Here we are entering the 8th month which means we are two-thirds of our way through the year and I am only halfway through my book list. I'm no mathematician, but these things are not equal.
I'm sure I would be further through if I was going by page count ie: Every 275 pages equals a book. Instead, I'm pounding out 450 pagers as well as 200 pagers and counting them equally. If we are getting technical, then I should've also considered print size as well as surface area of a page.
Well, we can see why I didn't quite go this far.
But I don't care that much and I guess should feel happy with whatever my book count ends up because at least I am spending a significant amount of time educating myself in nonfiction and exploring the tales of the fictitious. Both are increasing my brain function more than if I was say, sitting in front of the television (with the exception of Jeopardy and Cash Cab). I also find it more difficult to snack when I'm reading (and am deterred when I am reading a book from the library and I come across the previous borrower's lunch) and thus, reading reduces uneccessary calories. My new work out plan.
For those looking for a good novel, I've listed the top 5 books I have read so far this year with a quick synopsis. I've read a few horrendous books, but I've been impressed with most of my shelf.
1. Those who Save Us Historical Fiction
Recommended for: The Historian.
This was our first read of our book club this year and it was really heavy. Maybe save this one for post summer time rays. It was a perfect January read.
2. Game Change Political Nonfiction
Recommended for: The Political Pundit.
If you have any interest in current politics and the last election, you will surely enjoy this. A journalist wrote this book so there is definitely the human interest piece as well as the "behind the scenes" to both campaigns. More time is spent on Obama's camp than McCain's, but he won.
3. The Zahir Fiction
Recommended for: The Soul Searcher.
This will surely have you searching your mind and soul. There are an endless number of pieces that you will want to keep with you forever from this one. It's a slower read as it takes some time to absorb, but definitely worth every moment.4. Crazy In Alabama Fiction
Recommended for: The Light-Hearted.
We read this for our first summer book read in my book club and it's definitely an odd story. I admit, I was rather skeptical of it at first glance but then found I couldn't put it down. Really an endearing tale of a boy who doesn't understand why race matters in his tumultous Southern town. Oh, and then there's the part of his aunt carrying the head of the husband she murdered on a cross-country road trip...in a hat box no less.
5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Nonfiction
Recommended for: The Biologist. Or those that didn't pay attention in high school/college biology.
I'm not a scientist in the same way I'm not a mathematician, but this story resonated with me as HeLa cells have played such a prominent role in the history of medicine. I loved that it didn't read like a biology book yet the author was able to explain concepts to the scientifically-feeble-minded. It was also a human story; we learned about the woman and the family behind the cells which had us battling between what is morally right and when do the ends justify the means.
Happy Reading!
*Yes, there is a difference between resolutions and goals. Resolutions, in my opinion, refer to something you want to change to make yourself a better person than you have been in the past. Essentially, to resolve problematic behavior ie: I never see my grandma, I'm going to go visit her once a month this year so I see her more. A goal on the other hand, is something you intend to do regardless ie: I will make $100 in tips tonight.
