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This week's book was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

I'm not going to talk much about the book itself because if I do I'll pop. Someone I know needs to read the book. Immediately. I am desperate to discuss it with someone. Anyone. PLEASE. For the love of all things holy I have to talk to someone about this.

Anyways...

I keep thinking of things to say about the book but I know that's a terrible idea because I'll give too much away.

So I'm going to talk about the impact of the project on my life, now that I'm 4 weeks into it.

That's safe. That doesn't have spoiler alerts.

It's funny, the impact this challenge is having on my life.

Earlier today I went to church. I brought my Kindle with me, along with my Panera gift cards; every Christmas Santa brings Kara & I gift cards to restaurants and Starbucks. They're pretty much my saving grace when things are tight financially. Sometimes a girl needs a treat (that really isn't a treat).

I spent two hours sitting in a Panera today, reading.

Yesterday I spent two hours watching Bob's Burgers at home on Netflix.

Bob's Burgers, though a good show, left me feeling sad, like I wasn't doing anything. Gone Girl left me feeling like I'd done something productive.

Y'all, reading for pleasure is important. I'd forgotten just how important it was until this challenge.

Now I remember.

I remember how much fun it is to dream up my own story because honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about the past two books.
I remember how much I learn about human nature and good grammar and life in general outside of my bubble.
I remember how I travel to somewhere that a TV show could never take me to, how I poke around inside someone else's head and live someone else's life for a little while. I remember
I remember how I feel smarter for having spent two hours reading instead of dumber for having wasted two hours in front of the TV.
I remember how I love to tell stories of my own.
I remember how to get swept up in something bigger than my own worries.
I remember how I am constantly challenged to find my voice, to make sure my grammar is correct, and to ensure that my story is believable.

Instead of turning on the TV, grab a book. Read for a while. I promise you won't regret it.

Just someone please pick up Gone Girl because, really, I'm dying over here. When you're picking out your next book, please think of me curled up in a corner, rocking and muttering about how all I want in the world is someone to discuss Gone Girl with me. Don't let the 400+ pages intimidate you. They go by fast. I promise.

Image from here.