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In this time of staying at home, our approach to reading may be simply to work through our “to be read” pile. When we can’t go out to buy books, maybe the best approach may be to read the books we already have. After all, at some point, there was something about that book that was of interest! Beyond this, here are a few ideas;

1. This might be a good time to binge-read your favorite author, or a series.
2. You could pick a part of the world that you might like to visit, and read up on it so that when you visit, you can go as a savvy traveler.
3. You might read one book that gets you out of your reading rut. Maybe a graphic novel. Or a play. Or book of poetry. Something you don’t usually read.
4. Read books by authors from another country to see the world from another perspective.
5. Read a book of local history. Sometimes, we don’t know very much about the place where we live. Like from where the streets get their names.
6. When was the last time you read a children’s book? The best ones speak to children of all ages. So where did I leave that copy of The House at Pooh Corner?
7. Discover a great science writer. The great ones from Isaac Asimov to Neil deGrasse Tyson can make science fascinating for everyone.
8. Read one book that explores some of life’s big questions. A religious text. A philosophy book. Maybe some Marcus Aurelius.
9. Maybe there are some do-it-yourself projects you’ve decided to take on since you’ve been looking at your house or garden more. Cooking, carpentry, landscaping, and other do-it-yourself books might be a welcome addition to your reading.
10. This might not be the time to read about pandemics or dystopian futures–unless you are into that sort of thing. A cozy mystery or some escapist fiction might be a better choice.

We may not be able to venture out in all the ways we would like. But a simpler life might offer chances for different kinds of ventures, ones that might enrich our lives in ways we remember, long after all this is in the rear view mirror.