Neil Desai

I used to love reading. Back in middle school I was one of those kids who read constantly. I couldn’t put down books. I was addicted to it. Then somewhere between middle school and high school I lost it. I didn’t want to read anymore or I just didn’t have time to read (so I thought). I knew I should because it was good for me but I never did. I was too busy with school etc. I decided at the beginning of the year to change all that. In the first three months since setting my goal to read every day I’ve read five books. If I keep up this pace than I will read 20 books every year. Eventually, I want to read even more than that but I’m happy with that pace for now.

How did I do it? I read for 30 minutes every day. It’s a very simple, easy commitment. No matter what I read for 30 minutes. I personally enjoy reading eBooks because I can put them on my iPhone with the Stanza app and have them with me wherever I go. I know some people don’t like the eBook craze or prefer the Kindle’s e-ink but I really have no problem reading on a backlit display. Pick whatever works for you. Also, I usually alternate between reading a serious book and a just for fun book. I’ve found it’s a good way to keep reading enjoyable while still getting a lot out of it. Here’s what I’ve currently read off my reading list that I highly recommend.

1. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card - Done!
2. Getting Things Done by David Allen - Done!
3. Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card - Done!
4. Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston - Done!
5. Xenocide by Orson Scott Card - Done!
6. Good to Great by Jim Collins - Currently Reading (as of 4/9/2010)

Also, I’m going to try learning how to speed read in the next month or so. I’ve made some attempts so far but I want to give it a serious try soon and I’ll post some details about my trials and errors when I do. Anybody have any suggestions for me?