Falcon's Bookshelf

Do you have a guilty pleasure book?
I love reading James Patterson books. I don’t really have a guilty pleasure book per se. I find pleasure in reading his books. I love the drama, mystery, and intensity in James Patterson books.

What is your favorite genre?
My favorite genres are murder mystery and spiritual enlightenment.

Which do you avoid?
I avoid romance novels because I find them to be too fantastical and unrealistic. I like books that are believable and relatable.

What is a book that you’re afraid to read?
I am afraid to read horror books. The one book that I have always wanted to read is The Shining by Stephen King. I have seen the movie several times and it is one of my favorites, but the reading the book or any horror book feels too provocative and bewitching. I believe that what you read becomes a part of your psyche. It’s the allure, seduction, and suggestion that I find enticing about a book. Horror does nothing for me.

What is a book you dislike/hate that everyone loves?
I dislike Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. I didn’t ever understand the appeal. It may be the fact that I am a creative person who takes life very relaxed. I am not interested in financial literacy as it relates to big business and, etc.

Do you remember the last time you put down a book without finishing?
I remember not being about to finish The Art of War by Sunzi. I got exhausted and muddled with the words and I began to over-analyze everything.

What book is currently sitting on your nightstand?
Currently, I am not reading anything. I would like to read Cross Justice by James Patterson. I may purchase the audiobook because I enjoy the the narration.

What’s the last great book you read?
The last great book that I read was The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. even though I read it years ago. I have read the entire series and I would recommend these books to anyone who is seeking enlightenment.

Are there any classic novels you read recently for the first time?
I read Black Boy by Richard Wright for the first time several years ago. My daughter was reading it for her English class, and I wanted to read the book for the purpose of conversation and reflection. I found it to be stimulating and motivating. It allowed me to see what my daughter thought about life and consequences.

Describe your ideal reading experience (when, what, where, how).
My ideal reading experience would be in an environment that is comfortable, appealing, and fascinating. Probably, I would choose a spa in a foreign place where I am pampered all day. It would be a James Patterson audiobook so that my hands are free to sip my favorite cocktail.

Do you have a favorite book no one else has heard of?
I liked reading The Twelve Powers of Man by Charles Fillmore. It is a book that makes you reflect on mankind’s existence and divine power. I would recommend that an individual should read the book with an open mind.

What’s the most interesting thing that you learned from a book recently?
I learned that your thoughts are a powerful thing. When I was younger, I would stress about everything, and my thoughts would be all over the place. I couldn’t figure out why certain things would happen the way that they did. It was not until I read the The Celestine Prophecy that I learned how to control my thoughts. This book taught me that quietening the mind was essential to overcoming obstacles. Also, I learned how to appreciate nature and how to use the sounds around me to calm my mind. For example, the book emphasizes the power of our thoughts, emotions, and intentions to shape our reality. It suggests that by focusing our energy on positive thoughts and intentions, we can attract positive experiences and outcomes into our lives. Shaping my reality and focusing my energy on positive thoughts and intentions are important to me because I am facing some challenging matters as it relates to my health. Lastly, I urge everyone that I encounter to quieten the mind to see things change.

Do you prefer books that reach you emotionally, or intellectually?
I prefer books that reach me emotionally. I am an empath and I thrive on connecting to others emotionally. I chose books that tap into my emotions and that make me think. If I am not connected to the book emotionally, I cannot read it. I must be drawn to the book. Who Moved My Cheese is one of the books that I love! Each time I read it, I get something different from it.

What book might people be surprised to find on your bookshelf?
I am a collector of cookbooks and I love cookbooks from the 80’s. I don’t know what it is about cookbooks, but I am fascinated by the recipes and the pictures. However, it may have something to do with the fact that I went to culinary arts school and I fell in love with the cookbooks we used in school.