What's the best way to educate yourself and have a good time doing it? Books! Reading books.That's right. I read a lot, so why am I getting so excited now? It's because I had an unusual experience. I used up all the books in my local libraries. No, I didn't read every book but I've been down the aisles of my favorite libraries so many times that nothing catches my interest anymore. So I took a break.
So how does a book lover take a break from reading. First of all, just closing my eyes. I've been exhausted lately but still had a lot to do so I've been trying to rest as much as possible. Then I tried a new book store.
It was one of those discount book stores where you bring your books in and sell them for about 20 cents on the dollar (store credit only). Then you can buy their used books with the credit at 50% off the cover price. I thought it was reasonable and I wanted to clear out my shelves so I did it. The first time worked fine. Then the second time I went I had a good time picking out some interesting titles but when I went to pay for them they told me that two of the specific titles (both I was really excited about) were for cash only, no store credit. So I put them back and I don't plan on going back soon. So I thought "What else could I do?"
Eureka! I went to the almost brand new university library at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. Wow! I'm in heaven again. It's new. It's clean. It's modern. You're surrounded by students and by other people who love to read. And so many books that I've never seen before on just about any subject. It's quiet. It's fascinating. And there's something for everyone.
My biggest problem going to the library has always been the same thing. I can only take out six or seven books at a time. The library would probably let me take out twenty but six or seven is about all I can carry to the car. It's really not that important because I can't read them all in the time I have anyway, but it's fun to read a couple, skim a couple, ignore the ones less interesting, then plan my next trip back to the library.
The main thing I keep noticing about reading a book is how much you learn that you really didn't expect from the nature of the title you selected.
I read 95% non-fiction. Often the authors make perfect sense of topical relationships which I hadn't even considered. That's even for a poorly written book which I'll usually just scan for information then put aside. And the well written ones are a joy...mental, emotional, and physical too because good writing is comforting. So I'm always learning new things about the things I thought I knew. Everything relates to everything else and it's a wonder to see how things connect. A lot of authors have put a lot of scholarship into the books they write. Bottom line. They've spent lots of time researching the topics they write about. They give you the facts, the mysteries, and their conclusions. Then it's up to you to form your own conclusions. That's the fun of reading.
So read. Read more. And learn how to read so you enjoy your time doing it. It shouldn't be a chore. You're not responsible to read every word and every paragraph. You are responsible for having a good time reading though. So get lots of books. Explore your interests. Go to the library. There, books are free for the loan. Just ask a librarian. They'll happily talk books with you. Guaranteed.
