Recording on Goodreads is an easy way to keep track of what I read, but the challenge has never been an impetus to get me reading. The challenge I began on January 1st was personal: to be a more compassionate person, and to keep from letting the news take over my life, which at best was a waste of time, and at worst added negative energy to the world. I am satisfied that I have adhered to this personal challenge, and am amused by the number of books I’ve read. For certain, reading is an essential element in writing.