Exploring Different Genres
As a daughter whose father served in the Military, I spent my childhood in different locales. Every few years my family moved, leaving me to embark on a new adventure, enroll in a new school, and the inevitable struggle to fit in with a new group of kids. An awkward child, with more than my fair share of quirks, I struggled with making friends. After all, who’d want to hang with the girl with an unshakable fear of clowns, balloons, and popcorn? Yes, popcorn. The startling popping of the kernels exploding violently made me as nervous as a poodle. I no longer shriek in horror at the sight of a popcorn maker, but admittedly, the shivers from seeing red balloons tied to a sewer grate, are still running down my spine. Thanks Mr. King.
Although popularity was never my forte, I did have plenty of books. I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t love books. Of course, the first several years of my existence consisted of chewing books, oblivious to their real purpose. I loved the taste of The Poky Little Puppy long before I understood the tale. But eventually I began to read, giving me the ability to dream with my eyes open. An universal remedy allowing me to momentarily escape the bully in grade three; allowing the cruelty of mean girls to sting a little less; and giving me permission to remain peculiar in a cookie cutter world. Books were my lifelong companion, making me laugh, cry, and understand the crazy world which surrounded me.
As I grew older, I tossed aside the picture books and Archie comics for more in-depth stories. With fondness, I remember Paul Zindel’s emotional novel The Pigman, the first novel that caused my eyes to leak. Although saddened by the ending, I was also heartbroken that there were no more pages to turn. Paul Zindel provided me with a thirst for something beyond just humor. No longer content to read as an observer, I wanted to immerse myself into the character’s world, even if their world was broken.
My curiosity for the darker side of humanity grew, and surprisingly the girl with the clown and balloon phobia, became interested in true crime stories. Midnight Express, the fascinating yet horrifying account of Billy Hayes, an American incarcerated in a Turkish Prison for smuggling drugs, was the first true crime book I read. A twelve year old child reading such graphic depictions of prison life might horrify some parents, but I’m forever grateful to my parents for never taking any book away, other than those I tried to eat as a toddler.
Eventually my morbid curiosity led to a degree in Criminology and a career within the Criminal Justice System. But a few years later, my reading interests shifted. Hearing the first-hand accounts of criminal behavior was my job, and I didn’t want it seeping into other aspects of my life. Sure some of the stories were entertaining and humorous, but more often they were dark, disturbing, and downright horrifying.
I still read non-fictional accounts of people with a sordid past, but I’m more selective; preferring those with a theme of redemption. Although my reading preferences have varied throughout the years, my choices now lean towards romance novels.
Admittedly, I spent a good portion of my life not picking up a romance novel. It wasn’t that I was biased against them, but with so many genres out there, I just never got around to reading one. But after a winter weekend of being snowed in, I sat down to a TV marathon of romantic comedies. Instantly I became hooked and searched for authors in this genre. Since that stormy weekend, I’ve enjoyed countless contemporary and historical romance novels. Characters afraid to love, while at the same time hoping to be loved – stories most of us can relate to. I still read a variety of genres – after all, a well written book is always a joy. One of my favorite reads from last year was a fantasy novel with an unbelievable blend of violence and humor so compelling, I read for hours on end. A novel so far removed from what I normally like, and one I might not have even considered years ago.
Most readers have a preference, I certainly do too, but I’m glad life experiences led me to explore different genres.
Beyond Circumstances
By Gloria Joynt-Lang
Series: Out of the Darkness
Fiery Seas Publishing
2018
Contemporary Romance
Dr. Lexie Draden didn’t want to leave her successful career as a surgeon in Chicago, but she didn’t have a choice. Her family needed to heal, and as long as she was around, it wasn’t going to happen. While adapting to her new community, she meets ZAK TIFOUR, a man as intriguing as he is handsome.
Most of the small-town residents view Zak as a man who likes his privacy, but to a select few, something doesn’t seem right. Long-time resident Cicily McQuay believes she has the key to the man’s odd behavior – a link to terrorism. After all, he’s just isn’t the type of man who belongs in her community. But to belong, you need to be welcomed; something Cicily has never extended to Zak.
Zak knows plenty of terrorists and has even lived amongst them, but not like Cicily suspects. Escaping from a lifetime of bloodshed and regrets, he attempts to distant himself from the quirky townsfolk; people unable to comprehend boundaries. It appears to be working until he encounters the town’s new attractive doctor. Even though his secrets run deep, she ends up trusting him with her heart. But trust is fragile, and when Zak gets drawn back to his old life, Lexie must decide whether he’s a dangerous man or a broken hero.
About the Author:
Gloria Joynt-Lang was born in Ars-Laquenexy, France and spent her childhood experiencing the vast landscapes of Canada. A graduate of the University of Alberta with a degree in Criminology, she devoted her career to working in the criminal justice system. She now splits her time living in rural Alberta, Canada as well as Southern California with her husband and their two dogs, a Maltese named YaHoo and Yorkie named Smookie Bijoux. Why the Yorkie has a stripper name shall remain a tight guarded secret. A lifelong nerd, she is most comfortable with a book or laptop close by except when she transforms to cool biker chick, hopping on her motorcycle for a speed limit abiding ride to the nearest bookstore.
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