This month’s Reader of the Month is Kate, a lifelong Dubuquer and passionate learner whose love of reading is deeply connected to curiosity, creativity, and perspective. Read on to learn more about the books and ideas shaping her journey and find her recommendations here.
Hello! I’m Kate. I was born and raised in Dubuque with my three brothers and have been a lifelong learner and reader. I just finished my undergraduate degree in Music Education at Central Michigan University and am heading to graduate school! I play the bassoon and am fascinated by music theory and the impact of the arts as a form of expression and communication.
February Reader of the Month Q&A:
Can you tell us about your reading interests in general?
- I have two purposes for reading, and I coincidentally keep them sorted by whether it is a physical book or on my phone. I read short novellas and stories on my phone for entertainment/fun. However, I make sure to also always be reading something to learn, which tends to be a physical book. My personal philosophy is to make sure that these two sides have a balance and that I am always learning as much as I am having fun while reading (I usually get lucky that both happen at the same time). My dad has told me that books give perspective. Listening, whether in real life or in books of any kind, is my top priority at this point in my life.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
- I’m currently reading “No Mud, No Lotus” by Thích Nhât Hanh. He’s one of my favorite authors and personal life mentors. He has short little books about all different topics that I think are great for people in quick little bursts. Truly cannot recommend him enough!
What is the best book you have read within the last year (or ever)?
- I wouldn’t necessarily use the word “best,” but hands down the most influential and important book I read this year was “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad. I just finished it recently, but I foresee having read this book as being life altering.
What is your ideal reading environment?
- Sometimes I like trying to hone my attention by reading in a busy place with people everywhere, but really, I just like a chill, quiet place that’s comfortable. I usually listen to piano pieces or the Skyrim soundtrack (with the battle songs removed!!).
What book are you most excited about reading next, and what about it is most exciting?
- I am really excited to read Jack Kornfield’s “The Wise heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology.” One of my favorite books of all time is his “A Path With Heart,” so I am really excited to read more from him.
Do you prefer physical books, audiobooks or ebooks?
- Absolutely physical book. While I do read on my phone a lot, I really prefer to mark up a physical book so I can make little notes while I’m reading, highlight the most impactful moments, and give them as gifts to friends.
Have you discovered any exciting new authors or genres?
- One of my best friends actually had me read T. H. White’s series “The Once and Future King,” which is about King Arthur and Lancelot and the knights of the round table. I have never read anything about King Arthur or fiction like this! I loved T. H. White’s writing style! I was captivated for nearly 700 pages!
Have you read any books recently that have changed the way you think about something?
- I very recently just finished “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad, which has completely changed my worldview. Few things in my life have been so perspective altering that the matrix analogy made sense. This book synthesized so many ideas I had floating around my head and put a magnifying glass to the world in which I live. Nowhere in the book is there necessarily a call to action, but I feel so moved to change and to determine how the topics within will change the way I interact with the world and how I want to live my life. Never have I read a book that has impacted me in this way.
What is something interesting you learned from a book?
- In “What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma”, I learned that trauma can actually alter your genes. The way Stephanie Foo weaves this into her novel is masterful. She explains it in such a profound way (I recommend the book, but to watch out for your mental health if you do), but even that fact alone is so interesting in its implications.
What book has been the most challenging for you to read? How did it challenge you?
- A couple years ago, I read “The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature” by Steven Pinker. The discipline-specific language made it difficult for me to understand what was being explained. As for an emotionally challenging book, “Animal Liberation Now” by Peter Singer took me a while to complete. I could only read one chapter at a time… sometimes even that was too difficult. But it was an extremely important read and reaffirmed some of my personal beliefs about the topic of animal rights.
When do you decide to stop reading a book? In other words, do you read every book to the last page, or is there a moment when you decide to stop?
- I am pretty good as sussing out whether I will like a book before I start reading one. I use a method one of my professors taught me: once you find a book that you think you’d like, flip to a random page within and start reading. However, don’t look for the content; look at the writing style and how the information is presented. I’ve found this gives me a really good sample of what the book is like and whether I’d enjoy it or not.
Do you remember when your love for reading began?
- My mom read to my brothers and I every night when we were kids. She read all of the Harry Potter books to us. I think that created a huge foundation for reading in my future (thanks, Momma)!
What other library resources do you enjoy?
- I love, love playing board games with my friends and family. My dad and I also watch a lot of movies together, and so it is nice to have a way to do so without ads!
Thank you to Kate for sharing her reading life and reflections with us. Her thoughtful balance of learning and enjoyment is a wonderful reminder of how books can expand our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We’re grateful to have readers like Kate as part of the Carnegie-Stout community. Interested in being our next Reader of the Month? Fill out the application here.