The Art of Reading: Navigating My Annual Book Count

How many books do you read in a year? This is a question I've asked myself for several years now, and the answer has evolved over time. Currently, I manage an average of 25 books a year, a number that is both attainable and satisfying for me, despite my eagerness to read more.

Setting the Standard

I recall the process of setting my initial goal rather scientifically. I started with the aim of reading 20 books in a year and successfully managed it. Then, in another attempt, I aimed for 30 books but fell short. Splitting the difference, I settled on an average of 25 books per year, a number that has remained consistent and feasible for me.

Personal Evaluation: A Far Cry from My Aspirations

While 25 books is certainly an achievable number, let's be frank—this is a far cry from the number of books I would like to read annually. My reading list is vast and continues to grow. Each month, I discover new authors and subjects to delve into. I'd love to make more progress, but life as a working husband and father takes precedence. Financial constraints and daily responsibilities leave limited downtime for leisure reading.

Could I Read More Books a Year?

Yes, humanly, it is possible to read at a more rapid pace. I could no doubt read three books a day if I so desired. Reference to historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, who allegedly read tens of thousands of books in his lifetime, underscores this fact. With his regimen of reading before breakfast and throughout the evening, it's clear that Roosevelt read at an impressive rate. However, for me, reading is not just about sheer volume but about the experience and contemplation of the material. Speed-reading is not a priority.

A Journey of Incremental Progress

While once I read much less, my reading habits have improved significantly. Before my time in South Korea, my schedule was heavily packed with academics and work, leaving little time for leisure reading. However, after graduation, my reading habits flourished. Working 17 hours a week at Sejong University, I voraciously devoured books, often reading entire works in a single afternoon. I took great pride in my reading life, even if it was just to a certain extent. My list of unread books continued to grow, and I had to find a balance.

Current Reading Routine

These days, I often read two or even three books at once to meet my annual goal. I am currently reading The Bastiat Collection, a compendium of 19th-century French economist Claude-Frédéric Bastiat, and by Brian Doherty. Additionally, I have The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp M.D. as a bit of extra reading material. This dual focus allows me to switch between genres, maintaining interest and engagement.

Conclusion

While reading 25 books a year feels like a manageable number, the reality is that I yearn to read more. However, life's responsibilities and constraints demand a more modest approach. As long as I continue to read and keep my reading list growing, I can find satisfaction in my current routine. Reading is not just about the number of books but the quality of engagement and the mental stimulation it provides.

Final Thoughts

Whether you read 25 books a year or 250, the key is to make reading a prioritized part of your routine. Let's celebrate our reading habits and strive to continuously expand our literary horizons, one page at a time. After all, every book read is a step towards a richer, more informed life.