Barbara J. Hamby

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Reading Habits

In retirement, I have more time for reading than I’ve ever had before and I often am reading two or three books at once. Right now I’m reading a self-help book and a collection of disguised case histories by a psychiatrist. While trying to wade through the Prologue of the case histories, I began to form a dislike for the author. Turning to the back cover to see the writer’s picture, I found the face to be not warm and fuzzy or smiling and kind, but stern looking. That didn’t help any.

But, I had bought the book, so felt compelled to read it. When I came to the chapter titled, “Fat Lady,” that was the last straw. I do not like this person who admitted a phobia against fat women. Most of my life I’ve been a fat woman. Now I’m not thin, but a somewhat less fat woman than in the past. But I found the stories to be interesting and so I forged on. I am hopeful I’ll discover redeeming qualities in this doctor that will change my opinion.

As I write this, I’m listening to a program on public television presented by Daniel Amen, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Body that is fascinating. I think I’m going to have to get that book, also. This man appears to be very likeable, as well as full of energy and useful information.

In the meantime, I probably need to go to the library and pick up another murder mystery or best-selling novel for light reading, to balance my input.