Read at least 40 books in 2008

My progress on this has been poor. However I may have read more than I would have during the year just for having the goal. I was always mindful that I needed to make time to read, I just didn’t do it. Clearly 40 books was too ambitious. I am going to retire this goal and develop one for next year that more realistically suits my lifestyle.

I’ve just calculated that for me to reach this goal by Dec. 31st, I have to read approximately one book every four days. Maybe I should start counting audiobooks, I’ve listened to at least twelve this year already.

For some light summer reading I knocked out Douglas Preston/Lincoln Childs “Mount Dragon”. A pretty easy read that followed the standard DP/LC template. I started listening to these authors on auido and have enjoyed the books for their entertainment value. This one is pretty much cut from the same cloth but made for uncomplicated reading. Reminds me reading should be fun, too.

I don’t know why I wanted to read this. I have a superficial interest in wierd math and science, and I thought there would be some neat things to learn. There were a few but this book won’t be on my list of favorites. Aside from basic facts about the number phi and pop culture misconceptions about the number and its secret role in history, the rest of the book read like a math geek’s valentine. I know I want to expand my interests and knowledge, but I may stick with things more interesting to me personally.

Phil Keoghan is simple and to the point: Quit making excuses, get off your butt, and do what it is that is going to make your life fun and memorable. His worst fear is looking back with regret. This book is his manifesto for living life fully, adventurously, and somewhat childishly. But you can’t say he didn’t have fun. What he wants you to do is make a list of 8 things (not 43?) you want to do, and tie them to 8 themes… face your fears; get lost; shed your inhibitions… etc. Then kill off the excuses (who really can’t find time to go white water rafting or parasailing, or stage a play or perform striptease on amateur night if that is truly our heart’s desire?) This book isn’t about setting goals or long range accomplishments. It is about identifying what you want to do from an almost instinctive or impulsive position, then ramming over your self-imposed obsticles, doing it, and learning about yourself in the process. It was a fun read and I finished it in three days. And yes, I am working on my NOW list…

“Finished” “The New Wellness Revolution” by Paul Zane Pilzer. (Okay, I skipped some parts that didn’t interest or appeal to me). Doubt it is a tome for the ages, but brought up some thought provoking concepts including how we view insurance, the value of health and wellness, the “real motivations” of the “sickness industry” (doctors, hospitals, insurance, and the like). Overall a good read, but glad to be done with it.

Eight weeks behind schedule but the first book of the list of 40 is done. Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Mineral tell the real-life story of her family’s decision to sustain themselves on local foods and sustainable sources for on year. It was an ejoyable read, full of funny stories and interesting information. Even some turkey-romance-suspense. Getting back into the habit of reading is going to take some serious discipline, but I can honestly say I didn’t miss one minute of TV.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
The New Wellness Revolution by Paul Zane Pilzer
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin