To Be (Read) or Not to Be (Read)

18th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event)

The Prompt: What book is next on your reading list?

I’ve been a bit slow on reading ever since I took up writing. I find myself more often putting my energy into creating and it leaves less time and energy for my original and beloved pastime of casual reading. Growing-up and all through my student years I was a ferocious reader and it was torturous when I moved overseas in my early 20’s and lost access to books. Now, with e-books, it’s so much better and I do love the fact that I have access to virtually any book that I desire. While I may not be reading as much these days, I’m still reading. Here is my current reads in progress and what’s up next.

Younger Next Year – Henry S. Lodge & Chris Crowley (currently reading @82%)

This book was recommended to me by a recently acquired friend who is about a decade ahead of me and just retired. He is in great physical and mental shape and he suggested this book to me as it was transformational for him.

I’ll admit that I struggled significantly when starting this book due to one of the author’s (Chris Crowley) voice. Although the books title doesn’t include any indication that it’s directed toward men (and much of the scientific content is relevant to both women and men), the author is clearly directing his message toward men. I found this a bit off putting, personally, but based on the strong recommendation I decided to push through.

The other author’s writing, Dr. Henry S. Lodge, is much more accessible to me (although it’s scientific content may be a challenge for non-scientist types). I love science so his content really works for me and I found it very compelling.

In a nutshell, this book lays out the science for why physical exercise and social engagement is fundamental to our holistic health and can allow us to live our lives vibrantly into our retirement years. It also provides some very practical advice on how to start.

As a overweight middle-aged man looking to retire in about a decade this book’s message has resonated strongly with me and I would recommend it to other’s like me (including women if you can get over the overly macho writing of the 2nd author).

Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence – Esther Perel (currently reading @19%)

Another recommendation, this one coming from my therapist. I’m not sure if admitting this shares too much information about me, but *shrug*.

I don’t have too much to say about this book. I’m unlikely to continue to read it further. Not because it doesn’t provide a valuable message and insights. It does. It explores the areas of passion and sex within a committed marriage. However, it is very repetitive and not sure if I’ve much more to gain for the effort required to finish the book.

How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (currently reading @8%)

Another recommendation! I had no idea that my reading list had completely shifted from self-identified pleasure reading to more self-help recommendations. While I appreciate life-long learning, I do think I need to find something to read for pure fun.

This books title says it all and let’s just say that I qualify from multiple perspectives and I will definitely continue to read.

When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi (TBR)

This is highly reviewed memoir of a neurosurgeon contemplating the meaning of life. I’m writing my own memoir and if I recall correctly I came across this title while I was researching memoirs for inspiration. While I don’t consider my blog as a place I will do too much book reviewing, I will see if I’m inspired by this book and share my thoughts as they come up.

Be well,

Monty

• Dear Monty
  1st blahg for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The prompt: What advice would you give to your teenage self? Dear Monty, You don’t know me, but IContinue reading “Dear Monty”
• Road Trip!
  2nd blahg for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is a road trip you would love to take? I love a good road trip.Continue reading “Road Trip!”
• Getting Uncomfortable
  3rd post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Write about the last time you left your comfort zone. Hmm. I’ve got to think about thisContinue reading “Getting Uncomfortable”
• Let’s Play!
  4th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What was your favorite toy as a child? Before getting into the subject at hand, letContinue reading “Let’s Play!”
• Wishful Thinking
  5th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event). The Prompt: What is something you wish you knew how to do? There are quite a few waysContinue reading “Wishful Thinking”
• An Inspired Post
  6th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Who is someone that inspires you and why? Oooooooh! I really set myself up with theContinue reading “An Inspired Post”
• Seriously Unserious
  7th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What makes you laugh? Answer: Me. And I mean that seriously. Seriously Unserious (a serious essayContinue reading “Seriously Unserious”
• Discovering Hope
  8th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What do you like most about your writing? Ok, this time I’m going to have toContinue reading “Discovering Hope”
• An Uninspired Post
  9th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What do people incorrectly assume about you? Well, sh*t. I’ve been on a role (in myContinue reading “An Uninspired Post”
• Sun, Happiness, Coffee, Writing & Gratitude
  10th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What are five things you’re grateful for today? 1) The morning sun. While it’s not aContinue reading “Sun, Happiness, Coffee, Writing & Gratitude”
• Living Courageously
  11th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What does it mean to live boldly? First let’s get grounded… Boldly: (1) in a confidentContinue reading “Living Courageously”
• Speechless
  12th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What emoji(s) do you like to use. I make my own. How I first felt whenContinue reading “Speechless”
• Weird Science
  13th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What does your ideal day look like. The Answer: Frictionless. I dedicate this post to allContinue reading “Weird Science”
• The 6am Job Interview
  14th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Write about a challenge you faced and overcame. Facing challenges, overcoming some, learning from all, hasContinue reading “The 6am Job Interview”
• 1001 Life Lessons…
  15th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is a life lesson you feel everyone can benefit from learning? The Answer: Always includeContinue reading “1001 Life Lessons…”
• A Call for Humanity
  16th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is a cause that you are passionate about and why? Humanity: Compassion, Empathy and Kindness.Continue reading “A Call for Humanity”
• Slo-Mo Man
  17th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is a superpower you’d love to have? When I saw this prompt come in IContinue reading “Slo-Mo Man”
• To Be (Read) or Not to Be (Read)
  18th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What book is next on your reading list? I’ve been a bit slow on reading everContinue reading “To Be (Read) or Not to Be (Read)”
• The Night Train
  19th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Write something mysterious. Well, this is quite the turn. Write something mysterious, huh? No query. NotContinue reading “The Night Train”
• A Photo of a Photo
  20th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is your favorite photo you’ve ever taken? Um, “ever”??? Let’s get reasonable. How about myContinue reading “A Photo of a Photo”
• Past Present Future
  21st post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: If you could, what year would you time travel to and why? Ah. A classic topicContinue reading “Past Present Future”
• Serenity, Courage, Wisdom
  22nd post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is your favorite quote and why? My Answer: The serenity prayer because… Be well, Monty
• Dear Father,
  23rd post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Interview a fictional character. I’m stretching this prompt a bit, but this is what I feelContinue reading “Dear Father,”
• Forgotten Dreams
  24th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Write about a dream you remember. My Answer: … Be well, Monty
• I Don’t Feel Strong
  25th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Write about what makes you feel strong. I don’t feel strong. At least not the strongContinue reading “I Don’t Feel Strong”
• Self Love
  26th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is your favorite part about yourself? What a strange question. Am I to dissect myselfContinue reading “Self Love”
• Chatters & Grumps
  27th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Where do you go when you need solitude? Another weird question. Um. I go where noContinue reading “Chatters & Grumps”
• Monty Gets Musical
  28th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: What is on your music playlist right now? Oh, we really seem to be ending thisContinue reading “Monty Gets Musical”
• Words Matter
  29th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: How are you changing the world? One word at a time. Be well, Monty
• Under the Solstice Sun
  30th post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: Describe yourself as a tree. Under the Solstice Sun Stripped naked; Discarded garments scattered under soiledContinue reading “Under the Solstice Sun”
• Missing You
  31st post for #bloganuary (a WordPress event) The Prompt: How do you feel when you look at the stars? Be well, Monty