on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
My dad read to me a lot when I was young, mostly kids’ books like the Berenstain Bears. He is a really animated guy when he reads out loud, so it was always a really entertaining experience.

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
Reading The Hobbit for the first time. I was a really small kid compared to my friends, and reading about Bilbo's adventure helped me see that being small was a potential asset, provided I could be smart about it.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Non-fiction and history almost exclusively. Any information that broadens the scope of my understanding of people, places, and events is what I like to dive into. My favourite subject is fur trade history, though.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Maybe not changed my life, but "Arabian Sands" by Wilfred Thesiger always stands out as an impactful read for me. It helped to give me a sense that there was real merit and potential in an irregular life if it meant chasing something meaningful to you.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
Covers, people’s write-ups, and recommendations from friends. I tend to cover a wide range of topics because everything sounds interesting to me; that's not self-help help.

Usually, I try to let my intuition pick the next read. I look over the TBR pile, and if my eye darts back to one more than once, I pick it up. If I put my bookmark in it...it becomes the next read. If not, I repeat the process until the bookmark has found its home.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website, bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @semperread on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Not that I can recall, but I did spend plenty of time in the town's public library as a child. My mother would take us there.

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
I read “Tuesdays with Morrie” as an assignment in grade school, and the lessons I learned from it have left a profound impact on me.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Anything that is Marine-related! Specifically, historical nonfiction, memoirs, or biographies. I currently serve in the Marines, and in my reading, I have found priceless wisdom within the books I’ve read. My hope is that by reading, I can learn the mistakes and successes of those who came before me and gain the knowledge needed to keep my troops alive and well. By sharing it on my platform, I hope to spark that same hunger for knowledge.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Yes, the book was 48 Laws of Power. One of my college professors/mentors gave it to me, and nothing has ever been the same since.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
I know this might sound a bit cliche, but I feel that the right book reaches out to you at the right time. So I would say it’s a feeling of being drawn to a book that attracts me.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website, bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @pews_and_pages on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Yes, my grandmother read to me, and I fell in love with the stories. She’d usually read at night, and she read books like The Jungle Book, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Sherlock Holmes.
In the summer, my grandma would have us do school work after lunch so we didn’t fall behind when school started in the fall, and she made sure we read for an hour as well. I did a lot of reading in the summer. I read before bed and when I had time.

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
I loved CS Lewis and all his Chronicles of Narnia books as a kid. They took me to another world.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
As I got older and joined the Marine Corps, I strayed away from fiction and got really into Military History and History in general. But now I’m reading whatever interests me, and I either read or listen every day!

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Books change my life every day. The more knowledge I gain, the more it changes my perspective on everything in life.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
Current events lead me to do some digging, educate myself on the topic, and learn the history of the situation. However, I do look at what my friends are reading on Goodreads, and if they give a book 5 stars, I’ll add it to my queue.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website, bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @alexandra_writes_ on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
If my memories are correct, whoever was in the room when I went to bed read me the story about ‘Fanfan et la chèvre blanche’ (Fanfan and the White Goat) in French. It’s the story of Fanfan, a young boy looking after a herd of sheep and goats in the Alps with his cat, Caprice, Tim the rabbit, and his dog, Poum. Together, they walk from one location to another in search of fresh grass for their animals. One day, Aline, a headstrong goat, escapes from the herd, prompting the group to embark on a quest to find her. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with fierce eagles, timid yet friendly marmots, and perilous avalanches. As they navigate treacherous mountain storms, not everything goes according to plan. As a child, one of my favorite parts is when Caprice (the cat) tumbles into a giant pot of cheese while fleeing from a large Saint Bernard dog. It is a beautiful book about adventure and friendship. When I think about it, I grew up to be the Aline of the family, straying away from the herd, but I’m sure that’s just the irony of fate. :)

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
For sure that will be the book ‘The Song of Troy’ by Colleen Mccullough. It had a lasting effect because I discovered how much I love epic stories. This was in 1999, well before studying literature at university. Looking back, I can see how it laid the foundation for my passion for grand narratives. The tales of freedom, love, friendship, conflict, destiny, and, above all...hope continues to resonate with me, moving me with each book I read. Especially the ideas of not giving up, believing, and looking for hope.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Unsurprisingly, my favorite genre is historical fiction. However, over the past year, I have developed a newfound interest in non-fiction. Matthew McConaughey's 'Greenlights' has been particularly inspiring for my ongoing career journey, offering valuable insights on resilience and the importance of focusing on the bigger picture. Additionally, Brené Brown's 'Braving the Wilderness' introduced me to the concept of ‘True Belonging,’ teaching me to stand tall and embrace my individuality with courage. Finally, I have to admit there are two fantasy sagas that I have devoured over the last months: Red Rising (Pierce Brown) and Green Bones (Fonda Lee). They are incredibly tough and fragile stories, but they are worth your time.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Books have always been a door or gate to discover new worlds and understand better how people think. Jon Krakauer’s 'Into the Wild' profoundly transformed my perspective on society, its limitations, and the essence of personal freedom. Furthermore, how can I honestly answer this question without mentioning poetry, specifically by John Keats?! The power of poetry, touching our emotions and deepest thoughts, is, for me, one of humanity’s greatest inventions. Each time I read 'A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever,' a new door opens, refreshing winds sweep away my sorrows, and I am transported to a realm where beauty and words reign supreme.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
I tend to be the type of reader who, when a book gains widespread acclaim, will resist its allure for a while, waiting for the hype to die down before giving it a chance. I don’t like being told what to read; I am a bit of “the stubborn goat.” Aline persists. I choose books based on the story, and I always read the first three pages to see if I like the writing style.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @book.land.spain on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
I don't remember well, but my mum used to read to me. It didn't happen often as my parents were both working... I could read since I was four, so I guess I was doing my own reading...I think she was reading to me when I was sick in bed; it was Russian fairytales.

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
One of the first Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs. And other novels by Obruchev (about dinosaurs and mammoths).

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Normally, I read everything. I don't like romance and Sci-Fi much.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
I think each book changes me in some way. I love to follow the story, analyze cadasters, and think about what I would have done in the given situation. I love to learn new things from nonfiction! Reading is my dope!

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?I love pretty covers and catchy annotations. Lately, I've been following up on recommendations as well—like from you, guys! Thanks for your questions.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @gehistorian on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Both my parents read to me while I was growing up. When I was little, it was more of my dad. I have fond memories of my dad reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to me and my sister. I had chosen it over him reading The Hobbit. I was homeschooled, and during those years, my mom would read certain books, such as Across Five Aprils, aloud.

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
The books or series that had the most lasting effect on me were The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. They both inspired me to pursue a degree in English literature in college and to become a writer.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
My favorite genres are historical fiction, mysteries, psychological thrillers, military fiction like The Terminal List, fantasy, Christian contemporary romance, and non-fiction.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
In July 2017, I read an excellent memoir called All the Gallant Men by Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton. His book inspired me to learn more about this infamous day in American history. It also connected me with Donald's granddaughter, Nikki, with whom I am friends. Because of this friendship, I could attend the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor in December 2021. If it hadn't been for her, I don't think I would have seen Pearl Harbor.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
When looking for a new book, I usually read the back of the book. If the back cover blurb entices me, I'll buy it or at least check it out from the library. Also, book covers. I have read a few books that friends and family members recommended.

Sometimes, interviews attract me to a book. For example, I watched an interview with the granddaughter of a WWII pilot, Frank Murphy.  His story was one of the stories featured in the amazing series Masters of the Air. After hearing her talk about his story, I bought his memoir Luck of the Draw. I've read the first couple of pages, but because I was still teaching at the time, I had to put it on hold…but I enjoyed the pages I read.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @bondinspiration on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
My mother and father read to me as a child. I distinctly remember my father reading Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol to me in winter near the fireplace, with the ghost of Jacob Marley dragging along his chains and the morbid dread felt by Ebenezer Scrooge (perhaps also by me at the time!). My dad really brought these scenes alive. With my mother, it was The Wind in The Willows, introducing me to its wonderful characters, Ratty and Mole and Mr. Toad. I remember sitting in the garden with her as she read to me. I know it was very important to my dad that I developed a love of reading at an early age. I think with my mum, it was simply about keeping me entertained (and she loved the story herself!).

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
Hard to say, really, but I think it might have been The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Since then, I've always had a bit of fascination with science fiction topics, especially time travel!! Who doesn't love Back to The Future? But this book was so imaginative, so gripping, so literally fantastic that I think it epitomized the whole concept of the lone hero setting out on an exciting adventure, encountering a monstrous threat, and succeeding against all odds. In a sense, it's the classic hero's journey, not unlike The Odyssey or Ian Fleming's James Bond stories. I believe this archetype, above all others, has had a deep influence on my own life.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
I have loved many different genres at different stages of my life - usually one at a time. Science fiction was probably the first one. Then, it was Tolkien and the fantasy genre. After that, at one stage, I read every single Western by Louis L'amour. I do remember reading one or two James Bond novels when I was ten or eleven, right after my uncle sneaked me in to see 'Live and Let Die'… but I was too young to appreciate Fleming or the spy genre at the time. Over the last couple of decades, I would say that the two authors I have loved most have been Mario Puzo (mafia genre, if there is such a thing) and, beyond anything else, Ian Fleming - 1950s/60s spy thrillers.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Yes, I think many of them have, in various ways, not necessarily always fiction, though. In my early career, somebody once gave me "What They Don't Teach You At Harvard Business School' which introduced me to the idea that business could actually be exhilarating and fun. I read a lot of self-help books like 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' that have had a lasting impact on me. Then, there were a lot of books by well-known business gurus of the 80s and 90s (many of whom I ended up meeting and working with) that gave a huge impetus to my career. Let's not forget the book of books - The Bible - that I was introduced to at a young age and spent a lot of time studying in my teens. I still like to think my philosophy of life is guided by many of its principles. But now, I've come full circle, and it is Fleming's books that have become my constant companion and, to some extent, my obsession. They have influenced me in so many ways - from Bond's heroic spirit to his stoic and somewhat conservative principles, not to mention his Epicurean approach to life. Then there is Bond's manner of dressing, his cocktails, his taste in food. All of these things have changed my life in many ways.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
Over the years, it has been different things. At a younger age, probably the book's reputation (i.e., classic literature) and the particular genre. I've certainly been attracted to certain books because they were recommended to me - for example, by a cousin, an uncle, a friend, or a colleague. On many occasions, it was a great movie that attracted me to read the book it was based on (Jaws, Marathon Man, The Godfather, The Bourne Identity). Today, I would say that it's the topic itself that attracts me most. I'm certainly not very influenced by book publicity anymore. So much of it seems to be just fake, empty marketing.

*Be sure to read the BONUS question for @bondinspiration in another post on our blog.

**BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @bondinspiration on Instagram

BONUS Question!
You have been doing some writing of your own. Tell us a little more about that. What’s it about? What prompted you to write?
I think you must be referring to the original James Bond story I'm serialising on Instagram. It's an account called @bondinspiration. I know you've been following, and thanks again for your ongoing support and very positive feedback. But more about that in a second. 

Rowan Gibson
What most of my followers on Instagram don't realise is that in my 'other life' I'm the bestselling author of three fairly influential business books that are published in a total of 25 languages. These are 'Rethinking the Future' (Nicholas Brealey, 1996), 'Innovation to the Core' (Harvard Business School Press, 2008) and 'The 4 Lenses of Innovation' (Wiley, 2015). The truth is, I've been writing - professionally or otherwise - for most of my life.

So, let me come back to the reason I started writing @bondinspiration. As you've probably noted already, I have been ingesting Ian Fleming's novels quite obsessively over the past decade or so, and I needed an outlet for that Bond obsession. The last couple of Bond films have been disappointing, and I think EON is trying too hard to reinvent or modernise or sanitise James Bond in order to pander to many of today's activist groups. The same thing is now happening with the Bond continuation novels. The latest ones don't even have James Bond in them! I'm not a fan of the comics either. So I felt there was quite a vacuum in the Bond franchise in recent years, and that prompted me to take the ‘bull by the horns’ and start creating my own content. I wanted to capture and champion what I call 'the true spirit of Bond' in my own original writing - very much maintaining the style of the master, Ian Fleming. 

Instead of reinventing Bond, it's more of a return to the character Fleming created in the first place. The only thing that is new and original is the story itself. What I'm doing on Instagram is serialising that story in weekly episodes on the feed. I wanted to know if Instagram could function as a storytelling medium, based on the mobile phone, which is quite an innovation, really. And the overwhelming evidence is that this concept really can work! I see @bondinspiration as a kind of hybrid form of storytelling - somewhere between a book, a graphic novel, and even a weekly TV series. I'm so glad you and so many other followers are enjoying the story in this way. There's much more to come! 

*Learn more about Rowan Gibson at imaginationbridge.com

**BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow @boldbooksandbones on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Regrettably, the tradition of someone reading to me during my childhood didn’t occur. My father was an avid reader, primarily indulging in newspapers, magazines, and occasionally books. My mother, on the other hand, would delve into books sporadically, sharing her newfound knowledge. While our home didn’t boast an extensive book collection, my parents took pride in owning a remarkable set of 23 leather-bound encyclopedias. These volumes served as our pre-internet “Google,” offering a wealth of information whenever we needed it for school or other inquiries.

In my younger years, I held a paradoxical relationship with books. While fascinated by the wisdom they contained, my struggle with dyslexia made reading a challenging endeavor. Books, needless to say, weren’t my immediate interests.

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
The inaugural book that left an enduring impact on me was one about the painter Jerome Bosch. I vividly recall purchasing it in Cologne, Germany. A discounted gem, the book published by Taschen still holds a special place in my collection. Bosch’s captivating depictions of monsters and apocalyptic scenes intrigued me. Through this book, my understanding of art from the 15th-16th century expanded, delving into scientific and historical perspectives. Perhaps this early fascination explains my affinity for Taschen books, a recurrent feature in my YouTube content. :)

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
My literary preferences gravitate toward non-fiction works penned by established academic writers. I find solace in books that unveil lesser-known facets of humanity. Discovering revelations like Newton’s alchemical pursuits or the existence of the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient analog computer, fascinates me. Well-researched content is the linchpin for my decision to invest time in a book.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Oddly enough, a fictitious narrative titled “The Prophet” by Lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran has significantly impacted my life. Narrating the story of an elderly man departing his hometown, the book encapsulates his profound responses to villagers’ queries on life’s essential themes. Themes such as love, children, work, and death are explored with remarkable wisdom. The impact of this book resonates in everyday life, as I often encounter people quoting from it during significant life events like marriages or funerals.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
Bookshops are my initial allure, the treasure troves where possibilities unfold. Upon entering, the hope of discovering the unexpected lingers. A book’s title plays a pivotal role in capturing my attention, convincing me that new insights await exploration within its pages.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

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Be sure to follow @literary_gents on Instagram

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Ah yes, mum was a storytelling champ! One of my earliest memories is of her reading to me by the pool on a family holiday in the Balearics. Anne Franks's Diary was the book - which I loved at the time - and I believe Mum's early reading ritual is what set me on the path of bibliophilia. Cheers mum!

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami was a game-changer! That book struck me like a literary thunderbolt. It turned my reading routine into an adventure, initially leading me down a Murakami rabbit hole I took a year or so to climb out of. He's still one of my favourite authors today.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
This is tough as I find it's a mood thing. I'll often go through phases of reading one genre if I've enjoyed a book, I'll go right after something similar. I'd say Dystopia for a reality check, sci-fi when I contemplate the cosmos, and magical realism when I want reality with a bit of a twist. Keeps the reading vibes interesting!

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
I'd say two - firstly, 'How to Make Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie. My biggest takeaway? To be interesting to others, talk about their favorite topic: themselves. And more recently, 'The Chimp Paradox' by Dr. Steve Peters, teaches you how to recognise and manage your mind and emotions. I'd recommend both to anyone interested in personal development.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
I have to admit, I do judge a book by its cover, and it's often what first draws me to a book. Of course, there are so many great bookstagram accounts to follow for inspiration, and I regularly purchase books based on their reviews. I'm also lucky to have some awesome bookish friends who are never short of a recommendation if I'm ever in a literary slump.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Five questions answered by the BookshelfTracker community

Be sure to follow Chris on Instagram @cs.readsbooks

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
My mother was a single mom. Until I was maybe 9 or 10, she read to my younger sister and me often, sometimes throughout the day but mostly at night before bed. English is her second language, so she enjoyed the challenge of reading to us— it helped her learn. We would correct her pronunciation sometimes. I distinctly remember her reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and some American/Little Princess books. She would also read us a collection of Bible stories for kids.

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
I remember reading Cam Jansen books by David Adler in first grade. I started to develop the love and anticipation of reading books and the “what happens next” vibe. I also grew to love the Goosebumps series. I had a bookstore near my home (Bankstreet Bookstore on 112th Street, NY) that my mom would take me to, and I’d buy 1 or 2 of the Goosebump books each month. I must have had 30 of those books!

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
I read pretty much anything except romance and those girly thrillers like “Girl/Woman/Lady in/on the train/woods/next door” (Sorry ladies!!).

I love detective thrillers…anything James Patterson or Michael Connelly, and I love action/espionage thrillers from Jack Carr, Vince Flynn, Gregg Hurwitz, and Mark Greaney.

I also thoroughly enjoy good literary fiction books. The Road and All the Light We Cannot See are my two favorite books of all time. My fav read this year was The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.

Lastly, I’m a big sucker for history and biographies.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Not in a sense where reading a book made me drop a bad habit or create a good one, but I’d say being gifted Harry Potter, The Prisoner of Azkaban for my 13th birthday, definitely cemented my love for reading. That was my first “big” book (300+ pages), and after finishing it, I knew I could read anything moving forward. I had never read a book so fast in my life. I went to B&N and bought parts 1&2 and finished those within days. The rest is history!

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
I’d say a catchy cover always helps to pique interest. But the NY Times book section is the primary way I get book recommendations. I’m a subscriber, so I go on the app every few days and read what the reviewers say about books they read. They also have monthly articles: “X# of books you should read next month.” I check the bestseller list, and at the end of the year, I look at their “100 Memorable Books of the Year” list, and I pick up ones I think are interesting.

The end of the year also means a bunch of other awards like the Booker Prize, National Book Award, etc., so I look at those lists as well.

Most IG bookish accounts are generally YA Fantasy or those girly thrillers I mentioned earlier, so I don’t get much influence from IG. However, I do like some fantasy from Sara J. Maas, Cassandra Clare, etc.

IG has me curious about Fourth Wing and the Atlas books. So I might have to check those out in 2024!

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow Joseph on Instagram @josephsthomson

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)
Yes, my parents and grandparents, several times a week at bedtime as part of our evening routine.

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
The Favershames. A children's book about a Victorian British Army officer.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Historical Fiction, Military Sci-Fi, Military Thrillers.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
The Daily Stoic and ArchBishop Fulton Sheen’s, War Time Primer, have seen me through multiple overseas deployments away from my family and kept me grounded as a person.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?Usually recommendations by others or searching through familiar genres. Recently, several professional development podcasts I listen to for work have led me to some non-fiction reading (specifically School of War and the Unconventional Soldier).

BONUS!
You've recently written a book. Tell us a little more about that. What prompted you to write? How was the experience?
I have written on and off since a very young age. During lockdown, it became cathartic, and I continued to do it on various overseas duties for the numerous quarantine periods I found myself in. Eventually, it became a project I wanted to complete in order to push me to write more. My ultimate dream is to do it full-time once my current career is done (in 10 -12 years or so). I want to build up my skills and credentials in the meantime as a hobby/side gig.

**Find Joseph's book here - Apocalypse Africa: Part One - The Republic

I recently finished Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham. He writes an extensively researched account of the early morning explosion of Reactor Number Four of the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station on April 26, 1986, in Ukraine. Amazon describes it as “a powerful investigation into how propaganda, secrecy, and myth have obscured the true story of one of the twentieth century’s greatest disasters.”

Midnight in Chernobyl is one of the most interesting non-fiction books I’ve read. I knew very little of what really happened on that fateful day in the 80s, and it provided me with a deeper knowledge of the Soviet Union, the Cold War, communism, the human spirit (both good and bad), and more.

Midnight also made me think more deeply about the propaganda, lies, and secrecy of this horrific historical event. They were on an epic level, which could only happen in the Soviet Union. Or not. What spin, propaganda, or half-truths are you and I subjected to today?

Those who lived around the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station just happened to be born and raised in a communist society where it was challenging to get the truth from anyone. And speaking the truth (or even asking too many questions) could cost you or your family everything. Fast forward to today. Asking “too many” questions or not going along with what seems to be the popular narrative might put you on the path to being canceled or suspended. Questioning authorities may put you on their “radar” with the possibility of making your life more difficult.

My thoughts? Don’t ever stop questioning! Regardless of your political ideology, religious faith (or lack thereof), schooling, upbringing, etc., never be afraid to ask questions. Ask questions of authority, and don’t take whatever they say as truth. It might be the truth. But it might not be. The same holds true for social media. Is what you see on social media truthful? Is there an agenda?

Do your research. Dig deeper. Listen to other points of view. If a government, church, business, school district, etc., is worth anything, they will be glad that you are asking questions, researching, and wanting to find out that they are telling you the truth.

I don’t want to live in a world that resembles the Soviet Union’s “truth.” How about you? - Jason

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*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow Lex on Instagram @paper_can_reviews

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
I am not consciously aware anyone ever did so. But it is likely my mother would have as she has been a voracious reader all her life and we have always had rooms packed with books for as long as I can remember. She is fond of telling people I would tear the covers of books and climb bookcases as soon as my mobility as an infant would allow it.

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
‘The cowardly attack on Pearl Harbor’, an entry in the Dutch ‘Lekturama’ (similar to ‘Time Life’) series on WW2. I read it over and over. I only realized later on it was a translation of the official history of the US Army of the period.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Military/ naval/ maritime/ urban history, poetry, politics, short horror stories.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
If graphic novels count, I would say ‘The Dark Knight Returns’, I would also add ‘Confieso haber vivido’ (Neruda’s autobiography) and ‘Poet in New York’ by Lorca to that list.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
The possibility of finding a new take on a subject I already know or want to learn about.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Be sure to follow Sarah on Instagram @thegingerselkie

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Yes, my parents. All the time. All day. Every day. My dad would read us a chapter or two every night before bed. And my mum would read us a chapter from a different book every afternoon. Every Friday, we would spend the morning at the library getting more books to read for the week.

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
Moby Dick. I read it when I was eight and fell in love with it. The descriptions of the ocean just enhanced my love of the sea, and the plot ignited my love of adventure.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, classics, biographies, fantasy.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Yes, The Bible. God changed my life and gave me 66 books in the Bible to encourage and strengthen and grow my faith.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
Definitely a cover buyer! Haha! Good recs from Instagram these days. Back in the day, it was family and relatives.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

Photo credit - Spencer/Canva

Be sure to follow Evan on Instagram @violentbooks

1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
Only when I was very young. It tapered off when I reached school age. From that point on my only exposure to books was through school and those books were awful. It gave me the impression that reading was boring. It wasn't until my 20s that I started reading to kill time on my commute (smartphones weren't really a thing yet) that everything changed...

2.) What’s the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
I was searching high and low for a book that wasn't like the crap we were forced to read in school. By a fluke, I found "No Beast So Fierce" by Edward Bunker and it blew me away. It was like nothing I had ever read before. It was authentic and exciting and violent and fast and aggressive. The writing was excellent and the author wasn't some nerd or poet, he was an ex-con! He was dangerous! This was the book that sparked my love of reading. This book was my initiation.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Western fiction. It was my first love and my feelings haven't faded in the slightest. I don't read Western novels as much as I used to but when I do it feels like home. It's so familiar and comfortable. It feels like where I belong. The good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, and a .44 at close range will put a man down for good.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
That's easy. Yes. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius changed my life for the better. It's not really a book, it's a man's journal. A Roman Emperor's journal to be exact. Meditations showed me that I wasn't the only one who struggled. Others struggle just like me. Even people 2000 years ago. Even Roman Emperors. What I learned was that these people took action and did something about their struggles, and I could too. This book was a good friend to me when I needed it most, and it continues to this day.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
Title and cover. In that order. I'll agree, it's pretty shallow and it probably causes me to miss out. I'm sure there are a ton of great books with awful covers out there, and I know I'll never read them. That's just the cost of doing business as far as I'm concerned. I've done pretty well with this approach and I don’t plan on changing. Let this be a call to action for the literary community: BRING BACK THE PAPERBACK COVERS OF THE 60s, 70s, AND 80s!!!

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com

This weekend in America, we celebrate Memorial Day. Honoring those in the military who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

The Hawaiian shirt and book stack tell a story. My father-in-law served in Vietnam (My dad also served in the military. Different time. Different place). Both are still living. You may ask..."I thought we were honoring the dead?" I'll get to that in a moment.

The book stack is related to the Vietnam War. But the Hawaiian shirt? Ahhh...the Hawaiian shirt. That's the shirt my mother-in-law purchased in Hawaii in 1969 when she visited her husband on R and R! Original! Old school! Pretty amazing to me! (They also stayed in the same hotel with The 5th Dimension, who are best known for singing the classic "Age of Aquarius") Crazy!

But back to Memorial Day. There are men who served with my father-law who never made it back. Families whose trajectories dramatically changed when they received the tragic news. Parents who had to bury their children. Wives and girlfriends who lost their best friends. Children without a father. War is hell, yet time moves forward. It's certainly not fair.

I didn't serve in the military and don't claim to have an ounce of understanding to know the pain of losing those you served with. But I do know that my father-in-law living...gave me his daughter. Who I am happily married to and thankful for every day. I remember the path that brought her to me.

History books, personal memoirs, etc., may not be your thing, and that's ok. They aren't for everyone. They've always helped me better understand the world and those who have sacrificed everything. We can argue about politics and "just and unjust wars" forever. But this weekend, it's about honor and remembrance. Life is precious. Never forget. - Jason /BookshelfTracker

I'd never read any of Orwell's books until the past year. I can't remember any of them even being on a reading list in school. But I wasn't exactly the best student, so who knows? If you haven't read Animal Farm, I highly suggest it. (Maybe even reread it). It's quick and easy.

Regardless of Orwell's political views (or mine or yours), it's a fascinating read. Orwell spells out the promises and failures of communism without calling it communism.

One of my takeaways (there are many) is if we believe that a political system/politician or the promises of that system and its leaders will take care of us from "cradle to grave" without worries ...we will be disappointed (at the very least). The world has a history of leaders of every ilk with good or bad intentions that fail us. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Our ultimate happiness and fulfillment won't be found there.

Looking for a quick and easy read that will get you thinking? Please pick up a copy of Animal Farm and give us your thoughts.  - Jason/BookshelfTracker