In a previous post, I explained my resolve to read more, instead of indulging in mindless reality TV. I’ve always been a fan of non-fiction, or have had to read a lot for work/school, but I wanted to renew my passion to read for pleasure. And it’s going great!

One thing I’ve found, is that by reading more, I’ve increased speed. I guess it’s like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get. It might sound silly, but it does seem like with every book I get into, its easier to stay focused and zip through it.

The first fiction book I’d picked up in awhile, Pillars of the Earth, took me like a YEAR to read! To my credit, check the book out, it is HUGE! Like the size of one of those mini-phone books!!

Anyway, then I got around to reading Twilight, and that took me about a month or so to read. Next came the sequel, New Moon, which I thought was even better than the first, and I got through that one in just a little over a week! I’ve had to take a hiatus from the Twilight series, being that I can’t get my hands on the third installment yet.

So now I am reading The Duggars: 20 and Counting! It’s written by the family you might have seen on TLC or Discovery Health. While I don’t plan on having 18 children, like Michelle Duggar, I have been fascinated by the Duggar family, and wanted to read more. They seem like such a happy and peaceful family. The mother of 18 has more patience with her children than I do with my one 2-year old!!! The book is great. They explain their reasoning for some of the things we might find odd, like the way they dress, and the book has recipes scattered throughout. It also has great tips for saving money, organizing and disciplining. It’s really inspired me to try to be a better wife and mother! I’ m almost finished with that book, and I’m excited to start the next!

After becoming increasingly disappointed with the quality of television shows now on the air, (besides Fox Toledo First at Four and First at Ten of course, ) I decided to take up reading again. Again, because I was on a long hiatus there for awhile. I think when you’re forced to read so much material in school, and if you have to read a lot for your job, it can take a lot of the joy out of reading. Before, I was reading out of necessity, not entertainment.

I used to love reading, so I decided to take it up again.

At first, I did some reading with my husband before bed. We read Pilgrims Progress together and it was a special time I looked forward to each night. So much better than watching reality TV and then crashing. After indulging in some of those kinds of shows, like Keeping up with the Kardashians and The Hills, I seriously felt as if I was getting stupider… When reading with my husband, I at least felt like I was learning something, and it gave us something to discuss.

Once we were finished with that, I decided to get us each a book at the library. Now, my husband says he hates reading, so I think to get into it, the trick is getting something that interests you. Nick is a huge fan of scary movies, so I looked into the horror book genre, and picked him up a few. I also never have a problem finding plenty of books for my two-year-old. But when looking at the library, for a book for me to read, I got overwhelmed. Non-fiction is no problem for me, but looking for fiction was tougher. It was so much easier when I was an adolescent. I just grabbed my Babysitter’s Club books and Sweet Valley High, and was on my way.

The main fiction book I’d been hearing about, was the Twilight series. So I finally picked the first one up. I must say, I am really enjoying it so far. Reading seems so much more relaxing then watching the tube. And I can take the book anywhere. It’s great. Nick seems to be enjoying his book too. I’m so proud of him.

Anyway, I’m glad I’ve renewed my passion for reading again. Not just non-fiction, but a book I can escape into as well. Know any good reads? Please give me some suggestions so I won’t get overwhelmed looking again, once I’m finished with the Twilight series!