When was the last time you picked up a good book?

[fran-boston-reichel]

I as an avid reader at one time, but haven’t done so lately. I’m going to find a good book to read starting tomorrow. I have fatigue as one of my main symptoms so I have to intentionally pace myself daily.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @franboston, I was an avid reader but had let it slip away with managing PH and life in general. I, too, am working to try and read more. Even if I read 10-50 pages daily several times per week, that’s progress.

Do you prefer reading a hard or soft copy book or on an App like Kindle, etc.?

[delois-tweedy]

I used to be an avid reader as well. But it’s been a while since I actually read a book. I find that cooler weather and wintertime are my favorite times to read books. Something abt the feel of a book in my hands and getting immersed in the story is very therapeutic for me. I especially enjoy it when I have to sit and rest – it takes away the boredom and temporarily takes my mind off my troubles.

[jen-cueva]

Yes, @deetweedy, in a corner with a warm and cozy blanket on a cool or rainy day, is perfect for reading a good book. Like you, I prefer that book in my hand. Maybe a mug of hot cocoa or tea to sip on and my fur baby napping beside me. Aww, I’m picturing that already.

Let us know what books y’all find that you enjoy. Others may enjoy reading it, too.

[jen-cueva]

Yes, @deetweedy, in a corner with a warm and cozy blanket on a cool or rainy day, is perfect for reading a good book. Like you, I prefer that book in my hand. Maybe a mug of hot cocoa or tea to sip on and my fur baby napping beside me. Aww, I’m picturing that already.

Let us know what books y’all find that you enjoy. Others may enjoy reading it, too.

[jen-cueva]

I’m sharing this here for our newest member, @jeanniedimauro. She shared an update instead of a “reply.” Jeannie, I wanted to make sure others wouldn’t miss your comments.
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If you read a post and hit “reply” at the bottom, a text box will open for you to type your response. Let me or @colleensteele know if you need any help. We are happy to help anytime.

Jeannie shares, “I’m still unable to read without a magnifying glass… which isn’t very efficient… my left eye is still a mess with post-herpetic something or other after shingles… growing very weary of dealing with this. 🙁 I did have a friend pick up a big print edition of Diary of Anne Frank which I read many years ago, but am enjoying reading it again. I also liked Larry McMurtry’s early works and ordered his biography, Larry McMurtry, His Life.. it comes out mid-September. Anyone who enjoyed The Last Picture Show, Lonesome Dove, or any of McMurtry’s books/movies might like his biography. Except for medical appointments I have not been outside my home since May 18th… could not read during most of that time, but reading in my comfy air-conditioned home sounds preferable to the alternative… doing ANYTHING outdoors in all this heat. 🙂”

[jen-cueva]

Hi @jeanniedimauro, how kind of your friend to bring you the large print of Anne Frank. Have you tried listening to books on Audible? Many enjoy it, but I’ve yet to try it.

I hear you about that heat out there. I don’t miss that heat in Texas at all. I know you have similar heat there, too.

Wow, stay indoors in that AC, Princess. That heat is horrific this year, worse than previous years. Or, I am just spoiled living in SD now. Hehe.

[darla-mccollim]

I understand the fatigue, I’m blind in one eye and my arthritis won’t let me hold a real book. A new book was truly a sensory pleasure for me. But I have to deal with my reality. The joy of audible books. I’m embarrassed at how many I have but consume them as fast I buy them. Some I get for free or at a reduced rate.  I escape into my world of fiction and fact and have never looked back.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @darlarayne, I’ve heard many in the rare disease community prefer Audibles. This works for their limitations, whatever they may be. It’s fantastic that there are things that those who are blind, like yourself, can use to continue their love of books.

I relate to it as an escape. It can be therapeutic to get lost sometimes, right? Thanks for sharing.

[Colleen Steele]

Like @franboston I was once an avid reader but haven’t been for the past decade. This delightful pastime got lost in caring for my son and husband. I’m hoping once I get settled after my big move I will make time for reading again. The beach should help me keep this promise to myself.

@darlarayne my mother-in-law was legally blind and loved using audibles! When my husband’s health declined he started using them too. Because I love books in hand I couldn’t imagine enjoying them myself but I started listening along to my husband’s stories while caring for him and found myself getting wrapped up in them. Until I really make the time to start reading again maybe I should consider some audibles.

[darla-mccollim]

The best thing is about audible books is I can chose to sit and relax or walk around and putter. I have my comfort books when I am anxious and listen to over and over again. They take me from my pain. Great for driving company too. You can borrow from libraries or online Audible like me. There are some great stories available on podcast forums.  I love JB Robb aka Nora Roberts in death series, just finished book 57. Great excuse to finally do some classic novels you always wanted to read with some great narrators.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @colleensteele, I’m thrilled to hear that you’ll be picking up reading again, something I know you truly enjoy. Once you’ve settled down, I hope you won’t find yourself slipping back into the role of a full-time caregiver for your parents and instead prioritize some much-needed self-care.

My dear friend, you’ve endured so much, and I eagerly await the next chapter of your journey in NJ. However, I can’t help but worry about you now, too. You’re a natural “doer,” and caregiving runs deep in your veins.

Perhaps now is the perfect time to start curating a reading list. I understand don’t have free time, but compiling this list can give you something to look forward to once you’ve settled. I’m sure there are titles that you’ve been longing to read. Please do keep us informed about what’s on your list as well.

[delois-tweedy]

Darla, I have thought about audible books, but never have tried it. I am the type that likes to take music with me as I putter from room to room. But I also very much enjoy books. Maybe I’ll try audible books! That way I can immerse myself, as you said, while puttering, relaxing, walking on treadmill…. You’ve given me some ideas and a new way to think about ‘reading’. Best of luck to you, and enjoy your audibles.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @deetweedy, I also put music in the forums and do things around the house. Recently, I have started listening to a few podcasts at times, too. But IDK about books, I know many enjoy it. I feel I need that book in my hand and would miss it.

If you try Audible, LMK how you like it versus music.

[valeriekv]

Hello everybody!

How many difficulties do many of you have to overcome when trying to read a book! It’s very sad. I sympathize with those of you who overcome problems just to read a good book. I can’t always read myself, too. But if I can, it’s good.

I appreciate the time to read and try to choose the best books. I like the books of the Daniel Keyes. I really Like “Flowers for Algernon” and “The Minds of Billy Milligan”. Three years ago I read “The Touch”, at that time this book was just very relevant. I was on a trip and bought the “Unveiling Claudia” and “The Asylum Prophecies”. I didn’t know these books existed. I really want to read this.

Now I’m reading “Mary Barton” by Elizabeth Gaskell. I like some English novelists, such as Jane Austen, Anne Bronte, George Eliot and Charles Dickens. I read the books of these writers gradually, because there are not so many of them. I recently bought a “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte, and I really want to read it for the first time.

There are so many wonderful books in the world. I wish we could read a lot of this!

[Colleen Steele]

@Valerie , you have an impressive book list. I love the classics. They are like an comfy sweater. I love being embraced by them!

[jen-cueva]

Woe, @Valerie! I’m impressed but also embarrassed by your avid reading habits. The books you mention sound interesting mixed with some classics.

Have you been able to read more or do you use Audible or another audio book source?Thanks for sharing. I have three books I have had simnce Christmas and almost halfway through one, strated one, and the third is on the bottomn of the list.

Now, if I could stay fovused and still more, I would read more, like before. Like some mention, I enjoy reading as it takes m,e away from reality. Hehe

[Jane Armstrong]

I do a fair amount of reading, partly because I belong to a book club. I read consistently at bedtime. It takes my mind off what has happened during the day and gives me something different to think about. It helps me to fall asleep, too – sometimes with the book still in my hand. One book that I have often gone back to is The Book of Joy. It is a week long conversation on the meaning of joy with the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu. They met for a week in 2015 for this conversation which was facilitated and edited by Douglas Abrams. It ends with a section called Joy Practices – something I have needed since getting PAH. Two other books that I enjoyed fairly lately were The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig..

[Colleen Steele]

@Jane Armstrong I appreciate that you shared some of your favorites because I have not delved into those yet but will place them on my list, especially “The Book of Joy”!

[jen-cueva]

Hi, @Jane Armstrong; you certainly sound like an avid reader. My daughter suggested I join a book club. I’m nervous since I am not good at keeping focused anymore.

Your list sounds interesting. I have The Book of Joy somewhere in my stack of to-read books. I now will need to look for it. Hopefully, it’s not one I donated or left packed in the garage when we downsized into our condo.

Thanks for sharing and happy reading, Jane.

[randolph-reynolds]

A new format. OK. I usually have about four books going at any given time. Two on Kindle and two from the library. So the most recent ones are:

The Centurian’s Wife by Bunn: about the maid to Claudia Procula who was Pontius Pilate’s wife

The Mozart Code by Rachel McMIllian: romantic story about two people after WWII, who were part of the super secret Bletchley Park group, are now involved in secretive dealings in Vienna and Prague

London Restoration by Rachel McMillian: Another similar romantic story with the same two characters in Mozart Code but the main protaganist is another Code Breaker and her husband (a Biblical Scholar) who returns after five years at war. Suspensful

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber: Just started. Young woman who gets a scholarship to study at Oxford University in 1994. She has read C.S. Lewis.

Others:

Oppenheimer: Portrait of an Enigma by Jeremy Bernstein: Compliation of notes from people who knew Oppenheimer.

Mustang Ace by Robert Goebel: Goebel’s story of flying P-51 fighters in WWII. (Out of the many books I’ve read about fighter pilots this is the only one about flying this famous aircraft.)

Loud and Clear by Iftach Spector: Famous Israeli fighter pilot who flew in three wars.

Miramar Bay by Bunn: First of seven books about people living in the upper coast of California.

That covers the last eight weeks of reading. The two best authors in this list are Davis Bunn and Carolyn Weber. Happy to oblige on current reading, your PAH friend.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Randolph Reynolds; you have read much more than most of us within the last few months. I didn’t know, but you enjoy romance and history. I would guess you enjoy reading history-related books but are too cool to learn that you also read a little romance. I bet your lovely wife enjoy reading too. Does she read like you?

How are y’all fairing this week, my PHriend? Have a wonderful weekend.

[linda-concoby]

Hey, y’all, Heads Up! If you belong to your local library, ask about Hoopla and Libby. Both have audiobooks and ebooks…for free. Hoopla has a lot of magazines as well. Enjoy!

[jen-cueva]

Hi @lindaconcoby, what an excellent resource and reminder. My local library is across the street. I have checked out books there. I have seen on Libby the audio versions of books. I’ve never heard of hoopla, but I will check it out for free magazines. I enjoy reading shorter articles in magazines and recipes.

Thanks for sharing; many will find it helpful.

[brenda-denzler]

Can I shamelessly promote my own new book, which is just now out?

[jen-cueva]

@Brenda Denzler, of course, please do share how we can purchase your book. W#e did have a place for someone to add that, if I locate it, I’ll tag you. But in the meantime, feel free to share here.

Congrats to you, my dear PHriend! You did it!!

[Colleen Steele]

Yes! Please do! Can’t wait to read it @Brenda Denzler

[jen-cueva]

Hey, @Brenda Denzler, we patiently await your newly published book link! How are you doing? You’ve been a bit MIA.