Reading regrets

Whenever I am asked to list my hobbies, or interests, I typically include "reading" on the list. I mean, I like to read. At least I think I do. I don't recall an instance when I sat back, cracked open a book and had a miserable time reading it. However, earlier this year I started inputting the books I read into a Facebook application that lets you review and recommend books - and I immediately realized that my list was very short for someone who claims to enjoy reading.

After scanning my bookshelf for awhile, and brainstorming for awhile, I realized that most of the books I own are not real books. I mostly seem to purchase informational, or reference type, books related to computer stuff, poker, home improvement, or investing. While these types of books are valuable to me, reading a reference book is not the same as reading a good biography.

When I trimmed my book list down to the real books that I have read - the list was shockingly short. Coincidentally (or not so much so), a significant number of the real books I read this year. It was at this point that I realized I have done myself a great disservice by not reading more for the first 32 and a half years of my life.

I should point out that I do indeed spend large portions of my day reading. But most of my reading comes from internet forums, blogs, news sites, etc. Regardless, nothing really compares to reading a dynamic, well-written biography, memoir or narrative history book.

I admit that I am not a big fan of fiction. While I do enjoy and occasional work of fiction, I feel like I am using up valuable reading time that I could be spending on a book that would have more meaning to me. So for now, I tend to fulfill any of my fiction cravings with movies (although I probably average less than 6 movies per year).

Call them goals, resolutions, or whatever - but one of mine in 2009 is to read more real books!