I have decided that my reading addiction needs some accountability. I go through phases where I devour books, mainly fiction, lighter reading. When I am in one of these moods I tend to neglect books of a more serious or educational nature, and I lose track of what I have read. If in a weeks time I find that I have had to put down the names of a dozen or so books, I will know that I am spending to much time reading. I will also be able to see the fiction to non-fiction or classics ratio. Such as the books that I put down today as having read this year (I know that there are more that I have already forgotten ) have a ratio of 1 non-fiction to 13 fiction, and the one would really be called a booklet as opposed to a book. Of course there are other books that I am in the process of reading, but haven't finished. And maybe vanity is not the most noble of motivators, but it does work. The thought that other people can see what I am reading will help make me think twice about what I am spending time on.

Not that I am saying that only non-fiction or the traditional classics are of value. If you view a classic as something that you can read or experience over and over again, and gain something new from each time, some of the books I have read this year are definately classics. "By the Light of a Thousand Stars", was a beautiful thought inspiring book, and I know that I could read it again, and find more to think on. In fact something one of the character's said  near the end of the book was the reason that I decided to add ' Books I Have Read' to me sidebar. Page 413, "You know, it's a funny thing about books," she said. "They're wonderful things, and I'd hate to try to do without them, but you know what? They can only go so far. I used to be such an obsessive reader I missed out on huge chunks of real life. I can still get so caught up in a book I forget about laundry and supper and everything else. I forget there's a world of real people all around me.I forget sometimes that the story in a book is only temporary." She waved, and started backing away slowly. "After the last chapter is over, there's all this real life waiting for you."

I know I often miss out on so many opportunites for vital , sweaty, beautiful, straining life because I am wrapped up in the passive life of characters in books. I neglect my children, and myself. I don't want to do this anymore. I know that I will always love to read, and indeed will always read probably more than I should. I just want to remember to live also, and to give my children all of the joys and wonders that my parents gave to me!