As much as I love reading, life has been too packed to do much of it. Summer is one of the most opportune times to do it, at least based on mass media and bookstores' current Summer reading lists.

I was inspired by one of my dear friends to sign up for Borders' rewards program. It's one of those marketing ploys that rewards you with discounts and other things every time you spend some odd dollars. The program basically coaxes you into buying more while allowing the company to grow their bottom line and track your purchases so they know what to stock their stores. Genius, those marketers are!

Another friend recently turned me on to www.goodreads.com. It's an online community for readers. It's like myspace but dedicated to the reading interests of its members...another "aha" idea! You can get periodic updates on your friends' thoughts of books they've read in the past and view their current reading lists. You can also sometimes tell who's been to the Borders' three for two discount table. ha! You know who you are!

All signs point to reading more to keep up my overall health. It's always been a great way for me to escape my crazy life even if it's just for a moment.