Later that night as I sifted through the interviews and compiled them into a newspaper feature, this particular interview stood out the most. It wasn't the "lose more weight," the "finish school" or the "find a man" resolutions that stuck (like I could find a man, anyway). I thought, "If he can do it, I can do it. I work at a library for goodness sake. I should read more anyway." Then the question became which books to read. So, I looked at the list of bookmarks on my library account, the Word documents on my computer, the Post-its all over my desk. I scanned the shelves in the Fiction section, looked through my own little (BIG) library and jotted down some biography titles. It's a lot of pressure, choosing books. But the list is written (with a few blank spots for the books I'll come across in the next few months and absolutely HAVE to add).
Then I thought: "Whoo! I have this list of books. Go me! Who cares? How am I going to hold myself accountable for reading a book every week?"
Enter: blog. An English professor of mine was once challenged to blog for an entire year. Not only did she blog, she wrote for herself and for her readers. She knew we were paying attention. She knew we cared what she had to say. So, maybe you will care what I have to say about books (and even if you don't, I'm going to pretend you do).
I'm also going to use the 52 challenge to hold myself accountable for other areas of life that could use some work. Like taking a break from work. Like honing a skill I've always loved and will use the rest of my life. Like learning to listen better (audiobooks, folks!). Like letting myself splurge on a really big bottle of bubble bath and wine for some heavy bathtub reading.
Feel free to follow along! Take the books as recommendations, form your own reading list, leave comments. I'm still looking for suggestions to fill some spots on the list! Bring it on, 2014.
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