Reading List - not just for the Summer

I always used to dread the "reading lists" given out before summer vacation during elementary, middle, and high school. Reading was always a bit challenging for me. I'd mix up words, lose my place, or I would realized that my mind had been wandering for the past 3 pages and I'd have to start over.

When I was in college, I started to love the idea of reading during my down time. However, I wished I had time to read for fun but my time was spent memorizing text book after text book. I'd find myself going into the library or into a Borders just to take it in. I loved looking at shelf after shelf; pile after pile of books surrounding me. I flipped the pages of an unread book at the store, taking in the sounds and smell of it. I knew the book was yearning to have its pages "dog eared," crinkled, and have the occasional mystery stain from whatever the reader was snacking on.

I have tons of books in my room. My sister even commented "If I didn't know you better, after seeing this room, I'd think you were a reader." So yesterday, after a 2 mile walk with my dogs and after making dinner, I laid out a few books the books on my bed. I couldn't decide which I wanted to read first. Do I want to laugh with Bill Bryson in "A Walk in the Woods," do I want to rediscover a classic with "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," or do I want to be inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert in "Eat, Pray, Love?" I wanted to be inspired.

Here is my working reading list. Please feel free to make suggestions.


And of course, my sister's book when she finishes it!