50 Book Challenge?

As perch librarian, I fly through various websites, checking out what's interesting and useful to my wonderful fans out there.  Perusing different sites on books and reading, I couldn't help noticing that quite a few of them have what's known as "The 50 Book Challenge."

Never heard of that challenge before?  Don't worry--I've only just heard of it myself.  It's a challenge for setting book goals, like reading 50 books in a year.  It's not compulsory to read 50 books (you could read more, you could read less), but 50 is the target number.

I realize each person is different and has his or her own approach to reading.  In my ever so humble opinion, however, I think some of the fun is taken out of reading if "goals" are set.  Something that is normally fun and relaxing can become unenjoyable and stressful.  It's one thing to tell yourself that you want to read more; it's another thing to give yourself a quota and a deadline.

If you ask me, reading should be an ongoing activity, like breathing.  It's something that simply continues, and depending on the material chosen, you may read quickly or you may read slowly.  I relish rushing through a new Harry Potter book because I just HAVE to know what happens next, but I slowly savor the poetic prose of a Willa Cather novel.

With reading, it's the journey that really matters, not the destination.  Take the time to internalize the words and the imagery they evoke.  Whether you're a fast reader or a slow one, be sure to live in the moment of the book you're reading.  The next book will come soon enough in its own due time.

My always modest 2 cents from the perch.