Are YOU a Productive Reader?

That's the question posed by Dustin Wax on Stepcase Lifehack's Productivity blog a few days ago.

He offers some interesting thoughts, including a few that are targeted to reading business books.

Here are a few of his tips that are my favorites:

1. Use an index card as your bookmark. That way you always have something to write on while you’re reading. Go ahead and stick a few post-its to the back for marking significant passages, too.
2. Keep a reading journal. When you finish a book, write down a quick summary of the book, any quotes you highlighted or flagged, and what you learned from it. Or keep a collection of chapter-by-chapter notes — maybe on a blog or wiki...
3. Take a moment. People want to read fast, to get it done...The reality is, reading takes time, and learning takes even more. If you only have 20 minutes to read, read for 15 and spend 5 minutes thinking on what you’ve read. If you’re not pressed for time, take long breaks between chapters, even between sections, to reflect.
4. Make a list. Always carry a list of books you want to read or topics you want to read up on. You never know when the opportunity might arise...

I've already been doing some of these, but I plan to start using an index card as my bookmark right away. Great idea!

Libraries-Great Way to Save Cash

With gas prices going up and no end in sight, like you, I'm looking for ways to cut corners and save some money.

I've pretty much given up my Dunkin Donuts coffee on my way into work in the morning...and I'm glad that Giant has a gas points reward program that makes my fill-ups a little less painful.

Libraries are another way we all can save money:

1. Don't Buy It, Borrow It -- Instead of buying that bestseller, or the latest issue of magazines you enjoy, borrow them FREE from the library.
2. Make your Money Grow -- From books on how to save money around the house, to materials on personal finance or databases like Morningstar for better investing, the library can show you the way to greater riches...all for FREE.
   
3. Plant Your Own Vegetables -- Learn how to plant the best vegetable garden around by using the library's FREE books and magazines, and attending the library's FREE programs offered by the Master Gardeners at Fredricksen Library
4. Stop Calling the Handyman -- Instead of calling the handyman, consider learning how to stop your leaking faucet or rewiring a lamp by borrowing a FREE book or magazine from the library.
5. Give up the Gym -- Instead of joining a gym, consider using the library's collection of FREE fitness video recordings.
6. Give up Satellite Radio -- Instead of subscribing to satellite radio, or downloading music from iTunes, borrow a FREE audiobook from the library.
7. Get a New Job -- Use the libraries collection of FREE resume and career guidance books to chart a new path in life.
8. Give up NetFlix -- Instead of renting dvd's, consider borrowing them for FREE from the library.
   

Harry Potter isn't # 1: What are Kids Reading?

According to a report released by Renaissance Learning, kids are reading a wide variety of books, and not just J.K. Rowling's popular Harry Potter series.

What are Kids Reading?, lists the top 20 books read in 2007 by more than 3 million students in grades 1 - 12 who logged on to the Renaissance Learning web site to take quizzes on books that they read during the year. The book lists are available by grade level, region of the country (South, Northeast, Midwest and West) and by gender.

It's fascinating to look at the lists and remember books that I enjoyed as a child. Classics like Green Eggs and Ham, Charlotte's Web and To Kill a Mockingbird are listed along with newer classics such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Bridge to Terabithia and The Giver. Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling, Gary Paulsen, Louis Sacher, Jerry Spinelli and Lemony Snicket are all well represented, along with Shakespeare, Bradbury and Steinbeck.

Interestingly, the top book for teens in grades 9-12 was A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer. Pelzer just appeared in Harrisburg on Monday, May 5 at a program sponsored by the Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg. I wonder how many teens were there?

One of Life's Simple Pleasures: Mysteries

For me, mystery books have been a lifelong addiction. Beginning with the Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown (with a few Nancy Drew's thrown in for good measure), I've long enjoyed them.

One of the ways that I find new authors is to keep watch who wins Edgar® Awards each year.

Tonight, the 62nd annual Edgar® Awards will be announced in New York City. Mystery writers from across America will be 'Dressed to Kill' as they they celebrate their work, announce Edgar® Award winners and name a new Grand Master.

The Grand Master award is the genere's highest honor. Past Grand Masters have included: Stephen King, Ira Levin, Mary Higgins Clark, Donald Westlake, Lawrence Block, P.D. James, Ellery Queen, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Graham Greene, and Agatha Christie.

This year, I was pleased to learn that one of my favorite mystery writers is being honored as a Grand Master — Bill Pronzini. Pronzini's works are reliably excellent, book after book. His Nameless Detective series is one of my favorites. If you haven't read it, give it a try. If only for the sheer fun of seeing how Pronzini succeeds in creating a detective whose name is never revealed.