March is International Listening Month
Did you know that March is International Listening Month? It seems that listening can be a major obstacle or a real blessing for so many stories and novels. Some story plots create multiple layers of conflict that escalate when two or more characters do not listen to one another. Then there are other books based on characters listening to each other, solving problems and creating a wonderful feel good tone to the story.
I recently read a Regency historical romance novel. Tracy Anne Warren’s The Princess and the Peer is one story where the characters do not listen to each other. The story develops an intensity through this family feud just because Princess Emma of Rosewald could not get her brother, Prince Rupert, to listen to her. He refused to change his idea of a dynastic marriage for her.
Since her brother will not listen to her, she wants one last fling as a free woman. She runs away to London and stumbles upon a handsome, caring, and vibrant Earl. Emma knows if she obeys her brother’s marriage wishes, she will never be happy. Prince Rupert’s lack of sensitivity towards his sister and his devotion to the state of their home country, leads Emma to break all rules.
However, there is one character in the book that seems to be listening and really paying attention to everything. Emma’s sister turns out to be fully engaged with all that is going on in the castle.
This is a fun book to read and Tracy Anne Warren is keen to the ways of royalty and historical romance novels.
On a more serious note, there is The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. This is a true story of a son and his mother, as they begin sharing the books that they have read, liked and that have had some type of effect on their life.
Will’s mother is ill. He is spending time sitting with his mother at the cancer center as she receives her chemo treatments. Their book club begins with a simple conversational question toward each other: “What are you reading?” (Hmmm… we are not the only ones asking “What ‘cha Reading?”) As they share and discuss and involve each other in their reading, they realize the power of books upon their lives and others.
What a wonderful way to rediscover relationships and memories. Yet, mostly, it is a wonderful way to delve into the spirit and true essence of a person you truly care about. Books are powerful! Just listen to them!
Have you read anything you have enjoyed or not enjoyed recently? Let us hear from you! Or “What ‘cha Reading?”
