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TexasMadness
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How many books?
This year, I've felt like I haven't read any books at all. I've been busy, sick, tired, everything to keep me from a good book. I've listened to audio books but not even as many of those as I usually do. Turns out, I've read 12 books so far this year (almost done with the 13th - a really good one!). I wondered if that was a "lot" or a "few". Wow, was I surprised!
In a recent poll in 2007 found that 1 in 4 Americans did not read any books the previous year. Of those that did read, the average number was 5. So I guess I do pretty good compared to the "average American"!
A friend's mom reads 300 books a year. Not joking. I thought she was was until I stayed a week at her house. Saw her read 6 books. She fully admits that she loves "trashy" romance and mystery novels and rarely reads anything that requires much thinking. Crazy thing is...she can remember so many of them! She only works part time now and her kids have all moved out but she tells me that she has always read that many!
So how many books would you say you read a year?
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10/28/2009, 6:00 pm
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Firlefanz
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Re: How many books?
I don't really have a clue because I don't usually count, but I guess that I'm reading between 10 and 20. And that's low, because I'm on the web so much.
I used to read a book almost every day, and because I never owned that many, I used to be a regular at the library. The web, plus writing changed all that.
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10/28/2009, 8:06 pm
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tickranch
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Re: How many books?
I have never counted, my guess would be around 10 give or take.
I don't have the energy like I use to. After a busy day I sometimes can't keep my eyes open long enough to read anything.
Life is just busy in my mothering years. I collect books hoping that in my crone years I will be able to read like I use to.
---
'I find sometimes it's easy to be myself, but sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else'
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10/31/2009, 4:39 pm
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PerpetuallyCurious
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Re: How many books?
Back in my teen years and into my early 20's I used to often read a book a day. Some days I read two!
Then once I got started in a career and had other avenues of interest in tapered off to two to three books a week.
Once our first child was born I was happy if I finished one book a week.
Now that we have three kids ages five and under and I have so many new interests.... I feel fortunate if I read one book a month! There have been some months recently where I have not read a single book! 
That is honestly the only thing I miss about my younger "carefree" days....
But I know how time flies and all to soon the kids will be on their own and I'll be filling my time with reading again.
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11/2/2009, 6:04 am
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TexasMadness
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Re: How many books?
PC, when I first read the statistics, I was almost offended at the "dumb" Americans out there that don't read any books. But then I thought about my own family members who either really don't have the time or also don't have the interest. Reading is not the only sign of intelligence! But my book count certainly has suffered from time constraints so I realize that not everyone has the luxury of reading!
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11/3/2009, 1:10 pm
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Zephra2
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Re: How many books?
It is really appalling to see my grand daughters' lack of reading for pleasure. When I was nine and ten I was proud of my ability to read. I found an escape in my books that TV would and never will have for me. Getting them to read is impossible. I always thought that if the household read, so would they.....not the case. My Daughter, son-in-law and I are always reading. The kids will go to their room with dvd players and a movie. I guess(sadly)this is the way of the next generation.
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11/4/2009, 12:34 am
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PerpetuallyCurious
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Re: How many books?
There are several people (usually male) in my own family who seem proud of their refusal to read any literature. I will never understand  Conversation with those same people is usually restricted to sports, hunting/fishing, vehicles, and popular shows/movies...... all of which means we have very little common grounds for discussion 
Zephra2 wrote:
The kids will go to their room with dvd players and a movie. I guess(sadly)this is the way of the next generation.
One dvd player and tv allowed in this house. Useage of it/them is greatly restricted, any arguments and they will both be donated to the thrift store. The same rule applies to the computer once they are of age (except that won't be donated).
That is one of two rules I am very strict on (the other is to treat each other with respect/courtesy). If I had my way we wouldn't even have a tv in the house 
We strongly encourage using ones imagination here. Reading, games, arts, watching clouds, exploring, family time, seeking nature, writing, etc.
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11/4/2009, 5:16 am
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PerpetuallyCurious
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Re: How many books?
I apologize for the tone of my above post last night. I shouldn't post when I knew I was tired and having blood/sugar issues.
The latter part of the post almost reads elitist to me which was NOT my intention.
I think I was just trying to say that I am of the younger generation (can I say that at 33yrs old or am I to old? LOL) raising three of the youngest generation..... and we're happily going against the grain.
I do agree that reading/imagination is quickly falling by the wayside of cheap mindless entertainment.
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11/4/2009, 5:05 pm
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TexasMadness
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Re: How many books?
I don't think you sounded elitist. I think that with the youngest generation (at 29, I consider myself part of the 'younger' generation too!) you have to PUSH HARD to go against the grain. Leading by example doesn't always work when there is so much external pressure from the media/peers/etc. It's hard to counter that without strict rules and restrictions.
I HATE our TV. I didn't have TV before my hubby moved in. I'm terribly addicted and it's just easier for me not to have one. He has finally agreed to move the TV to his studio (building in the backyard) when it's done. We can still go out there to watch movies, or a special show, but it won't just be a big box staring at me in the face every time I feel like procrastinating. I have plenty of full bookshelves that are staring too - they have just been ignored in lieu of the TV lately!
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11/4/2009, 5:22 pm
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Zephra2
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Re: How many books?
I am only the grandma, I try to teach by example. I have been collecting children books since before they were even born. My expectations were always higher than reality. They will walk and explore but only when I am with them. I find it so frustrating because they are so different from my daughter and my own childhood. I would prefer no or limited tv. We even did that in our first year together. They had to earn "chips" to be turned in for tv use. But that like most suggested rules went by the way side. 
My motto is, "serenity begins when you stop expecting and start accepting." 
It has helped me to stay out of discipline aspect in the house. I'm still working on the dog. lol
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11/5/2009, 11:44 pm
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