What books are you reading?

I find that folks fall usually fall into two categories—avid readers and those who do not read for leisure.  When I received my masters, I remember how liberating it was to then have time to read for leisure again.  Then, when our daughter was born, I found that audio books helped me to get my reading fix.  At my current phase of life I find myself reading more nonfiction than fiction.  When I start into a good mystery novel or other suspenseful fiction book, I often will stay up way too late reading and am exhausted the next day.  I am officially in the reader category.

When I was young I wasn’t much of a reader.  I didn’t spend the time reading as many books as I now wish I would have.  What made a difference?  When I was in college, I was lucky enough to take leadership classes.  I learned that leaders across the board made reading, developing, and learning priorities.  I’ve always been one that enjoys learning new skills and information, and I found that as I became older there were fewer opportunities to have knowledge relayed to me.  Books, periodicals, and audio books became devises for me to learn everything from how to make yogurt to the dangers of factory farming to what the word somniferous means. 

I find that my reading goes through phases based on what my life is like at that moment in time.  When our daughter was younger and I was learning more about organic foods and a more natural lifestyle, books like Animal, Vegetable, Miracle; Omnivore’s Dilemma; and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved were near my reading chair.  When I was leading a horticultural therapy group at work, I was reading books like Great Garden Companions and gardening periodicals such as Horticulture and Organic Gardening.  In the winter months, when my cooking drive kicks in to full force, I check out all of the latest cookbooks by celebrity chefs like Paula Dean and Ina Garten.  When things are “heavier” in my life, I read more fiction from authors like Diane Mott Davidson and Dorothy Gilman.  So, what am I reading now?  I’m finishing the book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell and am listening to The Millionaire Next Door on CD.

What books are you reading now?  Which authors do you enjoy and why?  Regardless of what you choose to read, fiction or nonfiction, candy for the brain or serious make-you-thinkers, I hope that you are taking the time to read a little each day.  Let your children see you read and let them know how much you enjoy it—what a gift you will be giving them!