eBook Access

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One of my book highghts from this past week is a coworker’s reminder of the Overdrive app, which allows access to ebooks and audiobooks. I’ve had this app on my iPhone for a while, but had totally forgotten about it! I was already connected to my employer library and one public library syetem, so I added the other library card number and pin to my Overdrive app, and voila! Access to so many books online! It’s energized my reading, so that reading’s just about all I want to do during this stay-at-home order! (Yesterday, ours was extended to May 8 here in North Carolina, USA.) But, alas, I have a job, and can work from home, so I’m pressing forward. But still, yay reading!

What’s Past is Prologue

I’ve taken on a new reading project. It’s not directly related to my library work, but it’s reading, which is good all around, right?

So what am I doing? I’ve decided to read all 37 of William Shakespeare‘s plays. Why? Well, my father passed away last month. He was an English major in college, and he and my mother met in a Shakespeare class. I wish that I turn back the clock and ask him more about that class, and if he had a favorite Shakespeare play. I can’t even recall who his favorite authors were. (In his retired years, he enjoyed reading non-fiction works about sports, politics, and history.)

I wish I’d read more Shakespeare while Dad was still alive, but I’m doing it now. I already have Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth (finished last week) under my belt. Now I’m reading The Tempest.

The phrase “What’s past is prologue” happens to be from The Tempest. Although Dad’s not here anymore, he’s still inspiring me. He’d like this Shakespeare project of mine, I think.

 

Reading Goals

I’ve been thinking lately about my reading goals, and how they factor into my life. Since I work with books all day (but don’t get to read them at work, of course!), sometimes I like a break from books when I get home. I do love to read, though, and want to be a more well-read person. My bookshelves at home are brimming with books I haven’t read yet (along with a few favorites I’ve read and haven’t been able to part with), and my Kindle has quite a few eBooks still waiting to be read.

Late last year, I decided to try to finish at least one book a week. I’ve managed to keep up with a book a week since the week of November 1, and the streak now stands at 21 weeks! Listening to audiobooks has helped, especially since I’ve had two driving trips to Alabama since starting this goal. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to keep the streak alive, but I’m hoping I can do it for a full year, at least.

What are your reading goals? (And how do you keep up with the books you’ve read?)