Those couple of you who actually read this blog from time to time will notice that I have switched tools for tracking my reading habits. I was using a plugin called “Now Reading” installed into my blogging software to update and share reading lists. But after doing a little research I have decided to switch over to another website instead. So, I’ve setup a profile at Goodreads.

Part of the reason for the switch is that the “Now Reading” plugin was really contained only within my blog. Which was nice, but I keep trying to find ways of linking information together and sharing it with my friends more easily. So, Goodreads has a social networking component, like facebook, in that friends can join and link accounts so that it becomes easy to see when a friend adds a new book to their list, or updates a review or rating of a book recently finished.

Another reason for the switch is that Goodreads also has a Facebook application. So, not only am I updating my reading bookshelves on the Goodreads site itself, but also on Facebook.

And finally, they’ve got application widgets that still allow me to show my bookshelves here on my own blog.

In short, it’s like killing three birds with one stone, and I guess I’m feeling decidedly anti-avian!

For a short time I will leave the “Library” tab operational at the top of the blog page, but it will likely disappear pretty soon as I completely disable the “Now Reading” plugin.

I invite my friends and family to join me over at Goodreads and share their current favorite books with me. I look forward to it. You can click either of the two instances of the link to my profile that I’ve put into this post, or if you look over in the right sidebar I’ve put a link there too under the “My Networks” heading.

Happy Reading!

Technorati Tags: blog, Books, online, reading, social-networking

I took a quick trip over to the bookstore after work. Borders sent me an email this morning with a link to a coupon and it was burning a hole in my pocket. I must say, there are times when those coupons are very effective at getting me to go to the bookstore. Not that I don’t go all the time anyway, but the coupon will get me to go sooner.

I didn’t have any particular title on the agenda, but I did end up walking out with something. It’s one of those geeky books that makes me want to read all sorts of other geeky books. It is called Classics for Pleasure, and it is basically a list of “classic” books selected by the author that he asserts are fun to read, not just because they might be important, but simply for the pleasure they provide. Each title or author gets a short essay, of about a page or two, where he outlines his reasons for choosing that particular entry.

I flipped through it and I found myself enjoying his commentary and wanting to pick up some of the titles he mentioned, so I bought it. One author, in particular, that he mentions is Italo Calvino, and it reminded me that I had one of his books on the shelf at home that I bought ages ago, and had forgotten about, so I had to come home and shuffle about until I found it.

I’ve added both the Classics for Pleasure and the Italo Calvino title to my library page for future reading. Actually, I’ll probably go ahead and update the status for the classics title to currently reading, but it’s not a novel to be read in big chunks. It’ll probably be the kind of book I put by the bedside to flip open and browse in different sections as the mood strikes, and as I seek inspiration for further readings.

On that note I also wanted to reveal the results of my poll as to what I should read next (see my post here.) So along with Classics for Pleasure I will also begin reading Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders by Neil Gaimon. It won out by a staggering 100 percent margin, plus or minus 3 percent. Thanks, Finley, for the vote.

Technorati Tags: Books, reading, shopping

I’m seeking opinions as to which book I should read next. Take your choices from the list to the right under “Now Reading” and “Planned Books,” or suggest something entirely different if you think it might be particularly notable. Enter your pick in the comments section. I’ll make a decision next weekend, with or without suggestions.

I’ve had several of these books on my list for some time now, and really need to finish them off. Maybe with your encouragement I’ll do so. And hopefully, in the process, I’ll make a wonderful new discovery.

Technorati Tags: Books, library, literature, reading

So, I did get to the greenway, but not on my bike. I went out and grabbed a cup of Chai at Starbucks with the plan of reading my book there, but the place was packed. So I took my bevy over to the park and walked the greenway to a little overlook with a bench and settled in to read a couple chapters. It was a perfect spot. The weather was cool in the shade, but in the sun I was absolutely comfortable.

Later, I did go home and get on the fixie and took a ride around the neighborhood. I only rode a little over 5 miles, but it was nice to get the blood flowing. All in all I had a nice afternoon outside.

I did finish the book I was reading, Death with Interruptions, and I’ll have to post at least some brief comments soon. I’m still absorbing a little bit.

Technorati Tags: Books, reading, ride

No bike ride today. I’m just hanging out on the couch and nursing my cold. I thought I was over it last week, but on Thursday my throat started to hurt again, and now I’ve got a lot of congestion in my chest. I’m thinking that until I’m actually over this thing I won’t be getting much riding in.

But hey, at least it’s a chance to catch up on some reading.

Technorati Tags: Cycling, illness, reading