I started the BookLust Challenge for one simple reason. I love to read. Simple enough. Except that as a child reading for the sake of reading carried a negative connotation for me. If it wasn’t didactic, if the book wasn’t scholarly, I was taught to feel reading was just another way of being lazy. I can remember my father yelling at me for being inside on a beautiful day; my nose always in a book. “Get some fresh air! Don’t sit around all day!” I grew up being embarrassed by books, especially ones labeled “beach reads” i.e. “chick lit.” I couldn’t bear to be seen with a “bodice ripper” in my hands. I hid them like an addict hides drugs. After my father passed away I came out of the library closet and started reading in the open. It took some time, but now I read just about anything.
I started this reading journey in 2006 and to date I have read 1,477 books. Here are the yearly stats:
- 2006 – 12
- 2007 – 98
- 2008 – 86
- 2009 – 109
- 2010 – 86
- 2011 – 99
- 2012 – 120
- 2013 – 121
- 2014 – 122
- 2015 – 89
- 2016 – 103
- 2017 – 124
- 2018 – 128
- 2019 – 125
- 2020 – 99
- 2021 – 98 so far
I don’t know where this journey will take me. Only time (and chapters) will tell! If you are keeping track, or are just curious, I only have a little over 4,000 more books to go!
~*LunaSea*~ 
thanks for welcoming me to your space š
you are welcome – wouldn’t be the same without you.
I just happened upon your review of my recipes (I’m Devin Alexander) and wanted to thank you for sharing! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them!! And though I personally agree with you that some of the food could definitely be hotter and spicier (I often spike mine with a bit more kick too!), I’ve found that most people can’t handle or aren’t used to the heat. I call one of my assistants, “Miss Mild” because she needs everything mild. But it’s good because she keeps me in check.
Anyway, thanks again. If you get through the book and need more recipes, you should check out my other book, “Fast Food Fix”. That shows you how to make healthier Big Macs, Cinnabons and Pizza Hut Meatlovers Pizzas, etc.
Happy Cooking (& Eating!)
Devin
ps: I also have a cooking show coming out on Discovery Health Channel in April called, “Healthy Decadence”. I’ll be showing America how to cook even more of the same sorts of healthy comfort foods. I hope you’ll tune in!
I am beyond honored to have your comments. I am definitely going to check out “Fast Food Fix” because as a rule, I don’t eat at “those” establishments and, truthfully, I’ve always felt I was missing out! Thank you for the heads up about “Healthy Decadence” in April. I’ll Tivo your name so I don’t forget!
Hello H.
May I make a small request?
Please re-enable full text of your syndication feed. I miss being able to read your posts from my feed reader. Your new posts all end in the middle of the first couple sentences with “[…]”
certainly, my friend. Didn’t realize you were out there… š
where’d you go on myspace. do I have to email you for real now?
I freaked out. Call me. Better yet, come see me. I don’t extend either invitation that often…just ask Sarah! š
myspace is like being in the middle of a crowded room. I understand. Why do you think my name is what it is?
Myspace is being in a crowded room with everyone looking at you…and they’re the ones naked.
Hi. I’m a stumbler and found your blog. Nice introduction. Thanks for the detail. I can relate to almost all of it, especially the following – 69) I write when Iām angry, 70) I write when Iām sad, 71) I write to sort out confusion or 72) express excitement. I guess I could say 73) I write all the time.
Kudos to you for writing.
Stumbler. I like that. Thanks for compliments & for stopping by.
Thanks for welcoming me to your world, I found you in Librarything.com. My name is Lucy411 and I have read many books you have. I grew up on an island, have small hands and feet and change my hair colour regularly too etc etc, we have many things in common, I never watched a full episode of Friends!! Its nice to meet you!
Nice to meet you, too! Happy reading š
Hey there,
just wanted to stop by and tell you that I really, really like the way you write š
Have a nice Sunday,
Sascha
Hey thanks! I like your writing too…I added you to my blogroll just last week! š
š
Hi,
A friend of mine referred me to your site. He thought I would like you and I do. I am not much of a writer but I read books like they’re going out of print. And I am piqued by book lust. I will surely check that out.
Have a great day.
Let me know if you get into Book Lust. It’s been a fun adventure!
Great Blog! I found it by accident while trying to find someone who read the book “Apologizing To Dogs”, by Joe Coomer. I found the book very odd, but funny & wanted to see what others thought. BTW: Great Review!
Diane~ Thanks! This place started out as something to clear my head & became a playground of words and communications with wonderful people. Welcome. SO glad someone else found Apologing To Dogs as odd as I did! š
This was very informative. I think I might make one… A good exercise.
Joshua~ good luck!!
Nice layout and not boring at all.
-Molly
thanks!
This is kinda like getting to know you all over again. I like it! You always were a writer and I am glad you have kept it up. I came across some of your old letters a few years back – very fun. š Good luck with the house!
Oh goodness! I can’t imagine what was in those crazy, crazy letters! LOL
hey you. i thought I’d say hello. it always feels good how you read, no matter what you write. “hello”
hey you. hello, hello. i’ve missed your words.
I read a blog you wrote about a set list of Natalie Merchant songs you listened including the title “Sonnet 73”. I am looking for a recording of that tune. I have checked Natalie’s site, Youtube, Gavin Bryars’ site, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s site.. cannot find one. I am playing in an orchestra for Natalie this month, June 24, and want to know what that tune sounds like before I play it. Any clues how to find a recording? Thanks
Hello woodwindpoet,
I don’t think the song has been released anywhere officially. I had the opportunity to see Natalie in 2008 when, for five nights in a row, she tested the song. It was magical.
It is possible to check with Natalie’s management to see if they have a “symphony” version of the song you could listen to? When I saw her in 2008 it was with a small band so it sounded completely different. Good luck with the show! Wish I could be there š
I enjoyed your review of The Sword at Sunset. May I reproduce it at the blog you enjoyed perusing?! Best wishes for 2014. Anthony.
Absolutely! Thanks for reading š
ā¦ And after typing it a couple of times (e.g. at twitter.com/rsutcliff) I just got the ~*LunaSea*~ of book lust ā¦!
…it is pretty crazy…!
I was made to feel the very same way about reading by my grandmother when I was a little girl. As an adult with children (whom I would give just about anything to see crack open a book) I am still no closer to understanding this thinking. Books are beautiful. Read on, sistah!
Thanks! I have participated in a 60 mile cancer walk every year and one of my favorite discussions along the walk is about books. Although I can’t alter my list all that much I am thrilled to hear about what other people are reading.
A great, and ambitious! blog. I look forward to following.
What a great challenge. I look forward to following and finding new books to read.