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I'm going to get back to the original topic. I can't say with precision how many books I actually read, but it's a lot. I can't say with any precision how quickly I read, but it is fairly fast. If I had to guess I would say my reading varies between 3 and 7 books a week, depending on the category or genre of the books and their particular characteristics. We all read differently and I offer no criticism of how others like to read. Personally I read purely for my own pleasure and education. By education I mean provoking thought and exploring ideas rather than simply imparting information. I have zero interest in setting targets or goals, or the speed at which I read or the number of books. To me reading is for enjoyment. If I'm not enjoying a book after giving it a fair chance I will abandon reading it. Life is short and books are cheap, at least in monetary terms. I'm also not interested in what the critics or gatekeepers think I should be reading. I have read virtually all of the classics, with some notable exceptions, but am not generally a fan of modern literary fiction which IMHO far too often seems to sacrifice plot in favour of exhaustive character development, excruciating descriptions of people and locations and moves at a glacial pace. There are, of course, exceptions.
I am not deluded enough to equate reading with breathing, but to me the two do have similarities. Reading to me is an almost essential part of my life and integrated into it. I always have my ereader close by and am always part way through a book. I finish one and start the next. Sometimes I will have two or more books "in progress". Lately I've even developed the habit of listening to Audiobooks whilst driving, attending to things around the house or even on a sleep timer on going to bed.
I could of course live without books. Reading is not like breathing in that way. But my life would be far less rich and satisfying.
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