Another part of transitioning my writing ambitions is reading the type of work that I would like to write. I’m taking a shotgun approach and enjoying the ride. 

The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Wilkins: an inspiration to someone who very methodically would like to attain happiness (I’m not being ironic). Honest, manageable, thought-provoking, self-accepting. 

Lit, by Mary Carr: It took me over a year to open this one and then about 3 days to finish it. Perfect timing, as it turns out, as Ms. Carr gives publishing advice. She also does a remarkable job of writing about the change her thought patterns underwent. 

Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell: Am half-way done, and appreciating the stories that go along with, and illustrate, the data. This book steps way back from daily events that seem haphazard to find patterns in phenomenal success. 

A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn: which is apparently available to read online for free, but then wasn’t anymore, but is again. I have to admit I’m going slowly with this one. It’s dense but also, makes me cry. 

The Collected Stories of Deborah Eisenberg: Also making my way through this one, and wondering where exactly those Central American stories are set. But that misses the point. My favorite so far is The Robbery and not only because the title is a double (triple?) entendre.