Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I have loved to read for as long as I can remember.  As with many of the positive aspects of my life, I have my mom to thank in large part for instilling this passion in me.  I don’t remember her reading to me, although I’m sure she did (no doubt an oldest child perk).  What I DO remember is an indelible picture of her constantly reading:  books, magazines, newspapers, anything and everything! That, and her being so engrossed in the written word that it seemed near impossible — and somewhat sacrilegious — to interrupt her reverie.

On the other hand, I can think of one book and one book only that my dad ever read:  “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” I often wondered how my parents could coexist so harmoniously with such an inexplicable and outrageous disconnect. And then I met and married my husband who, in the 35 years I’ve known him, is about three books ahead of my dad. I guess love does conquer all.

But in spite of his ambivalence toward reading, my dad also gets his share of credit for making me a lifelong reader.  We spent many an afternoon listening to his expansive record collection, and I am convinced that I learned to read well before grade school by following along in the album’s songbook as the family would “Sing Along with Mitch.”  (Not to mention I’m one of the few people my age who knows the words to songs like “In the Good Old Summertime.”)

Reading has entertained and educated me, has helped me develop a good imagination and great vocabulary, and, of course, has made me a better writer.  But I must also confess that while reading has never let me down, I’ve been woefully remiss in holding up my end of the bargain in recent years, too often allowing things like Netflix and Candy Crush to win the battle for my time.

That’s why this 2016 Reading Challenge caught my eye. The last week or so has seen social media rife with suggested new habits and resolutions, and this challenge seems both intriguing and achievable. In an effort to read more (which, in turn, will help me write more), I hereby accept the 10-category challenge:

• A BOOK PUBLISHED THIS YEAR

• A BOOK YOU CAN FINISH IN A DAY

• A BOOK YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO READ

• A BOOK RECOMMENDATION BY YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIAN OR BOOKSELLER

• A BOOK YOU SHOULD HAVE READ IN SCHOOL

• A BOOK CHOSEN FOR YOU BY YOUR SPOUSE, PARTNER, SIBLING, CHILD OR BFF

• A BOOK PUBLISHED BEFORE YOU WERE BORN

• A BOOK THAT WAS BANNED AT SOME POINT

• A BOOK THAT INTIMIDATES YOU

• A BOOK YOU’VE ALREADY READ AT LEAST ONCE

So far I have two books selected.

When I jokingly told Mike I needed a book recommendation from my spouse, thinking he’d be stumped, he replied without missing a beat:  “the Bible.” I guess maybe he’s read more than four books after all. I agreed to his challenge, but pointed out that the Bible is actually a collection of books, not one giant one. Which is good, because I don’t think I could get the entire Bible read along with my other selection …

… the book that intimidates me:  “Atlas Shrugged.”  Just this summer, after talking about this book with my very well-read daughter, Rachel, and her husband, Phil, I decided it was time to finally read it.  I went to the library with every good intention of checking it out and diving in. Then I picked it up.  And fanned the 1,000+ pages in what looked like an 8-point font. And put it back on the shelf.  Never before have I been afraid to tackle a book, but I just didn’t think I had it in me. Looks like it’s time to find out.

I would love to hear your suggestions for the remaining eight categories. Even better, why not join me in this challenge?  Whether you’re an avid reader or in the book of the decade club, I guarantee there’s a book that’s just right for you!