Final Book of 2019: An Inspiration

Growing up, reading was my escape. I’ve always consumed the written word voraciously.

But in the past few years, the number of books I’ve read has dropped precipitously. I still read, all day every day, but listicles are to books as french fries are to spinach; easy to demolish without adding much in the way of benefit. I’ve been a devotee of Longform Articles over the past year, and while often educational and very entertaining, they lack the world-building and depth offered by diving into a book.

I did manage to read about 14 books last year, more than the average American is reading, but not by much. I am the best version of myself when I prioritize reading. I become more creative, I am less anxious, I feel more accomplished. Reading brings me joy. So why haven’t I been prioritizing it? For the very reason it is easier to grab an order of french fries than it is to shop for, prepare, and then cook spinach in a delicious way: total inertia. It is so much easier to click on the next list of the Top 10 Skincare Products that will Change My Life than it is to find the next book that is going to stay with me long after I have turned the final page.

My birthday is December 30th, so the transition from one year to the next (age-wise and calendar-wise) lines up to feel incredibly transformative. And last night (December 30th), I decided to end the night by starting a book. I chose wisely enough that I was sucked in and finished the book as well, reading into the very smallest hours of the morning. I felt satiated. I felt inspired. I felt like “me” again.

So for 2020, I’ve set an ambitious goal. I won’t be able to achieve it unless I commit to making reading books a priority. But it isn’t insurmountable: 100 books in 2020.

About two a week! Reasonable (and I’ll need to use my local library because also, pricy)! I would like about one-third of them to be non-fiction. But no restrictions otherwise! Re-reads count!

So wish me luck and send me your recommendations!