The Top 10 Reasons for my 1,000 Book Quest

(and 3 Bonus Reasons)

1. Reading slows me down. Like many others in today’s fast-paced world, it is all too easy for our lives to become a blur of constant activity.  Even after I left my full time job to devote most of my time to raising kids, my schedule was still jam packed, running from one thing to another.  To reach my decade long goal of reading 1000 books, I need to read 100 books a year or approximately two books a week.  To maintain this pace, I necessarily have to carve out time to sit and read.  By its nature, sitting and reading slows me down and allows me to rest.

2. Reading allows me to go on lots of adventures.  When I was in grade school, I had to pick a poem to memorize and present to my class.  I chose Emily Dickinson’s There is no Frigate like a Book:

There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away, 

Nor any Coursers like a Page 

Of prancing Poetry –  

This Traverse may the poorest take        

Without oppress of Toll –  

How frugal is the Chariot 

That bears a Human soul.

I’ve always remembered this poem because it resonated so strongly with how I felt.  When you read a book, you escape your ordinary world for an adventure in a different time and place and get to know people whom you may never meet in your everyday life.  And when you utilize your local library (like I do), there is no cost to do so.

3. Reading expands my horizons. By reading an average of two books every week, I am exposed to lots of different ideas and perspectives on a consistent basis.  This exposure often gets me thinking about things in a different way or inspires me to try something new.  With my steady stream of new books and ideas, I have little worry about getting stuck in rut or being bored with life.

4. Reading allows me to learn a lot of new things. For example, since beginning my reading quest, I have learned all about English history from the War of the Roses through Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth I thanks to many of the terrific books by Philippa Gregory.  I also have a much more intimate knowledge of World War II and have sharpened my personal finance skills.  Reading non-fiction, self-improvement, historical fiction and even some fiction books has increased my knowledge base and has made me much more intellectually well-rounded.  Also, in addition to reading, I love to travel and will often read a book or books about an area before visiting it.  Doing so almost always enriches the trip.  Seeing Queen Elizabeth I’s and Queen Mary’s side by side crypts in Westminster Abbey after reading about the relationship between the half sisters and daughters of Henry VIII brought that travel experience alive and made it much more meaningful.

5. Reading helps me optimize my life. Intermixed with fiction and memoirs, I have read a fair number of non-fiction books focused on nutrition, time management, and personal finance.  As a result, I have become a healthier eater, more efficient with my time and have taken steps to improve my family’s finances.  Also, to keep up with my reading pace, I watch less TV than I used to which I consider a life optimization.

6. Reading makes me more connected to other people. When I read a book recommended by a friend or when a friend or friends and I have read the same book, what follows is typically a discussion about the book and a greater personal connection.  This is the beauty of book groups, but it also works with other friends.  I also love having a huge arsenal of great books to draw on when asked for a recommendation.

7. Reading inspires me and makes me want to be a better person. After reading about someone or some group of people that did something amazing, heroic or interesting, I think about my own life and reflect on what I am doing with it.  My 1000 book quest started after I read The Happiness of Pursuit which was all about people who embarked on different quests.  After reading this book, I thought to myself, “I want a quest.”  Shortly thereafter, my 1000 book quest was born.

8. Reading has deepened my faith. Since coming up with my happiness mantra, I have consciously tried to focus more of my time and energy on my spiritual life and my relationship with God.  Reading has become a part of this endeavor as I have sought out books on faith, the Bible, and other spiritual subjects.  As a result of reading these books, I find that I am a more faithful believer.

9. Reading is a pleasure that you can take with you anywhere. For me, there is no greater pleasure than reading a really great book that you are sad to see end.  Reading is a wonderful way to spend your time.  I love getting lost in a new world with new characters and have a great deal of appreciation for creative and talented writers.  Also, because books are so portable, you can take them with you anywhere you go.  I am always reading at least one book and listening to a book on my iPod and another book in my car.  I don’t dread long plane trips.  Rather, they are an opportunity for the pleasure of uninterrupted reading without distraction (although they are also an opportunity to catch up on some movies, another one of my loves).

10. My 1000 Book Quest gives me a sense of accomplishment. I have always been a dedicated reader, but since embarking on my 1000 Book Quest, I have a sense of accomplishment from every book that I read as it moves me one step closer to my goal.  I used to feel guilty if I took time during the day to read a book.  “I should be doing something productive,” I chastised myself.  With my Quest, I have reframed that sentiment and now view time spent reading as productive and time well spent.

11. Reading helps me mark time. When I read or listen to a book, my brain builds an association with the place and time when that is occurring.  For example, I read the beautiful book Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese in the car all the way from Cooperstown, New York to Newark Airport while on a three week East Coast trip with my husband and young kids.  In my mind, I will always associate that trip with that book.  In a weird way, books make certain events and times more memorable.

12. Reading enlarges my vocabulary and makes me a better writer. It’s rare when I come across a word I don’t know, but when I do, I will often look it up or try to figure it out from the context of its use.  The happy result is a large vocabulary.  While reading the work of so many talented and creative writers is often daunting, I believe that exposure to great writing necessarily makes the reader a better writer.  Reading on a regular basis is one of Stephen King’s recommendations in his great work On Writing for want to be writers to improve their craft and I agree with him.
13. Reading is free (or close to free). I spend little or no money to feed my reading habit. I check out the vast majority of my books from the public library (a tremendous resource) or use the Library apps Hoopla and Overdrive to check out e-books and audio books on my iPad for free.  My quest is also allowing me to finally get to a lot of books that have been collecting dust on my bookshelves for years.  Learning a lot, joining characters for amazing adventures, connecting with others, improving and optimizing my life, all for little or no cost. You can’t beat reading!