Why Read

A good friend once challenged me, "Why do you read?  What's the point?"  I considered for a moment creating a mission statement but decided that a Letterman top 10 list would suffice.  The reasons:

1. To learn

2. To visit other worlds

3. To expand our sense of what is possible

4. To seek new things to which we can aspire

5. To find clues and answers to what our lives are meant to be

6. To challenge ourselves and to be changed

7. To participate in the “great conversation”

8. To learn about the human condition

9. To observe beautiful artistry

10. To pass the time

So, why do you read?

Reading everywhere

When my wife and I were just dating, several of her friends let her know that they spotted her new boyfriend walking through midtown Manhattan while reading a book. Walking and reading in midtown! Unphased, she replied with a soft shoulder shrug and a smile, "That's him."

When I wake up, I grab my book and read a few pages. On the way to and from work, a few more. On the line at the supermarket or while I'm on hold on the phone. And as I fall asleep, I drop my book on the nightstand.

My book shelves are triple stacked. I follow dozens of book blogs (see the best links on the side). You might say I'm mildly obsessed.

This blog is dedicated to the obsessive reader. Thousands of new books are printed annually. With too many books and too little time, I try to find and read the great ones--the new emerging authors and the old masters. Whether it is on my Kindle, a new hardcover or a used book, I just love to read.

I also love sharing what I am reading with my friends and family. Instead of creating reading lists on Amazon (my favorite bios on Amazon through 2009) or scattering reviews across the web, this blog, Walk With A Book, is my contribution. Enjoy.