I have too many books.
Not really, because I’ll keep buying more.
But there are so many times where I think, yay, reading time! then spend too long deciding what exactly to read.
Most of my books are squirrelled away in something resembling the right place; those don’t cause much trouble. The problematic ones lie about, demanding attention, either because I just got them and they’re shiny and exciting, or I have them out of the library, or I’ve taken them off my shelves to look at “sometime soon.”
Having only those books out simplifies the decision, but I still have thirty-odd tomes strewn about, demanding I look at them. Every day this week I’ve gathered them off the floor or from my work chair and put them on my bed. Then at night, I plop them right back onto any space I don't need for sleeping.
So, today my new experiment is to only have five books out, ready to read, each promising to satisfy some part of my brain over the next week.
Truthwitch (Susan Dennard) — One of the books I got at the World Fantasy Con last year that I’ve most been looking forward to reading. I started this a week ago and have slacked off. It’s only triggered my editor eye a little, though I’m still worried. Let’s see what happens.
The First 50 Pages (Jeff Gerke) — I’ve been reading this on and off for a few weeks. I’m in the midst of writing/refining the beginning of my novel and this sort of book usually pops ideas into my head and gets me going in the morning.
Getting the Love You Want (Harville Hendrix) — I heard about this from Julie Rice, co-founder of SoulCycle, on the Tim Ferriss Podcast. Three weeks after listening, the strength of her recommendation still lingers. This book dramatically improved the communication between her and her husband. In that respect Mira and I are good, but why couldn’t we be great?
Hyperfocus (Chris Bailey) — Bought this brand new months ago. Was excited by the idea, then drifted off to study different things. Irony, I know. But it has caught my attention again.
The Flavor Bible (Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg) — Picked this up at the Book Outlet Box sale last week. Basically a guide to which flavours work well together. Might work well for my non-recipe way of cooking.
Oops! I should mention the ebooks I have on the go right now …
Reacher Said Nothing (Andy Martin) — Following Lee Child as he writes the 20th Jack Reacher novel.
This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters (Drew Dudley) — Because I read an interview and watched a few videos including his great TED Talk about Everyday Leadership and Lollipop Moments.
So, will I spend less time deciding what to read?
Will this lead to reading more?
And, most importantly, will I be able to stop bulldozing books around my room twice a day?
