Ballerina Book Club: Carrie Imler’s Favorite Reads

Principal dancer Carrie Imler’s fouettes in Act 3 of Swan Lake are legendary. But what does she do to unwind? She reads. We recently asked Carrie to share a list of some of her favorite books with us and this is what she said…

I have to admit I may have an addiction! Ever since Christmas three years ago, I can’t leave home without my Kindle. It’s extremely easy to go to the web and download a book—I can do it from the comfort of my couch while lounging in my PJs. But once I start a good book, it’s hard to tear me away. I’ve found myself reading into the early morning sometimes, needing to know how a book concludes.

So, with the Christmas holiday fast approaching (hopefully that means vacation time or at least some down time) I have compiled a list of some of my favorites. I found as I was researching my Kindle list that I really tend to favor murder/mystery novels, but I like to think I’m well rounded so I’ve also added other equally compelling novels.

Carrie Imler (center) as the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty (pictured with PNB Company dancers).

For those who favor the murder mysteries like I do, I suggest any novel from Mary Higgins Clark. Her books usually last a day or two before I’m finished. The same goes for author Jeffery Deaver (I’m partial to his Lincoln Rhyme series). Of course there are always the Alex Cross novels by James Patterson. Ok, you’ve gotten the point that I enjoy mystery. Following closely to my murder mystery novels, suspense and thrillers like Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn are among my favorites.

For those into the science fiction/dystopian society novels, I have enjoyed The Host by Stephanie Meyer (the book was much better than the movie), as well as the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth (again also slated to become a movie).

Carrie Imler (center) as Myrtha with Company dancers in Giselle (pictured with PNB Company dancers).

I guess you could also say I’m a bit of a history buff if the story is compelling. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand as well as Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot and Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard are excellent history lessons.

If you feel good novels are the way to go and you love dogs, I highly recommend A Dog’s Purpose by W Bruce Cameron. What a great novel about a dog finding his way in the world portrayed through his eyes. I know it sounds a little “out there” but I promise you, you’ll love it!!!

I hope that there are a few books on my list which you haven’t read yet, and which you might enjoy over the holiday season. Happy Reading!!!!!!

PS: Amazon Smile is a simple way to support PNB when you shop at Amazon! Simply click here or go to smile.amazon.com and select PNB as your charitable organization. Every time you shop, a portion of the purchase price will be donated to PNB. Amazon will remember your selection, and every future eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation to PNB.

Blog by Carrie Imler. Photos © Angela Sterling. 
Featured Photo: Carrie Imler and Kiyon Gaines as Titania and Bottom in George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Choreography © The George Balanchine Trust.