Good Reading

About a year ago, my son Josh got me to sign up for Good Reads, a free online service where I can write book reviews of what I’ve read and see comments from friends about what they are reading.

I like the concept a lot. I can leave an electronic trail of what I read and what I thought about it. Even if I’m the only one who cares, at least it gives a sense of accomplishment and an outlet for my thoughts (sort of like a blog). It also provides a goal of what books I have waiting in the wings.

I make a practice of trying to read a little bit every week in between the busyness of life. Reading can be relaxing. And learning new information is good. Reading keeps me away from television, which also is usually good.

Many of my books are free review copies that I’ve requested as a journalist. Some of the authors become sources for me to interview on a particular topic.
Most of the rest of the books I read I buy at bargain prices at the Springfield Library biannual sale. Thus, I tend not to waste time on subjects I really don’t care about.

There have been years when I’ve read only a couple of books, other than the Bible — which I read through every year for more than a quarter century. But in 2009, I managed to finish 32 books. There’s a definite pattern. A dozen books dealt with spirituality, faith or church. Eight were biographies — sometimes about people I covered (Jerry Falwell), other times just for the fun of it (Cary Grant). Another eight books dealt with marriage or sexuality, topics which took a serious hit last year. Three focused on media. Only one involved health.

Despite the popularity of electronic media, print is not dead. I hope to read more than 32 books this year.