Warning: Seriousness to Follow.......

I was inspired by a friend who made a goal to read so many books a year. I realized at the time that I rarely read a book for pleasure. Growing up I read all the time. In fact, I read so much I consistently won reading awards every year up until I was in Junior High. I read to escape. It was so much fun to pretend to solve mysteries right along with Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden.

Over the course of this last year, my scope of reading has expanded ten fold. I admit that in the past I made a goal to read at least one classic a year but in between I read popular murder mysteries. This year I have read so many inspiring and beautifully written novels, that I truly feel that it has enriched my life. It has been so amazing to expand my reading genre from a cheap murder mystery thrill to inspiring words of wisdom. Even better is that a dialogue has opened up between those who have joined me in this new reading journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed having endless discussions about each book and what meaning it has in my life. I am about to start a book written by a Nobel Prize winner in literature. I know that it is not necessarily a privilege because let’s face it, anyone could read it. But I never would have picked this book up last year. Even though I have only flipped through the book, it just makes me feel more educated having it in my possession. I can’t wait until I have a few quiet moments for me to open “The Double” by Jose Saramago.

I challenge you to read a book that you would not ordinarily read. I even challenge you to enjoy it and let it have meaning in your life.