Once upon a time there were only a few books in the world. This was back when the book was first invented. You could actually go around and read Every Book in the Whole World!

And then... you could say you were very well read, having read every single book on the planet. But you'd also be really bored, because there is nothing more to read!

I'm glad I'm not living in those days.

I keep a common place book where I list everything I read. Books, short stories and essays.

In 2001, I read 35 books. In 2002, I read 31 books. (side note: I don't include the short story digests in my count. I don't count essays, either.) And at the rate I'm currently reading, 2003 isn't going to be a stellar year, either.

Ever since Atlas Shrugged, I've been avoiding the serious books. Which is mildly distressing. I am reading. But the emphisis is light reading: kid's books and re-reading a few of my favorites.

Currently reading:

• Mary Shelley's Frankenstein -- This is actually the very last book from the "Unread Books" box. Ack! Must buy more books!
• Piper at the Gate by Mary Stanton, sequel to The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, both out of print. And both absolutely brilliant!!
• The Creativity Book by Eric Maisel. I'm just kind of paging through this book, since I've read it already.

Currently in the house being un-read and avoided:

• Drawing the Line: Science and the Case for Animal Rights by Steven M. Wise. I am avoiding this book because I fear it will annoy me. I think this guy "draws the line" between more intelligent animals like pigs and dolphins, and the less intelligent animals. grr. My line is set very much further down, and is based on the ability to suffer. But, I'll have to read it eventually, right?!
• The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. This one I'm avoiding because it intimidates me. In the first chapter she advocates that I get all these art supplies. Not just a few pencils, either... the packet she offers is like 100$. ack.
• A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. This one I'm avoiding simply because I'm lazy! ha.

I do need to buy some more books, that is for sure!

A one year anniversary.