so little time--read books that count

Do you commit to a book even when you are bored with it?

In 2010, Google managed to count the amount of books in the world--128 million. If you read one book a week and live to your mid-80's, you will have read 4100 books. That's 0.003% of the books in the world.  You won't even skim the surface.

Now imagine if you only read one book a month.  That's under 1000 books.  Your lifetime reading accomplishment stat goes to 0.00075%.  

All this tells me life is very short.  When it comes to reading, make your time count.

What is it about Reading?

Reading is powerful...you experience a different world.  I love fiction books when I miss the characters after the book is done.  It’s bittersweet:  I can’t wait until the end when I find out what happens, yet, I’m sad when the story is over!  I only get to be in ‘their world’ for a limited amount of time.  Reading a book is like being the fly on the wall...the silent observer.  This world is always happening, but waits for you to return before moving forward.  Books can be powerful for the reader.  I prefer books with a strong, independent female character as I relate to her achievements and disappointments.   I learn ways to be different in the world from her experience.  All from where I sit.

The Great Book Experience

• You miss the book when you aren't reading it
  
• You want to underline most sentences
  
• You can't wait to get to the end and you are sad when you do
  

You can find these books through word-of-mouth, best-seller lists, or research.  Research is the most effective.  You may have to try 10-20 books before you find the one that makes your toes curl, but it doesn't have to be exhausting or expensive.  When you find a book, give it a whirl, but if after 1 to 2 chapters you aren't feeling the 'great book' feeling, stop reading and let it go.  Remember, there are 128 million books in the world.  It's okay to let it go.  I give you full permission.

Tips for Finding your Next 'Great Book'

• Go to the library, sit in front of two rows of a section your interest area.  Pull out each book: view cover, book jacket summary and read the first page or two.  If it doesn't grab your attention, put it back.  If you are mildly interested, put it on the “maybe” pile.  If it grabs you immediately, put it on "yes" pile.  If after two rows, you don't have any books of interest, keep looking.  Sometimes it helps to literally move to a different section.  There is no wrong/right here. 
  
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• Peruse through a bookstore (and do same as above).  It's important to me more discerning here, but if a book really grabs you, buy it from the bookstore directly and resist the urge to buy it from amazon.  If we don't support bookstores, they will be gone completely someday.
  
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• Ask friends their top 5 favorite books (a Facebook post is an easy way)
  
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• Browse general suggestions from your library website or kindle.
  
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• Try websites that help you find books based on ones you enjoyed, such as whattoreadnext.com or openingthebook.com. Some libraries also offer assistance in this.
  

Here are a few of my all time favorites:

• Matters of Choice:  Noah Gordon
  
• Prodigal Summer:  Barbara Kingsolver
  
• Eat, Pray, Love:  Elizabeth Gilbert
  
• Still Life with Elephant:  Judy Reene Singer
  

Okay, now you have some ways to get started to finding your next great book!  So many books, so little time...go visit your bookstore or library today.