Book Challenge

In my last blog post of 2007, I mentioned that I read 164 books that year, and hoped to read 165 in 2008. Within a couple days, I heard from my niece, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is 9, and in the thrid grade. She challenged me, and said she was going to read 166. Her mother told her if she was going to do that, she had to keep track of her books.

I accepted Elizabeth's challenge, and sent her a purple notebook, with a matching pen. I told her not to worry how many books she actually read, but to have fun. I also told her that her great-grandmother kept track of her books, and her grandmother does. I've been keeping track of the books I've read for years.

I'm already losing. As of today, Elizabeth's read nine books this year, and I've only read three. And, one of the librarians at work reminded me that Elizabeth gets summer vacation, and I don't. I'm in trouble.