Bill’s Rules for Reading a Book

This week, Bill shares his “Rules for Reading a Book”.

Rule #1:
Always check the copyright date before reading a book. Subtract one year from that date and you are close to the year that the author finished writing the book. Why is this important? Example: A book on terrorism written in 2000 will be completely different than one written in 2002 after 9/11. The publication date will give you a good perspective! By the way: this is as important for fiction as it is for non-fiction.

Rule #2:
Alternate! If you love fiction, make sure that one out of three books that you read is non-fiction and vice-versa. You will enjoy your reading even more. Its like “cleaning your palate” in between sipping two different wines.

Rule #3:
Keep a book diary. It’s cool to look at the diary at the end of the year and see how many books you have read. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Buy one of those little Moleskin notebooks at the bookstore. Write down the following:

• Month you read the book
• Title
• Author
• Copyright year
• Short comment: Example “ I loved it, I bought copies for each of my son’s for Christmas”

Rule #4:
If there is a book that you have interest in, but don’t feel that you would have time to read it? Then get the book on CD and listen to it in the car, or as you go to sleep at night. The secret to recorded book listening is to find a book narrated by the author. When it is their “stuff” that they are reading, it sounds wonderful!

Rule #5:
Always! And I mean Always! Bring a book or books with you when you travel. No matter what happens….snowstorm, sprained ankle, canceled flight; you can turn any situation into quality time with a good book!

Safe reading my friends!
Bill