Friday, April 17, 2009

Getting back to books


I miss books. I can't say I miss reading because, well, I do that every day. In some form. I mean, I read press releases, staff reports and sometimes research for work. I read emails. I read magazines. Online news. Blogs. Text messages. I read everything but books.

In school, you have to read books because they are assigned. Some good, some bad. But I remember thinking that once I was out of school, I would read all the books I wanted to read. Suffice to say, that hasn't happened. 

And I love reading books, I really do. But it seems I never have the time anymore. Or, at least, I don't make the time. At night, after work, instead of grabbing a novel I grab the remote. Because of this, "Eat, Pray, Love" has been sitting half-read on my nightstand for two months (probably longer, actually). Now, whenever I look at it and contemplate picking it up again, I feel like I have to start over from the beginning...

Another thing I miss is my bookshelf. At our last apartment, we had a nice built-in bookshelf. It was small, but it worked. I had some of my favorite books on display and those I had yet to read. In a way, it served as a reminder to not mindlessly watch TV all night. To take a book off the shelf and get wrapped up in those fictional characters instead. But in our new apartment, there's no bookshelf. I am ashamed to admit that my books are still packed away in a cardboard box! (I moved in February, if you remember.)

I have so many more books needing to be read at my parents' house, too. In my old childhood room I have a big, white Ikea bookshelf that takes up two walls. Stacked on the shelves are dozens and dozens of books. I think bookcases are so beautiful in a home and wish I could have a reading room like the one pictured above. Isn't it amazing? I have made the promise many times not to buy any more books until I read what I have, which works for the most part but not always! Sometimes, while browsing Borders, I just can't help myself.

Anyway, I really want to get back into reading books. I think one of my New Years resolutions was to read one book a month. Eek. It's April and I have read none! Reading magazines is fine but I feel so much more accomplished when I finish a book. It is like I'm a better person for having turned its pages. I read this quote the other day by Paul Sweeney and it is so true:
You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.

My plan? Finally finish "Eat, Pray, Love." I have heard it is amazing, which is why I started reading it in the first place, so I just need to devote myself to reading it. No more wasting away on the couch. Starting this weekend.


In the meantime, tell me, do any of you have this problem? A ton of books to read and no time (or too tired, unmotivated) to read them?

Also, how often do you curl up with a good book? Are you a fast reader? (I'm not. I like to read only a few chapters at a time.) What's the last book you read? (Mine was "True Believer" by Nicholas Sparks.) And, what's your favorite book of all time? (I'd have to say, "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom.)

Thanks for sharing (and reading)!


Rainbow bookshelf image via Freshome.
Eat, Pray, Love cover found here.

6 comments:

Amber said...

It's like you read my mind! I've been thinking this the last couple days. It's been months since the last time I really read a book!! I just don't know what book to read, I need something that I can really get into. 'Eat, Pray, Love' is amazing by the way!

I LOVED Outlander by, Diana Gabaldon. I seriously couldn't put it down and those are the kinds of books I like. I wouldn't say I'm a fast reader, but I really like to read books where I want to read all the time and I have trouble putting them down. Outlander was like that, amazing! So was 'The Time Traveler's Wife'. That was the last book I read and I'm ashamed to say I finished it in February!

OK, that's it, I'm on a mission! I need to find another can't put it down book to read asap!!

But, seriously, devote some time to EPL this weekend. It is truly an inspirational and amazing book! Can't wait to hear what you think of it :-)

Sara Christine said...

Favorite book of all time: Jane Eyre
Last book read: Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters (SOOOO GOOD)

I am a voracious reader - I read fast, and I read alllll the time. It's been my number one hobby since second grade. I am SO COOL. ;)

Happy weekend! xo

Shoshanah said...

I feel like I have a million things to say on this!
First I do find it hard to sit down and read, mainly because I spend so much time reading blogs. If I'm in the middle of a big I love (right now I'm reading American Wife which falls into that category) I will make time for it. If the book is only ok, I will wind up reading it on my lunch hour at work, and take about a month to get through it.

Second we moved into our apartment in January and have no bookshelf. So instead I've used bookends and I have lined up books against the wall. Really not the best of solutions. But it's working for now. And my dream house? Would need to have a library in it. Preferably a huge one with a fireplace in it like the one in Gone with the Wind. So hopeful, that happens for me sometime!

You Are My Fave said...

Finish Eat Pray Love. You won't be disappointed.

Oh, and I want that entire bookshelf of books. I'm tempted to buy books just for their vivid colors.

Andhari said...

I haven't been able to read anything but school related books or notes. Been meaning to and waiting for an enough free time to enjoy a book :)

ambika said...

I identify. I used to read books constantly. It was only with a live internet connection any time I wanted it that the reading really petered off. Joining a book club has definitely helped but I still don't read books as much as I used to.