Can Book Worms become Experts?

I am not sure when it happened but I LOVE to read. It must have been in my early 20's when I started reading self-help books. And still, I don't know when or why this happened! I think the first book I read voluntarily was The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen Covey . The rest is history...

I've been going to therapy for pretty much half of my life. And for different reasons. Fortunately I haven't been dealing with the same issue for 14 years, or am I? So anyway, as part of my therapy I was asked to read several books that had to do with whatever issue I was dealing with at the moment. And that lead to even more books. My brother-in-law also likes to read and we swapped books. Eventually I discovered Booksfree.com and I became even more obsessed with reading. It's pretty much a Netflix but for books lovers. My highlight was last year when I read 16 books in total. That's my personal best. I figured it would be a great idea to challenge myself, and read at least 17 books this year! Go Ruthy!

It's October 13th and I haven't even read 8 books. Needless to say I am a bit disappointed in myself. But I'll get over it. I guess the fact that we've had so many things going on at the same time in the past months PLUS my collection of magazine subscriptions makes it harder to read as much. At any given moment I could have 10-12 magazines waiting to be read. I am somewhat anal, meaning I can be compulsive in terms of control and order. Having said that, I have a lot of trouble reading a magazine in any other order than that in which it arrived. Sure, this means that sometimes I am reading about fashion and it turn out that by the time I finish it, it's already OUT of fashion. Or some celebrity finally said she is pregnant and by the time I read the article the bundle of joy has already been photographed and his parents have some additional millions in their bank account!

So getting back to my reading... I wonder if reading self-help and motivational books actually helps us become better, smarter, more compassionate people. Just a few days ago a friend of mine was having a hard day with his girlfriend. They have very different personalities and therefore approach fights or mere differences in an explosive way. And here I was, scratching my head and digging into my library (hypothetically) trying to remember anything I might have read that could actually be of help. And guess what? Several lines, books, and advices came out. But then again, that doesn't mean anything, right? This morning this friend called me as usual and proceeded to thank me for everything I told him. He said they way he's approaching his relationship has changed completely and even his girlfriend notices it! She even wondered who told him something. Thank God he kept quiet because after all, she is my friend also... well, actually she's family.

This got me thinking, maybe I can start a love line and charge $.99 a minute and maybe, just maybe, I can buy one of those trendy fashion staples before they go out of style.