Bold Books & Bones' 5 Questions

@boldbooksandbones

Five questions answered by the BookshelfTracker community

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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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