Frank_the_ThinkTank's 26 Book Challenge 2010

I realize that 26 books may not appear to be an overly-ambitious goal, but I am trying to start 2010 in a manner that differs from my previous M.O... I am type A to the max and will often take on more than I can probably handle. I typically do a very good job with what I take on, but some things will inevitably slip through the cracks...I would bet that if I would simply just set more REALISTIC GOALS (LOL) that I would likely overachieve and feel better about all of it. In any event, I love reading books but like most other folks I find time hard to come by. I am pretty active physically, love sports (playing and watching some), going on long walks and hikes with my wife and 2 dogs, and we also run our own small real estate company. In 2009 I read more than I probably ever have since my college years about 10 years ago, but it still only amounted to 14 books and they were mostly read during the winter/colder months or when we were in a place that wasn't New York and I could crack open a book without guilt or financial penalty, per se ;-) I have many books on my shelf that have not been read and books that friends have lent me that I would like to read and return. If I read 26 books, it amounts to one every 2 weeks and that seems like a very reasonable "Frank World Record" to shoot for in 2010. If I read more than that...excellent!!! I am looking very forward to fullfilling this reading goal and would like to wish everyone else who has set goals for themselves in 2010:GOOD LUCK and enjoy the ride :-)

Good luck with your challenge. I had to make my goal more realistic too. Similar scenerios as you mentioned above. Happy reading in 2010!

Thank you Linda- good luck with your readings as well :-) My 1st of the year is complete:

1. "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel (319 pages). EXCELLENT NOVEL.

Best wishes on your goal. Have you tried audio books? I love them and have thus been able to "read" many more books than I would otherwise. I get books on CD from the library or download them to my mp3 player, also from the library. I particularly love the latter--I can have several books downloaded at a time and never have to worry about not having a book with me to listen to when I need one. Not everyone cares for listening to books, but if you haven't tried it, with your busy lifestyle, you might give it a shot.

Hi there. My name is Madison. I am going to TRY and read the 50 books of the year. I have started reading Push by Sapphire. I am almost 3/4 of the way through it. It is such a hard-to-handle type of book. There is a lot of stories of sexual molestation, child rape and teen pregnancy, not to mention HIV. I do recommend the book however. I will let you know when I complete the read. Thanks. madphill

2. "Titanic: A Survivor's Story" by Colonel Archibald Gracie (323 pages)

Setting a lower goal also takes the pressure off in terms of reading long books etc. Amazing that we'd feel that pressure in relation to something as enjoyable as reading, but I think lots of people do! Much nicer to be able to get into longer books, rather than feeling 'behind the game'...

I know exactly what you mean, "notmyrealname". LOL. Shouldn't be pressure is right, but as humans we will automatically do it. Speaking of longer books, I finished #3...LOL

3. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (and other assorted poems) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (111 pages) Illustrations by Gustave Dore'. Fit in perfectly with the other 2 previous reads. Almost didn't want to count it due to how short it is but want to keep accurate log, etc. Almost done with #4...

4. "White Fang" by Jack London (327 pages) Simply Classic. Couldn't put it down.

I'm currently reading 3 books actively and another 1 or 2 sporadically in an attempt to diversify my reading, so it may be a little while before I post another completion. Currently I am involved in "Yoga: The 8 Steps to Health and Peace" by Richard Hittleman, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, and my recreational read is "The Talisman" by Stephen King. Making decent progress on all fronts and truly enjoying myself :-)

5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey (319 pages) Excellent book that I believe everyone should read at least once in their lives. Touches on and cultivates the seeds of greatness that exist in all of us. A lot of things that you already know but presented in a fantastic way.

6. "Yoga: The 8 Steps to Health and Peace" by Richard Hittleman (216 pages). Old school yoga principles published in 1975. Much still applicable some info archaic- fairly interesting read.

7. The Talisman by Stephen King & Peter Straub (735 pages). Fantastic journey and an excellent novel. Highly recommended!

8. Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet by Bill McKibben (212 pages). I believe this to be an extremely important, valuable, and practical read for anyone interested in the world we live in and will live in as the game changes. Great book for any human being regardless of political affiliation or lack thereof. Track down a copy as soon as you are able.

9. The Green Millionaire: A Practical Guide to Achieving Real Wealth While Helping to Save the Planet by Nigel Williams (134 pages). Free book offered on television you only pay shipping- that is, until the book arrives and you notice they decided to go ahead and just take another $20 out of your checking account without your permission. Of course, they refund you when you point out that they are guilty of false advertising and possibly theft, but I feel I had better things to do with my time. Anyway- the book is a bit "info-mercially" if that can be considered a word. 90%+ of the suggestions in the book are things that my wife & I either already do or know about, but it is a good quick read for folks considering ways to be more environmentally responsible while saving yourself some $$$. Just don't be fooled into paying the $20... ;-)

10. Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher (163 pages) Refreshing & funny- this book is a great quick read that will entertain while addressing some serious issues.

Hi Frank the Think Tank I like your ticker and your 'realistic goals'! I gave myself a 40 book challenge but have serious doubts as to whether I'll make it or not :(

I just loved The Life of Pi. Interesting (nerdy) legal fact - there is a British case from the 1800s about shipwrecked sailors on a little life boat who murdered, killed and ate one of their party, the young ship's apprentice....named..........Richard Parker!

Hello Frank, I saw your note on my thread and thought I would stop in and take a peek at your progress. Moving right along! The only book on your list so far that i have read is Wishful Drinking. I laughed myself silly with that book. Carrie Fisher has such a way with words, even when describing her deep depression and addictions she spun it in such a way that looking back on it the memories are humorous.

I look forward to keeping track of your reads!

11. The Book of Vices (274 pages) Edited by Robert J. Hutchinson . This was a delightful and entertaining collection of writings scoping a wide range of authors covering the 7 Deadly Sins. A very worthwhile read in my opinion.

12. Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere-Alive by Les Stroud (350 pages) This non-fiction book is exactly what it claims to be. It contains what I consider to be very important information & ideas about the best ways to survive in the wilderness or more practical disaster situations. A lot of quality info and I would imagine that if a survival situation arises I will be much more prepared than I would have been before reading Les's book.

13. Hauntings: Tales of the Supernatural Edited by Henry Mazzeo (316 pages). Nice collection of 17 ghost stories/ tales of the supernatural. Not all authors were known to me at the time, but it was a quality read especially if you are getting cozy and ready for bed and read one story a night.

14. Do You Love Football?!: Winning with Heart, Passion, and Not Much Sleep by Jon Gruden (243 pages). Nice read leading into the start of the football season. I've always liked Gruden and he had an interesting ride/career en route to winning the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in Super Bowl XXXVII. If you're a big football fan it's a decent enough read- just overlook the many typos, especially towards the end of the book. LOL

15. The 100 Year Lifestyle by Dr. Eric Plasker. Everytime I have gone to my chiropractor, which is every few weeks, I have found myself reading this book while I wait to be treated. Over the course of a few months I had read about 100 pages in the waiting room, but I had to make an adjustment b/c my "game" is changing. I'm moving with my my wife and 2 dogs to Costa Rica in November and will therefore no longer going to see our chiropractor and friend, Dr. Schaffstall. I really wanted to complete the book but because I am already reading a few books from the library right now I did not see the sense in checking out yet another... This week I have been painting an apartment for a client of mine and have been spending a good chunk of time there- so rather than just listen to my Ipod like I always do to entertain myself while I paint, I decided to check out "The 100 Year Lifestyle" in audiobook format. Just finished it today during 2 days of painting!!! It has a lot of information and suggested lifestyle tips which we already practice to the best of our ability, but I always find that it is great to remind yourself what is important and there was plenty of new information & perspective in Dr. Plasker's book. I would love to live a to a ripe yet healthy age of at least 100 myself so if you are of the same mind, it is a nice read (or listen ;-) I still have more work to do so I have reserved a Joyce Carol Oates audiobook to enjoy. Hopefully it comes in tomorrow :-)

16. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown (audiobook) I really enjoyed Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code and since I am still painting that apartment I have finished my 2nd audiobook while working. I find it to be a truly pleasant alternative to listening to music for the entire day. A few hours of the audiobook and then switch it up and listen to some tunes. This book did not disappoint, as it was in the classic suspense/thriller style that Brown provides us with. There was plenty of cryptology at work, as you would expect from Brown, but the body of the novel was composed in the backdrop of government agencies, computer hacking, and National Security. Nice action read (or listen) if anyone is game.

17. The Trial and Death of Socrates: Four Dialougues by Plato (115 pages). I've read this before quite awhile back but it hit me differently this time. I needed a quick read while visiting family in NYC area (I forgot my current book @ home by accident...) and this was perfect to borrow from my brother and finish in 2 days. Plato has an excellent presentation about him.

18. Tell-All by Chuck Palahniuk (audiobook). My assault on audiobooks while doing mindless work continues...LOL. I simply love Palahniuk's writing stlye and this book did not disappoint. Excellent story that delves into the nooks and crannies of the Hollywood lifestyle. Great listen :-)

19. (11/8/10) Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum (259 pages). Excellent story about a remarkable captain of a small sailboat and his journey around the world. The voyage spanned about 3 years and was the 1st known voyage of it's kind.

20. (11/14/10) Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya (262 pages). Fantastic and spellbinding novel... all I can say is READ IT if you get a chance.

21. (11/18/10) Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs (260 pages). I found it hard to put this classic book down. The fact that I am currently living in a jungle atmosphere in the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica acted to enhance the experience of the read. Excellent!!!

22. Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk (289 pages) Love this author and this is his first novel after Fight Club . Priceless Palahniuk-

23. (12/18/10) Summer Crossing by Truman Capote (138 pages).
24. (12/22/10) Hiroshima by John Hersey (152 pages).

25. (12/28/10) A Different Kind of Christmas by Alex Haley (101 pages)

26. (1/1/11)... Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis (238 pages).