Real RAD Reads

A little about me and a little about my blog!

Hi! Welcome to RAD Reads. I’m happy you’re here.

I’m starting this blog because I love to read. I’ll talk about books to anyone who will listen and since they’re all sick of hearing me… just kidding.

Reading is my passion. Reading changed me in so many difficult yet beautiful ways.

I was once a Mormon, until I began reading church history. I was once a Christian, until I read the Bible. I was once a conservative, then I read Goldwater, Hannity, and O’Reilly.

At all of these moments of change in my life, reading and studying was the foundation. It wasn’t just books – it was anything and everything I could get my hands on.

We find ourselves at a turning point in our communities and around the world. There are many people wanting and ready for new information. I am one of these people.

Now, there are lots of content reacting to current events – many I enjoy and highly recommend but reactionary content isn’t what I want to use this space for – I am in the process of learning things I should have already known – unlearning things that should have never been taught and relearning things that I might have missed along the way.

Maybe you’re in the same boat as me. If so, I’m glad you’re here.

I want to discuss the books I’m reading and why it’s important to have hard conversations along the way. I believe that no matter what stage you are in life or learning, there is room to grow and be better.

Right now, my reading focus is politics and social issues. These things have always been an interest of mine, but they aren’t the only books on my reading list. I love horror and fantasy and also what I lovingly call bubble gum books – think light and fun – chew on it for a minute and then you’re good to go.

I plan to talk about all the books I read and I’d love to have you join me.

A few things you should know before we start:

• I encourage you to use your local library. Sure, you can buy any and all the books. But I believe education and learning should be free. You don’t need to invest in fancy bookshelves or an e-reader to access books or information.
• Listening counts! I’ve heard several times that listening to a book is a form of cheating. I disagree. Studies show that comprehension is best when reading a physical book – but does that mean we should just not learn anything because we can’t dedicate a few hours a day to sit in a quiet space to read? Nope. I’m all about new ideas or fun stories while walking the dog or driving to work.
• I welcome your input, comments and recommendations. I was working on a comprehensive TBR list on goodreads and it was NOT working. So, in true nerd form – I built an extensive Excel Spreadseet of every book on the TBR with categories and SUB categories. Whew!
• I am open to being wrong. I think reading changed me because I was open to new information. Information that changed my world view. I invite you to be open to being wrong, too! I truly believe reading and taking in new perspectives make us better people and gives us greater empathy.
• I mentioned earlier that reading books written by Goldwater, Hannity and O’Reilly helped me leave conservatism. While that is true, I’m still open to reading those books again or other books written by conservatives. Are they high on my list? No. Are they on my TBR at all? I don’t think so. But I’m open to reading them and doing a review. It’ll be honest, take that as you will.

Lastly, some non-bookish things about me:

• I’m a dog mom of 3. A cat mom of one.
• I love all things spooky and dark. Halloween lives in my house year round.
• I can quote any and all episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. You might see random quotes in my posts cause I literally can’t help it when I do it. I even have a painting of Ongo behind me as I type.
• I live in the desert. I hate it in the summer and hate it less the rest of the year.

That’s me. Feel free to introduce yourself below and let me know your favorite Sunny quote!

Let’s find our next favorite read together.

Byeeee!