Many days lost to story

I really LOVE books. Seriously love them. I could probably be classified as an addict. I'm a bibliophile. Chances are if you're reading this blog you're kinda nutso about books too.

Curling up in bed or in a sunny spot with a good book makes me happy. It's awesome getting lost in a skillfully crafted world and tagging along with interesting characters while they go on an adventure. I never get tired of this. But, sometimes, I have to ask myself, am I wasting my life in unreality?

I've recently decided to start keeping track of every book I read - I want to remember every one and how they made me feel. I tallied up the books I've read so far this year (I may still be missing some): fifty-three.

Fifty-three books might not be a lot for some people in six months. I've never kept track of how many books I've read before so I don't know what's normal for me, but fifty-three books seems like a lot. Doesn't it? How much time have I spent lost in the pages of a book? What else could I have achieved in that time?

We have a house guest staying with us at present. He recently had knee surgery (cruciate ligament) and is with us for five weeks while he recovers. He's been reading since he can't do a lot else (although there has also been a lot of PS3 going on) and we've talked a little about books (I can't help it - it's one of my favourite topics). He told me he can count the number of books he's read on both hands. Not this year, not last year - in his life. (Not including Goosebumps when he was little.) I was like, 'Whaaaa? Hehe...' Blank look follows. 'You're joking ... right?'

It makes me sad that there are people out there who don't get even half the excitement and enjoyment out of reading that I do. But maybe I need to tone down my addiction, just a little?

What do you think? Are you a bibliophile? How many books have you read this year? Have you read many of the books below? What did you think?


Books I've read YTD:

Wondrous Strange – Lesley Livingston (read Jan 2011) 3*
Georgina Kincaid (books 1-5) – Richelle Mead (read Jan/Feb 2011) 4-5*
Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood – Eileen Cook (read Feb 2011) 4*
Across the Universe – Beth Revis (read Feb 2011) 3*
Hex Hall – Rachel Hawkins (read Feb 2011) 4*
The Obernewtyn Chronicles (books 1-3) – Isobelle Carmody (read Feb/March 2011) 3-4*
Mercy Thompson (books 1-6) – Patricia Briggs (read Feb/March 2011) 5*
Paranormalcy – Kiersten White (read March 2011) 5*
Night Huntress (books 1-5) – Jeaniene Frost (read March 2011) 5*
The Mortal Instruments (books 1-4) – Cassandra Clare (read Jan-April 2011) 3-4*
Eon & Eona (books 1-2) – Alison Goodman (Eon read Jan 2011, Eona read April 2011) 3-4*
Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins (read April 2011) 5*
House of Night (books 1-4) – PC Cast & Kristen Cast (read April/May 2011) 1-2*
When Darkness Comes – Alexandra Ivy (read May 2011) 2*
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (books 1-4) – Ann Brashares (read May 2011) 3-5*
Kate Daniels (books 1-5) – Ilona Andrews (read May/June 2011) 5*
Divergent – Veronica Roth (read June 2011) 5*
Crown Duel & Court Duel – Sherwood Smith (read June 2011) 4-5*
White Cat – Holly Black (read June 2011) 4*
Study Series (books 1-3) – Maria V Snyder (read June 2011) 4-5*


Update:
The Ghost's Child – Sonya Hartnett (read April 2011) 3.5*