What are you reading, Stephanie Branton?

I love to read.  For the past 28 years, I have owned and operated a court reporting business, which involves hours and hours of proofreading.  So for many years I have read a lot, not necessarily what I wanted to read, albeit many times quite interesting and informative. Now, working less and almost retired, I have a long list of books to read. I’m looking forward to more reading for fun and helping others read though my position on the CALS Board of Directors.

Among the top books on my to-read list are: The Warmth of Other Suns (Isabel Wilkerson), The Vanishing Half (Brit Bennett), and The Emperor of All Maladies (Siddartha  Mukherejee). In the past I have loved fiction, bestseller type novels. Recently I have taken more of an interest in more serious reading – non-fiction novels and history/political/current event books.

What are you reading now?

I like to read two books at a time – usually different genres.  For the new year, I have started two books. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is historical fiction, a nice crossover, combining both history and a fictional story. 

The second book I am reading is  Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X Kendi. My hope is it will give me insight into what has been the shocking and extremely disturbing hatred displayed by a large segment of this country’s people.  

What is your favorite memory of reading as a child?

Frankly, I’m too old to remember my favorite books as a small child, but as an older child I’m sure I read every single Nancy Drew mystery ever published. 

If you have children, what are their favorite books, or what do you like reading to them?

My memories of reading to my children are priceless. I have now gifted my new granddaughter with favorite books that I read to her mother, among them: Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, and my kids’ all-time favorite, Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!