Jake

Growing up, I was the kid who was always finding ways to not get caught reading into the wee hours of the night. Whether it was a flashlight under the covers, dimming my nightstand light, or even putting a towel by at the base of my door so that light didn’t leak into the hallway, I was going to do whatever it took for me to read just one more chapter. Some nights it worked and other nights I would be jolted out of the pages to hear my dad open the door to tell be to go to sleep. He would always say that the stories would be there the next night, and he was right but, I wanted to read it sooner rather than later. In those days I was caught up in Jude Watson’s Jedi Apprentice series, Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider Series, the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lost Years of Merlin by T. A. Barron, and a wide mix of other classic novels.

My reading tastes haven’t changed a whole lot from those late night readings and I can still be found pouring over various Science Fiction and Fantasy series at any given moment. Other books found in on my shelves include some historical fiction series like Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom and a wide array of non-fiction from various eras of history such as ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Roman Britain, pre-Civil War American History, and Native American/indigenous history.

The time I don’t spend at the library or reading is spent outdoors exploring various trails and beaches with my wife and our dogs or watching some true crime documentary. I also love camping, Ultimate Frisbee, baseball, DC comics, and doing various wood burning designs.

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Reading Lists

Jake's Reading List

Books from the Era of the Great Gatsby

Books that are set in the 1920s but are a different read from Gatsby.

The Great Gatsby

If you liked The Great Gatsby, you'll love these...

Ten Years of Big Read

Celebrate ten years of the NEA Big Read Lakeshore, take a look back at the nine other books that came before Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate the multitude of cultures this month and learn more through the power of stories.

Banned Books

Consider reading some other books that have been banned in preparation for Banned Book Week (October 1-7, 2023).

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Celebrate languages and writers from around the world, read books that has been translated into English from the author's original language.

Summer Challenge 2023: Artisan Class

Join Summer Reading 2023 as a talented artisan! We hope that these other artisans inspire you on your journey.

Summer Challenge 2023: Noble Class

Join Summer Reading 2023 as a esteemed noble! Here are recommendations for the things to do and not do as a new member of the noble class.

Summer Challenge 2023: Mage Class

Join Summer Reading 2023 as a powerful mage! We recommend honing your skills by learning from other spell casters and potion brewers.

Summer Challenge 2023: Knight Class

Join Summer Reading 2023 as a valiant knight! We suggest that you train under the knights and warriors who have come before.

Everything I Never Told You

Psychological fiction, culturally diverse, character-driven, own voices, moving, compelling

The Book of Hope

For anyone wanting to learn more about the impact women have had on many of the science fields that have helped shave how we see the world.

Jake's Blog

Ten Years of Big Read

Celebrate ten years of the NEA Big Read Lakeshore, take a look back at the nine other books that came before Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.

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