I was one of those kids who would put a towel under my door at night, so my parents wouldn’t see the light on as I promised myself, “just one more chapter.” Although there was a TV in my room, it did little more than collect dust as I devoured book after book, often staying up well into the wee hours of a school night. Library day was my favorite day of the week at school. I would sit impatiently as the librarian would read us a story before letting us loose into the little portable crammed with books. I would often be upset because we were only allowed to check out a few books at a time, and for me, that was never enough.

Now, I’m trying to recapture my love of reading by actually making time to do so. The problem is I’m a great starter and a terrible finisher. I start one book (or three), and before I am finished, I am starting three more, so my list starts to compound. At least now, with the iPad, I have most of my books in one place, and the rest are still piling up on my nightstand, begging for attention. Now that I don’t go out as often (my checkbook and liver both appreciate it), I have been trying to discipline myself to read a little each night. As was the case in high school, I have to force myself to read the books that are more difficult (no use in using Cliff’s Notes anymore) to process and ones that aren’t as fun as the mystery romance novels I like to lose myself in. But I want to grow and heal and learn, so bring on the random mix of books! It’s kind of dizzying to see all the genres I’m filtering through at once.

(links provided are mainly to the author’s websites)

1. 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

I started this book almost a year ago with my friend, and then I left it to party all summer. He finished it and espoused how it changed his life. Now I’m back. And reading it very, very, painstakingly slowly so I can apply what I read to my life. For a “skimmer,” this has been challenging in more ways than one.

2. Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr

I just started this one this past weekend! I had a particularly HORRID Endometriosis week –one where I was crying in the middle of the night in agony and emergency doctor visits and all. I realized it was time to get back to being serious about my diet and exercise or suffer every month.

It’s a quick read so far and encompasses not only nutrition but mental health and stress relief. The author is funny, and honest and reminds me of the book “Skinny Bitch,” a book that changed my views on eating and food forever.

3. Mr. Unavailable and The Fallback Girl by Natalie Lue

I told you a few blog posts ago about it and how it’s kicked my butt. I hate it but love it at the same time.

4. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray

I know I’m like decades behind everyone else on the planet that has already read this, but whatever. I figured I probably should learn a bit more about the opposite sex before I start dating again. Plus, it was 50 cents from the used library bookshop.

5. Divergent by Veronica Roth

This is one of those, “If you liked Hunger Games, you’ll like…” Have only read a chapter, but it hasn’t totally captured me yet.

6. Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Random, I know. But I have a little crush on this famous writer. He’s even made me entertain the thought of going on a camping trip so I can read and meditate. GASP!

7. On Becoming Fearless by Ariana Huffington

I’m not sure I totally dig this book as much as I dig the idea of this book. I want to become fearless, but about a quarter of the way through, I’m not really getting much new or empowering info.

8. Unlimited by Jillian Michaels

I love this book and have been trying to finish it for about 2+ years now. Haha. I love straight-talking chicks, and Jillian definitely is that.

9. Shiver by Karen Robards

One of my favorite mystery romance authors who usually keeps me up until 4 am finishing her new book, but this one is just “meh.”

10. The Book of Business Awesome/Unawesome by Scott Stratten

One of my FAVORITE business book authors who are totally hilarious and up on the social media trends. Love him.

11. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

Small bite-sized chunks that are perfect for someone who is reading almost a dozen books at once. Good tidbits and reminders.

What are you reading? I might need a few new books to check out. Happy Tuesday 🙂