Can I Ever Finish My Book Reading List?

Have you ever thought that the more you do, the less you have accomplished?

When I began my book reading program last year, I naively imagined that I might get a good handle on some of the must-reads which I have neglected for so many years. I attained a good mix of classic and contemporary materials, serious and light-hearted fare, and personal development. Meanwhile, I voraciously continue to examine and collect the reading lists from friends on Facebook or other blogs, thinking these will give direction to future forays into the written worlds.

I am overwhelmed! Each time I return a book to Phoenix Library, there are 5-10 additional NEW audiobooks on their list, and I haven’t even started going through my collection of good reads from others! I just looked up the stats, and I am astounded to learn that 1.68 million new books gained published status in 2018 in the US alone. That is 4602 volumes every. single. day., and the total increases annually. Nearly a million of those are self-published. WOW!

Rampant book writing has become a trend, evidenced by the plethora of blogs and industries dedicated to helping others become great writers (who make a good living at their craft!) Surprisingly, most of the publications only sell 250 copies on average.

I have made a decision to be undaunted by the overabundance of materials to read, and focus on the stories and accounts which spark my interest in the moment. I can’t regret all the books I haven’t yet read and may never even peruse. Even after giving away hundreds of books over the years, I still own dozens and dozens I have never touched. However, through the glory and miracle of audiobooks and the pubic library, I indulge in new universe of non-fiction and imagination previously unknown. My accomplishments excite me and I am always eager to begin the next good read.

Here is my 2020 list, some of which are in process, and some, such as the Bible, will be a year-long project. I will add to the list as I complete the books.

American Bar Association: American Bar Association Guide to Wills and Estates
Backman, Frederick: A Man Called Ove
Condon, Jeffrey L, Esquire: Beyond the Grave: The Right Way and the Wrong Way of Leaving Money to Your Children (and Others)
Ferrante, Elena: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay; The Story of the Lost Child
Hollander and Frye: Saving the Family Cottage
Karon, Jan: At Home in Mitford; A Light in the Window; These High Green Hills; Out to Canaan
Keller, Timothy: Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering; Shaped by the Gospel
Lowry, Lois: The Giver; Gathering Blue; Messenger; Son
Macomber, Debbie: Alaskan Holiday
Malkiel, Burton G.: A Random Walk Down Wall Street
Ng, Celeste: Everything I Never Told You
O’Connor, Flannery: A Good Man is Hard to Find
Peterson, Eugene: The Message Bible
RPI Publishing, Inc.: The 12 Steps: A Spiritual Journey
Simmons, Pat: Lean On Me
Sparks, Nicholas: Every Breath
Tracy, Celestia: Mending the Soul Workbook
Tracy, Steve: Mending the Soul
Tyson, Neil de Grasse: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15; 22:17

By the way, social distancing due to the CoronaVirus is the perfect opportunity to get in some good reading time. The libraries are closed, but should still allow access to the e-books. Whether you listen to the audio books or read online, there is a wealth of adventure and information waiting for you!

What books are you currently reading? What is on your list for 2020? How are you using this time to enrich your life through good books? Please share your thoughts!