Reader's Fave

I recently interviewed Beth Hansen for our 48th installment of Reader's Fave, a casual interview with someone who shares their favorite book. Beth opened our conversation with one of her favorites, "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Neffenegger. The book is a science fiction romance novel. "I probably read it in 2005, but I don't know exactly when," said Beth. "I loved that book because it stuck with me. I don't know exactly why, but I'd recommend the book to everyone. It's romance, but the relationship is so different since it's over time, due to the time travel aspect involved in the story. There were some times, when reading, I didn't know how it was actually working in the story, but I just kept reading. I couldn't put it down, as I read about this loving relationship. I know there was a movie that came out later, but I didn't watch it or even want to watch it. I've only read the book once, but I need to read it again. I recommended this book to my sister, and she mentioned that she wants to read it again. I haven't read anything else by the author. "

There was a second book Beth wanted to share. "People should read 'The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride," said Beth. "There are lots of characters with rich development of each along with a rich storyline. It's such a good book. It brings up much of what we're dealing with today, but it's written with the setting in the 1920s and 1930s. It's really a great story; it's a book I'd never choose to read. I would have just read the outline and not have read any further."

Beth also shared about her book-club experiences. "I've been in this book club for about two years, and I think there is real value in being in one," said Beth. "You meet people with different backgrounds. We read one book a month, and we each get an opportunity to choose a book. Being in this group, I read books I normally wouldn't choose to read; sometimes, books I don't like, but it's a supportive group of women. I really do love the group. There were three of us at the start, but we have around eight or 10 of us now. I really look forward to meeting with the group each month. Because my time is short with work, sometimes, to get through a book before we meet, I need to listen to it on audio when I'm driving or walking. I love the conversations we have about the book. Then we usually end up talking about life, which I enjoy."

Reading has always been a central part of Beth's life from childhood. "My mom was an avid reader," said Beth. "We always had books in the house. We moved around a lot, but we always found out where the library was. I loved the library. I remember reading all the 'Little House on the Prairie' books. I loved those and, of course, 'The Boxcar Children' series and the 'Bobbsey Twins' books. My granny and aunt were readers. In my teens, I remember we'd swap books. My mom was also reading books to herself by Danielle Steele, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. These would be on our bookshelves, too, so I'd read them when I was in my high school years. Reading was an escape for me as a kid. I could immerse myself in the story. I loved it; it helped me through all the trials and tribulations of growing up and moving around a lot."

Discussing her preferred formats for reading, Beth said, "I read all three. At this point, I like the ebooks due to the light and font options. I got a Kindle for my birthday. It's small and easy to take with me, but I do like physical books, too, and, of course, audio for driving and walking."

May you wonderful Wahkiakum readers discover a book that, maybe, you'd never think about reading, but would still enjoy discussing with others.