I am working on an enjoyable assignment. A Maryland-based magazine has asked me to write an article about an author and a book he wrote had published in 2016. It may be somewhat surprising to hear, but this is my first interview of a book author in my 21 years of freelancing. Never have I, to my recollection's best, been asked to write this type of article. Doing so has not only allowed entry into a fascinating realm, but it also rekindled in me a good habit which, recently, has been go and stop for me: starting to read a book and actually finish it. During our initial phone conversation, I promised the author that I would contact him when I completed reading his book, and he appreciated the fact that I sought to familiarize myself more with his work prior to a 1,000 + word article commitment. And for me, it forced me to finish the book, and thereby fuel my thirst to head to a library -- my "Basement Bookshelf" or Sprague Library at Montclair State University, to roam the stacks and select something of value to read. I get a charge out of heading to a bookstore, especially a used bookstore, and searching for something that not only will look good on my bookshelf, but I will find interesting reading. I liken it to the interest my daughter Stefanie has in attending a play, or my wife Lucille visiting an art gallery. For me (and most, I assume), it's not only about "any" book, but "the" book or author. The late William Johnston, S.J., was a Jesuit priest who wrote many books about Zen and Buddhism, and how they relate and can work with Christianity. I have never practiced either Zen or Buddhism, but reading Johnson's books about the subject relax me, interest me enough to get and read the next one in his series (*Note: I've read 9 of his books, and even reread a few more than once). Also, I tend to favor any book about writers and their work habits, like the Writers at Work: The Paris Review Series, and whatever offerings I can find about The New Yorker Magazine and its history. Architecture, especially books about older edifices, I also enjoy, but here visuals trump the words. Right now, there are four books stacked on the end table next to my bed. One is finished, one I am rereading, one I've skimmed the chapters, and another is a daily inspirational read. I value them all, and it's good to know they are nearby. I will make it to the last page with each. Steve
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Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
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