Well, it’s spring, and I haven’t done my cleaning this year. Mainly because the house is awash in books. Not my usual stacks of books to be read — like Sharon’s new book and Heather’s new book either. I agreed, in what must have been a moment of weakness, to be a judge for the 2008 Best Novel Edgar. I do believe in giving something back, and of course, one of the most thrilling nights of my life was the night I went to the Edgars for Who Was That Lady? (and there’s another story about that night, but it will remain something between me and my spouse.)

Just in the first 3 months of the year, I’ve received 68 books. That means I need to read 6 books a week (or approximately) a book a day to keep up. Of course, that hasn’t happened. I have a job and responsibilities (and some writing to do!) I do manage about 2 books a week during the school year, and I plan to read more during my breaks.

I’d written in an earlier column about how I’d felt that I was in a rut in my reading, and I’d planned to read 1 new author a month. That resolution has gone by the wayside. I’ve read 24 new authors in the past 3 months! How exciting. I’ve found some authors who plan on going back to read more of once my marathon is over. How fun. I don’t have to worry about being limited any more.

(I’m not allowed to discuss my thoughts on any of the 2008 books, which has reduced my postings to DorothyL and other lists, but I have managed a few pre-2007 books in my “spare time.”)

While I’d planned the time and the energy, I hadn’t planned on the space needed to house all these tomes (– and all the space has to be above waist-level, as I have a teething puppy!) I have 2-3 boxes of books currently stacked around, and of course, that will grow as the year progresses. I have visions of being one of those people who can only walk through their house in narrow paths through the rooms.

I’ll keep you informed about my love of reading and all these books. I bought a new pair of glasses last month, and I think I’ll be able to deduct those from my taxes as a job expense!

*** Just finished reading Nature Girl by Carl Hiassen which was published in 2006!