The Beginning

Yesterday I started reading a book by an author who is clearly my soulmate, at least in one regard - books. The Polysyllabic Spree is a collection of Nick Hornby's monthly accounts of what he's been reading. As soon as I noticed his "Books Bought" list was a completely different list from his "Books Read" list, I knew that he suffers from the same addiction that I do. He begins his first account with this warning: "I don't want anyone writing in to point out that I spend too much money on books, many of which I will never read. I know that already. I certainly intend to read all of them ... Anyway, it's my money." Story of my life.

This blog is my attempt to document a) the ridiculous amount of money I spend on books each month, b) the books I read and what is great (or not great) about them, and c) how I am so far behind in reading the books I buy that I may never catch up.

I plan to make one entry at the end of each month with "Books Bought" and "Books Read" lists, as well as short reviews and background information, but I expect there will be additional entries, too.

An additional note: For those interested, there are currently over 200 books on my "Books I Need to Read" list. As the list grows daily, I don't expect it to ever be completed.

Another note: I couldn't think of a more original title for this blog, so I'll stick with the Frank Zappa quote for the time being...if you have any creative ideas, let me know!