gehistorian's 5 Questions

@gehistorian

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)?
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.

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