Books. Piles of Books.

How do you read? One book at a time, two? Maybe three? If you are like me, you will have piles of books by your nightstand. I sometimes manage to plow through a book in one sitting, or at least in a day or two. However, for the most part, I keep a few around that I tend to work through over time. A few of those books are staples. They keep me grounded in that they are more philosophically based, offering snippets of inspiration or reminders of words to live by. There are usually one or two non-fiction reads and at least one or two books of essays or poems. Typically I will have a book of engaging fiction and one that suits my need to read total brain numbing trash. (Although, thanks to my avid reader of a sister, those books are vetted for content and a high writing standard. At least, that’s what I tell myself to justify the books).

I think drawing inspiration from multiple sources is a good way to engage your mind and connect your actions and thoughts. I write a lot after having read and I find it to be a motivator for the coming day when I read first thing in the morning. Reading can set the tone of your day and it can help sooth you to sleep at night. There is also the wonderful luxury of curling up with a book on a lazy day and not re-emerging into life until it is finished and your body is completely restored to a relaxed state.

This blog will have posts with book recommendations and inspiring quotes from the pages. I may simply post a book just because I am excited to read it. One of my favorite blogs is Maria Popova’s Brain pickings. She writes just as well (if not better) as many of the authors of the books she reviews and comments on, and she has excellent taste in both fiction and non-fiction titles.

Currently in my piles: