Hello all! Well it seems I am fully entrenched in the "blogosphere" now that I am starting my second blog. I have had the idea for starting this blog for a while now, well actually it is an idea I got from someone else. A little background info on me, I watch Jeopardy every night (when I am home at least), love that show! So one night I was watching Jeopardy and after the commercial break Alex Trebek was chatting with each of the contestants. This is the part of the show when they tell some silly anecdote about themselves and this one particular contestant was talking about how he had set a goal for himself to read 100 books in a year (he admitted he did not succeed). I thought to myself, I could do that, I read a ton and I am a fairly fast reader.
At first I was thinking, that's not a very tough goal, I've read hundreds of books in my life, and I can often polish off an easy read in a day or so. Once I sat down and did the math I realised that is one book ever 3.65 days...all year long. Ok maybe this wouldn't be so easy. Although I do read a lot, it goes in spurts and if I am reading something I am not interested in it takes me a lot longer to get through it. I also used to take public transit to work which was about 35 - 45 minutes each direction so that gave me ample time to read as well. Now that I drive to work I've noticed my book consumption has decreased, plus I am very busy with other activities outside of work. But, I had it in my head that I was going to do this so I will try, and whether I succeed or not, I think it will still be a fun and challenging project.
I was planning on waiting until Jan. 1 to start this project because a calendar year just seems like the logical choice but the more I thought about it, the more I realised I should start sooner, a.s.a.p, like NOW! I have been reading all this time leading up to the project so in my mind if I am not contributing my reads now to a blog then it is kind of a waste (not really, but you know what I mean), but I didn't want to just stop reading until Jan. 1. Also, logistically it made sense to start now. I will have some time on my hands to get a bit of a leg up on this project and give myself a cushion for later on down the line. I am flying to Europe next week, and I have lots of time off over Christmas, so I figured why not make use of all of my flying time/down time because I'm sure there will be times in the next year when I won't have so much free time.
So thus begins my "100 books in one year" plan! I have a pretty big list of books to work on, but I do not have a list of 100 books, so if anyone has any suggestions to offer up, I would greatly appreciate it. I try and vary what I read; fiction to non fiction, chick lit to a more serious subject matter and best sellers to unheard-ofs. So toss any great books you've read and I will see if I can fit them into my list. I am also planning on re-reading some of my favorite books, and I will actually read them again because I find I still enjoy a book on a second read even though I know how the story ends. You catch more of the story and the little nuances since you don't have to pay as close attention to the plot. Plus, I didn't want some of my personal favorites to be left out just because I read them before this project even came to fruition.
My first book choice is by an author I have previously enjoyed. Although sometimes the subject matter gets a bit religious, it is never preachy and I find he usually tells good stories. I will begin this book on Nov. 19 (since I have a book I am halfway through that I need to finish first) and post a synopsis and review. So hopefully by Nov. 19, 2013 I will have 100 books under my belt and a sense of fulfilment in accomplishing my goal!
First book choice: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
I would love for others to read the same books if you feel so inclined and any comments will be welcome, kind of like an informal book club. Or if you are looking for ideas on what to read hopefully this blog can serve as a bit of an inspiration. Happy reading fellow bookworms!
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