I am going to set a "cheat" New Years Resolution. Part of it is just going with the flow. You know how sometimes in your life things come in, then they go out, then they come back in? That is what happened with me and reading.

I have always been an avid reader. Ask anyone who knows me well-I used to never watch TV and read tons of books. For some reason the last few years I've been reading less. I blamed it a bit on the job - I am in front of the computer more than ever and I just don't feel like reading at the end of the day. A few times I pushed myself to get back into it, but it didn't last.

Then something happened in December. I started reading again. It just happened naturally. It has continued, so I am going to make this my "cheat" New Years Resolution. If you have something you're just starting anyways, and want to continue - I highly encourage adopting this as a new years resolution - you already have a head start!

What types of books? I like having a variety. I love the fluff/vacation/not important literature books. Think Sex & the City. Easy reads, no need to totally focus, an escape. I also get sucked into life advice/self help type books. Whether for business or personal or spiritual - always trying to learn and grow. Finally, I mix in some "real" books. Those that actually win important awards. Those that book club may have a serious discussion about. Those you could mention on an interview, etc.

So, as I am reading more, I'll share with you.

What books have you read recently that you love? Thanks for advice!

Image above is from Simon Breitbard Fine Arts and is in a St. Helena home. Photo realism oil painting by Jeanne Vadeboncoeur.