{101 in 1001} Book Club + 12 Books a Year

I've recently set out to to accomplish two of my goals from my 101 in 1001 list.

43. Read a book once a month (or equivalent in a year)
45. Start or join a book club

I'll actually be killing two birds with one stone. As a 2010 resolution, I'm even hoping that am able to read a book a week. I'm a bit behind but I'm thinking I'll be able to catch up during all my vacation months.

Well, our first two books were Redeeming Love and My Name is Asher Lev. We are a small group of close friends that share our profession and faith. We each host a month and get to decide the book the month we're hosting. I'm super excited by this new venture and excited to read books that I may have not chosen myself. I was a little skeptical at first thought about this months selection (My Name is Asher Lev), and now I cannot put it down. It's really awesome reading a common book between friends and the discussions that happen inspired by our reading.

{Book vs. Nook} A review

Well, I'm the proud owner of an e-Reader, the Nook. If you're not familiar with the Nook, it is the Barnes & Noble version of the Kindle. I had always wanted a Kindle but ultimately decided on the Nook because it had a color touch screen, expandable memory, and you could borrow/lend books from other members. I can't compare personally if the Nook is better/worse than the Kindle...so I can only share my personal experience.

The introduction of iTunes and OnDemand are super alluring because your desires are available at the touch of a button. Well, it's the same for eReaders. When you hear of a book selection, you can instantly download the book to your reader (which can be a bit addicting, and impulsive). It's basically the iPod of reading. I love that! As for the reading experience, I like it. A few complaints are the fact that the page turning is a bit slow, because the page turns negative before returning to postive (which I didn't notice so much until my friend Cora brought it to my attention, and now I can't get past it). I love that the main screen is touch screen, but I wish the actual reading pages were touch screen too. I became super accostomed to a full touch screen from reading on my iPhone prior to the Nook, I was able to swipe the page turns and touch and highlight key quotes. It's not easy to highlight on a Nook.

 

Ultimately my goal in purchasing a Nook was to increase my reading. Which it has! It's always with me (at less than weight and space of a real book). And if I'm not in the mood of my current book selection, I can easily pick up another novel from my digital library.

Now having said all that, I love real books! My bookshelves are filled in my home with beautfiul books. With beautiful covers. And worn pages. I appreciate the art of reading from paper pages and turning the corners to earmark favorites. Reading from my Nook is out of convenience and expense. For example, I can download a new release for $9.99 versus the $20-30 price tag of a new release in hard cover. In the end, does it really matter? I'm reading and I haven't done that it almost two years since getting pregnant and having little Brookie Brooks. I lost sight of a hobby that makes me happy, inspries me, and the Nook invites me to read.

 

{Manic Monday} 11th ed.

Well, I've been a little absent on my blog this past couple of weeks. I was so enjoying my two weeks of vacation in December that I thought I would extend it a couple of more! I, honestly, needed the break!

Today was a wonderful day...because I didn't have to work! Yay. However, I did spend most of the day "working" anyway. I devoted my entire day to doing laundry, folding, putting away, and getting rid of years worth of clothing (seriously a 55 gallon bag + 2 trash bags). It wasn't so bad because it was crazy raining outside.

I have committed to reading a book a week in 2010 and I have been so inspired by my first week's choice and other books that relate. I am beginning to realize how much clutter and disorganization bring me so much unhappiness and angst. It's my goal this year to declutter and simplify! You can find some inspiration here and here....

 

My first three books of 2010...

 

I forget how much happiness reading brings me. I have spent the past few weeks reading in bed instead of glued to my computer. It has been so therapeutic and rejuvenating. I think this project is going to inspire me to do great things with my life.

Another goal for 2010, was to take a photo a day with my iPhone. Although I have awesome cameras...they are not always with me. They say the best camera is the one that is with you! So, I'm committing to capture a significant or memorable moment of each day with my iPhone. I can already see the value of this project as the days begin to fade into one another. Time fades, and I hope to capture at least one moment from each day in 2010.

 

I was seriously so affected by today's show of texting while driving on Oprah. There were some heart wrenching stories of loss as a result of drivers using their phone while driving. I am so guilty of this! They say it's worse than driving while under the influence. I can believe it! I wonder why we still choose to do it? Well, no more! I'm committing to no cell phone use while driving. I can't imagine the reality of the loss of a loved one, but especially the loss of my little Brookie. Oprah has a campaign going here. Can you commit? Here's the pledge...

I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference.