Well, I DO Love to Read

Yes, I know I have a stack of books sitting by my bedside waiting for me. Yes, Robin did just send me a new book that I won from a UBP contest of hers (note to self: remove that banner). I know I’ve had a bunch of books sent to me lately to review, or interview the authors. Yes, I know I’m in the middle of about six books as I type this. And yes, I do have a book just waiting for me at the library that I need to get reading soon for book club.

*sigh*

Yes, you guessed right, I did indeed by a new book tonight…Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations by Clay Shirky. I heard him on NPR a while back and this topic ties so nicely into my upcoming workshop on social media and online communities. And of course, now that I look at the book, I see it’s a Penguin book and they sent me a slew of books to read just a while back and I could have possibly requested it. Oh well, I’ll remember that for the next time.

Oh and did I mention that I still have an article on social networking to write by the end of next week? I didn’t? What about the interview podcast that I’ve yet to edit from over a month ago? Hmm…not that one either, huh? Well, have I mentioned my plans to move this blog to it’s own domain AND merge it with my old blog, stalkers be damned? And if it won’t merge, then I’ll be cutting & pasting for a bit. And of course there are still those workshops I’m prepping for. Yeah, I’ve been a little busy. Is it any wonder that I’m too lazy to reply directly to comments or return emails with less than a 3 day turn around?

But before I get too busy (ha!), I thought my fellow book addicts might enjoy this quick meme. Fringes put it up over at 650Miles (why do they always ask about those naked pictures????). I’ll follow up and post my own answers this weekend. No need to tag anyone since only readers will feel compelled to answer anyway. But please, feel free to post this on your own blog (linky back please!) so I know to get off my ass and follow into your blog to read what you wrote. Make sense?

1. List three books you’ve always meant to read, but haven’t got around to them

2. Share the two books that changed your life

3. Recommend the one book you’ve been talking about since the very first day you read it

4. Link to this post so we can read all about them when you’re done

5. If you tag others, let them know by leaving them a comment in one of their recent posts or just leave it open like I did

50 Book Challenge Update

Well, I’m currently on 15 out of my 50 books (I’m counting two crappy half-read books as one read book).  Not too shabby.  Mind you, I have about  10 or more books on my bedside to start up, not counting my regular book club reads (which I should be starting on Monday).  I also have about 5 books, at least, that I’m in the middle of.  Part of me wants to just finish those so I can mark them read and get them off my floor already.  Either way, not too shabby.  It’s a good start at least.

So this last book I read I nearly couldn’t put down.  It’s about the hooking up culture of today’s high schoolers and college kids.  It’s by Laura Sessions Stepp and it’s called Unhooked: How Young Women Pursue Sex, Delay Love and Lose at Both.  While there are parts of what some of  those girls (and boys) said that you can’t help but relate to – like the I’ll make time for boys/guys later, first, it’s school and career and the if we end it before anyone says “I love you” we’ll come out of this unharmed beliefs –  there are other parts of the book, in fact, the majority of the book, that you just read and shake your head.

You can’t help but wonder how these young ladies (and men) are going to turn out in the end.  Or more importantly, you can’t help but wonder how society is going to have to change when an entire generation is used to instant, meaningless, zoned-out gratification; when they’re used to leaving when things become uncomfortable or no longer fun and engaging.  Neither the men or the women of this generation seem to have much confidence or self-respect for themselves or for others.  Without basic (sober) boy-girl interaction how can they learn basic social skills necessary for the workspace?   When they are finally ready for settling down, how will this all play out?  Fascinating stuff.

If you have younger siblings, nieces, nephews, family friends, daughters, sons, I urge you to read this book.  Learn how to talk freely and openly about love and sex with them.   I plan on sending this book on to the young woman I used to babysit (an 18 year-old that told me on my list visit with her that she doesn’t like girls because they’re “mean” – how sad).  Laura Sessions Stepp did a great job of getting the girls to share their stories and their beliefs behind their actions.  She does an even better job in her letter to mothers and daughters in offering up some great suggestions.

Check it out.  You might be shocked, but you’ll be a better person, mother, friend, aunt, or sister for it.