From Thinking Faster to Getting Spooked: My Current Reading Dilemma

I have a reading habit that I've realized I really enjoy.

I almost always have two books going at the same time.

One is usually something for personal or professional development.

The other?

Whatever sounds interesting.

A good story. A mystery. Something entertaining. And, this time of year, something that might make me question my decision to read it right before bed.

So right now, my two reading worlds are looking very different.

On one side, I'm reading Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When Put on the Spot by Matt Abrahams.

On the other side, I'm trying to decide which spooky-season read gets to be my next pleasure read.

And apparently, I have given myself quite a few choices.

What I'm Reading for Personal & Professional Development

I'm currently reading Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and I'm not finished yet, so this isn't a review.

It's more of a "here's what I'm thinking about so far" kind of post.

The book focuses on communicating effectively when you're put on the spot—which is something most of us have experienced.

Someone asks you a question you weren't expecting.

You're suddenly asked to speak in a meeting.

You're in an interview.

You're having a difficult conversation.

Someone says, "What do you think?"

And your brain responds with:

"Excellent question. Unfortunately, I have no thoughts at this time."

Okay…maybe that's just me.

But seriously, one of the things I appreciate about professional-development books is when I can take an idea from the book and immediately see how it applies outside of work.

Communication is one of those skills.

We use it everywhere.

And as I'm reading, I'm thinking about how much of effective communication isn't necessarily about having the perfect response.

It's about being able to think, organize your thoughts, and respond intentionally.

I'm still reading, so I'm sure I'll have more to say when I finish.

For now, I'm enjoying the process of seeing what ideas stick with me.

And that's really what I want to do with these posts.

Not necessarily give you a traditional book review.

I want to share what I'm reading, what I'm learning, and what stays with me.

Then There's My Other Book…

Now we get to the fun part.

Because while I'm reading about communication, thinking on my feet, and professional development…

I'm also thinking:

WHAT AM I READING FOR SPOOKY SEASON?

And this is where I may have created a problem for myself.

Here are some of the books currently sitting in my Kindle:

Trick or Treat — N. L. Hinkins

The Third Skull — Andrew Stafford

Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night

Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guest — K. J. Whittle

A Sincere Warning About the Entity in Your Home — Jason Arnopp

The Exorcist's House: Genesis — Nick Roberts (Book 2)

Morsels — Abe Moss

Bury Your Demons — Timothy King

Now, do you see my problem?

I only need ONE pleasure read right now.

But apparently my Kindle did not receive that memo.

I'm not sure which one I'm going to choose yet.

And honestly, that's part of the fun.

Why I Read Two Books at Once

I've always liked the idea that reading doesn't have to accomplish just one thing.

Sometimes I want to learn.

Sometimes I want to grow.

Sometimes I want to think about something differently.

And sometimes I just want to disappear into a story for a while.

That's why reading a professional-development book alongside a pleasure read works so well for me.

If I'm not in the mood to learn about communication, I can pick up a thriller.

If I want something that challenges me or gives me something to think about, I can pick up my professional-development book.

Different books for different moods.

And somehow, it keeps me reading.

So…What Should I Read Next?

I'm still working my way through Think Faster, Talk Smarter, so that one isn't going anywhere.

But my spooky-season decision?

Still undecided.

I may let the mood decide.

Or I may let the book titles decide.

Or maybe I'll ask for help.

Have you read any of these?

If you have, tell me what you thought—but please, no spoilers!

I've also created an Amazon Idea List with books I'm reading, considering, or have added to my reading queue.

These aren't books I'm telling you that you need to buy. It's simply a way for you to see what's currently on my reading radar if you're curious about what I'm picking up next.

You can find my Amazon Idea List here: [INSERT LINK]

And now I'm curious about you.

What are you reading this spooky season?

Or maybe spooky books aren't your thing.

What are you reading for personal or professional development?

Are you a one-book-at-a-time person?

Or, like me, are you usually reading two completely different books at once?

Tell me what you're reading.

I'd love to know what's currently sitting on your nightstand—or your Kindle.

Now…back to my very important decision:

Which book gets to scare me first? 👻📚