I don’t know about you, but I’m much better about reading library books than freebies, ebooks and even books I’ve bought (*eyes 6 feet of unread books on the table* *turns away*). What can I say? I guess I read best under a deadline.

So when I’m writing on a deadline, typically I don’t check out more library books—but this time I just couldn’t resist.

My best friend recommended this one last week. Who could say no after this kind of endorsement?

Did you ever read that one book I recommended…
gosh…
about the ghost detective?

Really pretty good, IMO
And I hate most books now
So that’s high praise. haha

She meant this:

The Name of the Star

Naturally, I immediately placed a hold on it. No, really, I did. And also naturally, it came in a lot sooner than I was banking on. My best friend said the voice reminded me of my book that I’m writing a sequel to now, so maybe it’s just the thing I need to tap into that voice a little better.

The other book I have out from the library, I just came across recently . . . but I can’t remember how! I’m guessing it was a recommendation from Amazon after looking at some CIA books (which, apparently, I do a lot).

Spy the Lie: Former CIA Officers Teach You How to Detect Deception

It’s a nonfiction book about gauging the whether someone’s telling the truth. I’ve learned a lot about research-supported untruthful body language in classes on emotions and body language from psychologist Margie Lawson’s classes, but I was interested to read more about this methodology. I’m only one chapter in and I’m already in love: they openly admit that there’s no such thing as a human lie detector (stupid TV gets on my nerves), and one real-life scenario from the book has already inspired a scene in my WIP.

Hm. The reasons for reading seem a little . . . selfish. But then, aren’t they always?

Have you read either of these? What are you reading now? How does what you’re reading influence your writing?