Last week’s New Yorker had a little discussion about Art Garfunkel’s reading list, which he has been so kind as to post on the web for our viewing pleasure – and in chronological order no less (see: the Garfunkel Library). I have no idea why I find this to be such a great thing, but I’ve spent the better part of the evening perusing his lists, looking up books I’ve never heard of, and adding a few titles to my own “to read” list. Books say a lot about a person, and I feel like I’ve come to know Art a bit.
Maybe the appeal is that last year I was 29 and devoted to the year to what I cleverly called “The 29th Year Plan,” which consisted of “preparing myself for the Big 3-0.” As part of the Plan, I created my life list (a list that grows and grows and grows – looks like I have a busy life ahead of me!). One thing on my list was: “make more time to read and actually use that time to read.” Not something that should have to be put in writing, but I have been guilty in the past of making more time for a specific cause and then using it for something totally lame like catching up on laundry or watching On Demand movies. So, for 2008, I’m doing two book-related things: the 50 Books in One Year Challenge, and keeping a tally of all the books I read (including the date they are completed, and my rating (1-5, with 5 being best)).
According to the article, Garfunkel’s list has 1,023 books he has read since 1968, so he’s averaging about 25 books per year. Not too shabby. I’ve got a pretty good start on my 50 book goal for this year (where did the 50 book challenge start? I haven’t a clue… I stole the idea from someone who likely stole it from someone else!). Here’s my list so far:
1. Atonement by Ian McEwan (1/8/2008): 4/5
2. The Twins of Tribeca by Rachel Pine (1/10/08): 3/5
3. The Little Friend by Donna Tartt (1/17/2008): 2/5
4. Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner (1/27/2008): 3.5/5
5. Wit’s End by Karen Joy Fowler (1/31/2008): 3/5
Up next: The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer
On a side note, it just occurred to me that although I obviously recognize Art Garfunkel’s name, I have no idea who he is. Ha! I associated the name with ‘Simon & Garfunkel,’ but I guess that could be a totally different Garfunkel… Off to Google to educate myself, which leads to the question I ask myself at least once day: What would I have done back in the ‘old days’ before Google had all the answers? Well, I guess I would have called a friend or my mom or something. No wonder we all feel so out-of-touch these days. Of course I’m sure they’ll be glad to know that Google saved them from a middle of the night questioning about Art Garfunkel (:
