My New Years Resolution for 2005 was to read 50 books over the course of the year. Like any well-intentioned resolution, I failed, only reading 45 books, but this sparked the habit of keeping a yearly list of all the books I’ve finished. After 10 years I’ve read 321 books. The most I got through in one year is 46, another year I only managed to squeeze out 20, but on average I shoot for at least 25.
This isn’t some reflective rant about the joys of reading. In truth, despite being an English major I was never a self-motivated reader. Keeping track was a way to keep me accountable, just like there are food logs for diets and tracking expenses on a budget. However, instead of the result being 6 pack abs or a new car, I have eye strain.