Park Howell posted a list of 40 ways to improve your life that has been floating around the internet. He challenged readers to add to the list. While I only have 27 years of experience at living, I do have plenty of opinions on how to do it better. Here’s my two cents:
- Life is too short to read books you don’t like. If you started a book and gave it your best shot, then there is no rule that says you have to finish it.
- Write in the margins of your books. It’s fun to read what you thought years later when you pick up the book again. You’ll also be able to see how you’ve grown as a reader/thinker.
- Read books to small children. You’ll get tons of good karma not to mention enjoy yourself in the process.
- When you find a book you love, read it again. And again. And even again. I guarantee you’ll discover new things about the book you didn’t catch the first time around.
- Join a book group. You’ll be intellectually challenged and enjoy spending time with other bibliophiles.
What are your book-related tips to improving life?
by Orhan Pamuk
5 responses so far ↓
1 Alexa Johnson // Jan 9, 2009 at 10:57 am
- Visit the library and wander around. You’ll “make new friends” with stories and writers you don’t notice or can’t find at the book store. You’ll also buy fewer books, accumulate less “stuff”, reduce/reuse/recycle and make wiser choices about the money you do spend on new or new-to-you books.
-Share your unwanted books on BookMooch and acquire new-to-you books in an environmentally responsible way.
2 Ariel // Jan 9, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I always feel terribly guilty about starting a book but not finishing it.
As for a book tip… Now that I am in college, my dad will read the same book I am reading for a class and we will talk about them. Not only is it a great way to study for the class and know the book better but it is a fun way to stay in touch with my dad. So I guess the tip is: read the same book as a friend/relative who is far away and talk about it over the phone.
3 Park Howell // Jan 10, 2009 at 11:03 am
Thanks for sharing my blog with your world. A book I’m reading now that I’ve gotten great value out of is, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
4 Roberta // Jan 10, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I used to feel guilty about starting a book and not finishing it, but it happened so often last year, that I think I’m over it.
I really enjoy talking over a book with others who have read it. I always gain insight and understanding from my fellow readers.
5 Fern // Jan 11, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Alexa — I love the library too. I haven’t heard of Book Mooch, I’ll have to check it out. I’m all in favor of wasting less, buying less and helping the environment in the process. Have you ever used Book Crossing?
Ari — That’s neat that your dad reads the books you are reading in class. I’ve always learned more and gotten a deeper understanding of something (be it a book or something else) when I can discuss it with someone who is also reading that book (or whatever).
Park — I haven’t read that book, I’ll have to check it out.
Roberta — Me too, then I realized life is too short to suffer through something that I do for fun.
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