My brother has set a goal for himself this year to read 52 books! While I’m a few weeks behind him, he has inspired me to do the same. There are so many books I have started and not finished, bought and not even started, or books that I’ve borrowed and returned without ever opening past the front page. I’ve bought myself a little notebook where I plan on recording all the books I’ve read, any favourite quotes or messages from the book. I will also do a review of the book on my blog.

“You can make positive deposits in your own economy every day by reading and listening to powerful, positive, life-changing content and by associating with encouraging and hope-building people.” -Zig Ziglar

There are so many lessons we can learn through reading. We can escape into a whole new world for a while. We can educate ourselves, challenge ourselves, change ourselves, and change our way of thinking, being and acting.

“There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.” Will Rogers

I’m actually a pee on the fence kinda girl…I’m stubborn and I tend to work things out the hard way for myself. But I like the idea of getting zapped less, of learning from other’s mistakes. I don’t spend nearly enough time learning from reading.

“The more you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr Seuss

There’s only so much you can experience and learn for yourself in one life time. But to read, you can live a thousand lives and learn so much more, taking you to places you never thought you’d go.

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Harry S. Truman

This is so true! Nearly any high profile (or not so high profile) successful person you will meet, will tell you they read. Great leaders of the world are great readers.

“So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away. And in its place you can install, a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” Roald Dahl

How much time do you waste watching TV. There is very rarely educational stuff on there. It ususally fills your head with junk and bad news. Turn the TV off and open a book.

“Choose an author as you choose a friend.” -Sir Christopher Wren

Just as a friend influences and shapes your life, so does a book. Whatever you are feeding into your mind, is subconsciously shaping you into the person you will become.

“To feel most beautifully alive means to be reading something beautiful, always ready to apprehend in the flow of language the sudden flash of poetry.” -Gaston Bachelard

To read a beautifully written book is a privilege and a joy!

My first book for the year! THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin. I am still reading this, so I will do a review when finished.

#BOOK 1

Pick up a book and step into a whole new world today! :)