38 Books

According to my bookshelf on Shelfari, I read 38 books in 2010.  That meant an average of three books a month.  The books I read were mostly non-fiction - that seems to be my genre of choice of late - and their subject matter was wide-ranging.  If I had to pick a favorite read for 2010, it was "Appetite for America" by Stephen Fried.

I really enjoyed this book.  It's the story of Fred Harvey and the dining/hotel empire he built along the railroads through the western United States.  It was one of those books I could not put down but was one I didn't read quickly.  I found myself savoring each page, soaking in the history and imagery Fried captured.

It was also an incredible primer on customer service.  The Harvey empire was built in the late 19th century and early 20th century but Harvey's customer service principles are as solid and applicable today as they were then.  I can think of one hideous airline based in Arizona that would do well to have their customer-facing staff read this book.  But then again, it wouldn't make a difference.  (Sadly, I have to fly said airline at the end of the month...I'm already dreading it.)

It's early in 2011 and I'm almost done with my first book of the year, "Bloody Crimes" by James Swanson and it's amazing.  Incredible story of Lincoln's funeral train and Jefferson Davis' run from the Union.  The juxtaposition is making for a gripping read.  So the reading year is off to a good start.  It remains to be seen if I best the 38 read in 2010.  Either way, I'm looking forward to a good year of reads.