Great Feats of Reading

I was having dinner with a couple of my favorite booklovin’ buddies last week, and my friend the local library Director shared that a patron of our library was currently working to meet a goal of reading a book about each President of the United States.  I’m super impressed by this goal, though I don’t believe I will make it a goal of my own.

My friend then shared that her ultimate goal is to read The Holy Bible in its entirety.  Wow!  That is certainly a worthwhile and meaningful goal.  I believe I’ve tried, but not very hard.  I usually get to the end of Genesis and abandon my effort.  So – also not a goal of mine, at least in the near future.

But I am very inspired by these impressive feats of reading.  I’ve achieved a couple of my own, and am currently working my way through 1000 Places to See Before You Die (amazing!!! – and now I have LOTS of travel goals).  But aside from committing to read every single Sweet Valley High (and Sweet Valley University and hell, Sweet Valley Twins.  And Kids.  And the one that was released not long ago peeking into their adulthood, which was as horrible as you might guess) – I haven’t really challenged myself to anything beyond reading some super long books (Also working through House of Leaves) and I did make a flimsy, unmeasured goal of reading more non-fiction in general. 

What readerly feats have you tried?  Have you accomplished?

I like the idea of reading 100 books per year, and usually land around 80-90, but despite feeling like I’m totally badass when I achieve that, quantity really only counts for so much.  I feel best when I’ve found hidden gems of books, new favorites, tackled challenging topics, and am able to contribute something worthwhile to conversations based on my reading.

I’m really loving seeing the world right now.  I’m so glad I’m making my way through this 1300 page wonder, despite how far off track it is getting me off of my numeric reading goal. 

Send me some inspiration for other meaningful reading accomplishments.  If I ever get through the books I’m reading now, I’d love to tackle a new challenge! 

I hope everyone is doing really well, and you’ve got some books ready.  Prime reading season – in my opinion – is about to begin!

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