“So many books, so little time.”
Frank Zappa
It is now May 2014 and the OnTheRoad Reading Program 2014 is posted. I confess that I had an exceptionally robust reading program for 2013. Of the twenty-one listed books, I completed seven, all of which have left a lasting mark. I have named 2013, the year of “The Magnificent Seven.” I started out with great hopes that I would complete my mission, but I knew instinctively that it was a bit of a stretch. The remarkable thing about books is that they quietly wait for us to read them at the right time.
We want to read; and read well. There are so many great books from which to choose. We consider time the culprit. More likely, the real issue is our use of time. It goes back to the old proverb “quantity versus quality.” You can’t read it all, so you have to choose what is the most important to you. It is, in reality, a culling process. There are some books that you shouldn’t read – not because they are poorly written or inconsequential – but because you have other books that you must read. Choose with purpose, given your time constraints. Reading is the catalyst for transformation as well as a conduit for connecting with others. Several books included in my 2014 Reading Program came as recommendations from my blogging companions.
Thank you for sharing the joy of reading. I look forward to the ongoing dialogue.
“Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.”
Gustave Flaubert
On The Road Book Club 
Wonderful quotations. I love reading. I love books. But this is my favorite Zappa’s quotation:
“Information is not knowledge.
Knowledge is not wisdom.
Wisdom is not truth.
Truth is not beauty.
Beauty is not love.
Love is not music.
Music is THE BEST.”
You could change “music” for “reading” or “books”. But Frank wouldn’t like it.
It’s been a pleasure to comment in your blog
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It is a pleasure having your presence and comments. Thank you for that marvelous quote, which I agree – Frank would prefer “music.” But here is another Frank Zappa quote that resonates with me every time I enter a library:
“So many books, so little time.” Frank Zappa
Looking forward to our dialogue! 🙂
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So much music, so many books… It’s been a pleasure.
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Mine too!!! 🙂
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You are so right, we make these great plans to read certain books, but then get sidetracked by other great books! Haha – not a bad problem to have in the end!
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Not a bad problem at all! And Ray Bradbury agrees wholeheartedly.
“You must write every single day of your life… You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads… may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world.” Ray Bradbury
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Oh now I am truly impressed! You quoted Frank Zappa. Who knew he was a reader? I always learn something new from you Rebecca!!!
I can’t imagine life without daily reading as I know is the same for you my friend. Cheers and happy reading~
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My other favourite Frank Zappa quote is: “I never set out to be weird. It was always other people called me weird.” He was one of a kind!
I have found the blogger community to be avid readers which sets the stage for great dialogues!!! 🙂 What a great sign off – “Happy Reading…” 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Yes, have a great long weekend–enjoy the extra time for reading. Free time is precious. Someone asked recently: “Do you read?” Yes, of course, what not to love.
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What an interesting question… “Do you read?” What a privilege it is to be able to understand the squiggles on a page – to understand what another person was thinking. We are indeed blessed! 🙂
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Read in order to live….sounds like a good idea. I am not as organised as you though 😦 . My reading choices are usually random. I am reasonably pleased at the number of books I am reading although I am more pleased with what I am reading.
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My problem is that I get sidetracked!!! I see a book and then start reading it immediately. Just stopped by the Library to pick up an audio-book “The Borgias” by G.J. Meyer. I wanted to add it to my 2014 picks….aaaghhh
Too many books is a good thing!!! I remember when I was worried that I would run out of Nancy Drew detective books. 🙂 🙂 🙂
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I think we are blessed to have so much choice.
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I agree wholeheartedly!!! 🙂
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Great list! I’ve read one of those. 😉
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And I am so very, very happy for your recommendation. I have already started to read “Maiden Voyages” and am taking it with me on the Victoria long weekend to where else but Victoria, B.C. We must sail to get there. There is something poetic about it all.
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Have a marvelous time!
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Thank you!!! 🙂
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