May 26, 2019
My tombstone should be shaped like a book. Books have defined and delighted me for at every stage of life.
In my first full year of retirement, I read 100 books (including audio books listened to in the car.) But even when teaching full time, my yearly totals ranged between 50 and 70. (Discovering audio books to “read” while driving has added about 12 books a year. Someone calls this practice: “Car College.”)
Years ago, I found an article called “A Readable Feast” by Bob Hostetler (co-author with Josh McDowell of Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door.”) Based on his ideas, I list categories and numbers of books for each that I aim to read each year. This ensures variety: breadth and depth.
Here are my categories, in random order: Spiritual Growth, Personal Development, The Bible, Communication (Speaking and Writing), Poetry, Health, Biography/Memoir, History/Geography, Children’s Literature, Fiction, Humor, Psychology/Sociology, New Area of Interest.
Keep in mind that this is my main hobby: I do not knit, crochet, paint, sew, golf, play tennis, tap dance, garden, quilt, or act.
I do hope that your summer relaxing means reading at least one good book!
