47...48...49...50

I finished my 50th book this week...I think.
At the beginning of the year, I joined the 50 Book Pledge online, an event started by Savvy Reader. It's about making reading a priority, and you know that's a movement I can totally get behind.
One tiny little issue, though: I read really really fast, and I am forgetful. Not a great combo.
To help me along when I started on this little venture, I decided to keep track of the books I read on Pinterest, a cool virtual pinboard site. You can see my 50 Book Pledge board here. 
That would have been a terrific tool...if I could remember to pin the book covers to the board.
Oh well, best-laid plans and all.
I do know I have read at least 50 books. I probably read a few more than that. And I'll keep reading, too, of course. So we'll see how I end the year.
What was the 50th book (give or take)? David Fulmer's Lost River, a spicy gumbo of 1913 New Orleans, shady characters, and dark deeds.

How to Travel

Back in the day, I had to be a little creative about my travel. I would buy a book in the airport, leave it on the plane, and buy another when I landed. Or I would give myself a hernia by packing 10 books in my carry-on bag. Or I would run to the nearest book store when we arrived in our destination city. And yes, I have paid the fees for overweight bags because I had too many hardbacks in the suitcase.

This was all an attempt to keep me entertained. Because when I travel, I have to read. It keeps me from noticing the kid behind me who is kicking my kidneys. It alleviates the uncomfortable feeling I get when the man next to me (and it's always a man) takes the armrest and refuses to share. Reading keeps me calm during take off and landing. And it gives me something to do when the flight is delayed and we're sitting on the tarmac for four hours for no reason and they won't let us off the bloomin' plane. Not that I'm bitter.
The Nook has made my life easier now that I can carry hundreds of books in one tiny package. It fed my addiction on my recent trip West, and I am almost embarrassed to admit that I read four books while I was gone. You can see what I read by clicking here.
I'm not normally a "talker" on planes, and I've been known to hide behind my book. But then, occasionally, I'll see someone carrying a book that makes me happy.
Last night, on the way back from Los Angeles, I met Laura. She was on her way to New Orleans and she was carrying Jo Nesbo's The Leopard. Coincidentally, I had just finished that very book while in Los Angeles - and it was amazing. I had to tell her that while we were waiting to board and then, what do you know, but she is in 11E and I'm in 11D.
This was good for two reasons. First, we talked books. I told her that if she likes Nesbo, she has to read Hypothermia and The Keeper of Lost Causes.
Second, we didn't have to talk anymore. Laura wanted to read. I wanted to read. It was the perfect seatmate scenario. And she didn't hog the armrest. I even ended up giving her the Denise Mina book that I finished on the flight.
So to Laura, wherever you are, thanks for being such a good travel partner. Enjoy your book!

My Interest in Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest? If you have, you're probably not reading this. Instead you're busy pinning away.

If you haven't heard of it, I'm sorry. I am apologizing because I am about to get you hooked, and all your non-reading time will be spend on the seriously addictive site.
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard site. If you've ever had a moodboard where you pinned up photos of things you love or things that inspire you, then you have a very good idea of how Pinterest works.
You can make as many pinboards as you want, for any topic you can dream up – places you want to visit, houses you wish you had, funny photos of dogs, etc. You can also "follow" others as they pin to their boards, you can like the photos, and you can repin your favorites to your own pages.
I now have three boards on Pinterest, but I have hundreds more all planned out. The link here will take you to my #50 Book Pledge page, where I show all the books I've read so far this year. I've taken the pledge to read at least 50 in 2012 (there was no challenge for 200, but there should be). Since many of you ask me how many books I really do consume, this will let you see, in real time. I'm on number 12 for those who really want to know.
Meanwhile, if you want to get into Pinterest yourself, let me know. You have to be invited, and I'm just the woman to get you hooked.