Why do you love reading?
I love reading because it allows me to learn new things and experience other places or times in history. I also really enjoy watching an author create a new world or an intricate plot and seeing it play out through the story.
What book or series got you into reading?
The Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle was a really important one for me. A Swiftly Tilting Planet was and is my favorite out of the series, and L’Engle is still my most beloved author. I loved how the characters in those books are flawed, and it doesn’t stop them from fighting for good in these weird circumstances.
When did you start reading?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t surrounded by books! My mom did an awesome job of sneaking excellent books to me without making me feel forced to read them.
Where do you read?
I read in bed before going to sleep every night. And I have a little room with some of my books in it that I affectionately call my Little Green Library. There’s a comfortable brown leather chair there we inherited from my husband’s grandmother. I also listen to a lot of audiobooks while I walk the dog or do chores. I always have a book on me in some form, and I try to sneak in pages while waiting in line or sitting in my car.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I love literary fiction and short stories, particularly if there’s something off about the premise. So often, I find myself saying, “This book is so good! It’s so weird!” I’m also a huge fan of nonfiction, especially journalistic accounts, memoirs, science writing, and stories about social justice.
For you, why is it important to read books by or about women?
I think there’s so much value in hearing women’s experiences and how they make sense of them through writing. It helps me make sense of my world, too. So much of the reading I did for my English degree was by men, and I feel like I’m making up for lost time now!
What types of books are you looking forward to sharing on Reading Women?
I’m excited to share nonfiction! There are so many amazing, true stories out there. The genre is so large! Between memoir, humor, poetry, and history, I truly think there’s nonfiction for everyone.
What most excites you about joining the RW team?
I’m looking forward to collaborating with this team, broadening my own horizons in literature written by women, and filling up my own to-be-read list, of course!
RuthAnn Deveney
RuthAnn works in learning and development in the finance industry, and she’s always reading multiple books at once. She loves nonfiction, especially about science and social justice, as well as literary fiction. RuthAnn lives outside Philadelphia in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, with her husband and their Westie, Ted. She loves living in a small town, especially enjoying the great craft beer scene and volunteering at the local library.
