Every Monday Matters: Read a book!

By Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza

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Book sales are down. Way down. But it doesn't mean that people aren't reading. Actually, with the hundreds of millions of people constantly reading their text messages, personal and work e-mails, Facebook messages and Tweets, reading probably has increased.

Just not the kind of reading we are referring to here. Not the kind of reading that allows you to sit quietly and drift off to a faraway fictional land or learn something about history or business or relationships. This type of reading is a dying breed, yet it is such a vital part of us ... as both individuals and a culture. And for Nancy Rielsen of Salt Lake City, it is a part of her life that she never will give up.

A year ago, Nancy and a group of six women decided to start a book club. These were all mothers who would see one another at school events, practices and birthday parties, but their only common bond was their children -- or so they thought.

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"One day at our kids' soccer practice, I told two of my friends about a great book that I was reading, and that simple comment started this whole thing," Nancy said. "One of them had already read it and the other was just getting started. I was halfway done. It sparked a 30-minute conversation about the book, which, in turn, led to even more."

Through their conversation, the three realized that they all loved to read but kind of "ran out of time" to do it as much as they would like.

"Being a mom gets pretty busy and it is so easy to drop everything you used to love doing," said Nancy. "Don't get me wrong, it is a labor of love and a privilege to be a mother, but I definitely have my moments when I miss the free time to do the things I love. Reading was one of those things."

A few days after their discussion at soccer practice, Nancy came up with the idea of starting a book club for her friends and any other moms who wanted to join.

"I just figured that if it was something we all did together, we could hold each other accountable to really doing it," Nancy said.

"Plus, I thought it would be fun and a great bonding thing for us."

It appears that Nancy tapped into something greater than she thought. The group started with six women. Some of the women loved reading, while others didn't at all, but there was something about doing it together and the sense of camaraderie that made it something they all wanted to do.

"We are having the best time with it," Nancy said. "We meet every Tuesday night for two hours. First, we talk about the book we are reading, and then we share everything under the sun. You know how we women aren't afraid to talk."

And now, in just one year, what was a book club of six is now 15 women. Fifteen new best friends. Fifteen women who have found away to create something new ... something they love. Reading and friends matter.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

1. Read a book you've never read. If you don't have one on your shelf, go to the library or bookstore, or order one online.

2. Join a book club or start one with your friends or co-workers.

3. Give books to people as gifts.

Reading is like exercising -- mental and physical benefits flourish with regular practice. Reading improves language skills, vocabulary and spelling skills; it introduces new ideas, perspectives and information; it staves off the effects of aging by keeping your mind active; it provides a vehicle for mental escape and creativity; and it relaxes, entertains and inspires your soul. Take time out to read today.

Visit EveryMondayMatters.com to buy the book, get involved, book a speaking engagement and share your stories about making a difference in the world. You matter.