Natasha Fondren

I used to read two or three books a night. That was after school, after homework, after playing outside, after swim practice, after watching TV and after practicing piano. (When I was young, I used to spend two hours watching TV after school. I’d play along with commercials or practice during commercials.)

So how is it that I seem to have less time to read now, and definitely have a lighter schedule than above?

I have been envious of Lauren Baratz-Logsted, ever since I learned she reads a book a day. Jealous in a good way: I like her, and am grateful because she was instrumental in getting me my first gig at BenBella Books. (As an aside, she has a great series going on at BiblioBuffet: “The Seven Stages of My Reading Life So Far.” Here’s Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, which is my favorite. I dream of working on the floor of a bookstore, even though the pay is abysmal!)

I have been wanting to do this for a long time, but I’ve decided it’s time. Between August 18, 2009 and August 17, 2010, I want to read 365 books.*

But now I need suggestions. Will you help? Feel free to answer none, one, a few, or all questions here or treat it like a meme and answer on your own blog. If you answer on your own blog, paste the link here, and I’ll link to you in the post.

• What book(s) made you a better writer?
• What book(s) made you cry?
• What book(s) made you laugh until you were in tears?
• What book(s) made you feel like you could conquer the world?
• What book(s) have you read three times or more?
• What book(s) kept you up all night reading?
• What book(s) do you want to read again?
• Any other recommendations?

1. Michelle posted a list on Magical Musings.
2. Kath posted a list on her blog, Writeful Mumblings.
3. Rachel posted a list on Facebook.
4. Katie also posted a list on Facebook and on her newly-designed, very pretty blog—check it out!
5. Starving Write Now has a list up on her blog.
6. Valerie posted a list on her blog, too!
7. Alyson Noel posted a list on her blog.
8. Aerin recommends all the 5-stars on her goodreads list.
9. Bee Nagel has a great goodreads list, too!

*If I get freakishly behind, I reserve the right to change it to 5 books per week (weekends off), for a total of 260 books. Don’t you love this fine print? Do you think I’m nuts? Okay, I am. I mean, I’ve read entire books backwards, just because I was curious to see what they looked like that way…