Read-y?

I usually read around 20 books a year. Just to challenge myself, I made it a goal to read 30 in 2009 (see list to the right). As you can see, I won’t meet that goal, but no matter. It’s not really how many books you read; the important thing is to always be reading. (Next year, I'm planning on reading Les Mis...it's a big one!) Last year, I wrote that The Road was my favorite book. This year it was the classic Jane Eyre, which I am sure will permanently be on my top ten list of favorite books. (Seriously, I read it at red lights...I literally couldn't put it down.)

According to an Associated Press study, one in four adults read ZERO books last year. We are not exactly devouring literature! So if you've been feeling bad about not reading (or finishing) that book that's been sitting on your nightstand for who-knows-how-long, take comfort in knowing you're not alone.

Or don't. Reading helps you write better, improves your vocabulary, stimulates the imagination, and generally makes you a more knowledgeable, cultured, and well-rounded person. Half of the world is illiterate, and if you don't read, you might as well be, too.

I know many of us will make resolutions to read more next year. Let's commit to turning off the TV once in a while (gasp!) and start a new reading regime (‘Readgime’? Anyone?). I'm excited to start my 2010 reading list on this blog (and in my fun new journal, seen above...cute, right?).

I will leave you with a crazy fact…if you work 40 hours a week and sleep 8 hours a night, you have 72 hours of free time each week. May that encourage your reading endeavors in 2010!