I love books and have since the days my parents read The Story of Babar, Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose to my brother and me. I even remember the moment I understood I could read. I was 5 years old sitting in 1st grade and I realized I was reading my Dick and Jane reader by myself. I’ve never forgotten that feeling of accomplishment and power and freedom. Pretty heady stuff for a five year old. Actually, it’s still pretty heady stuff.

I always have several books in various stages of consumption sitting on the coffee table, and other places in the house. I read for fun and escape - don’t get me started on my fascination with vampire fiction; ok, I’m reading Mortal Danger by Eileen Wilks (P RP/WIL), which is technically about werewolves and other supernatural beings. I read to stay informed, right now, that’s Thomas Friedman’s latest best seller, Hot, Flat and Crowded (363.7/FRI). I read to challenge myself and grow professionally, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin (658.4092/GOD). Sometimes I read for pure fantasy, and I’m not talking about vampires. Right now I’m perusing Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics by Ina Garten (641.5/GAR) of the Food Network. I look at the gorgeous picture of her truffled filet of beef sandwiches, read the ingredients and imagine, not that I’m making it, but that I’m eating it for lunch.

I’m also usually listening to an audio book in my car or on my mp3 player. Right now, it’s David Sedaris’ When You Are Engulfed in Flames
(814.54/SED). I was listening to it on a plane recently and laughed so hard, my seatmate joined in. He was engrossed in reading a book on his Iphone, so we got along just fine.

Give me some ideas for great reads. What are you reading?