worms.

Worms. Something I can identify with in many degrees. Though I am speaking of a certain type of worm, the episode on the Office where Creed supposedly gives Kelly a tape worm only to reveal later, "that was no worm," is one such instance where I find worms can bring laughter to my life.

Now you may be thinking, "what is she getting at?" Of course, of course... I am getting there. I am speaking of a more healthy and quite dear to my heart, bookworm.

bookworm |ˈboŏkˌwərm|
noun
1 informal a person devoted to reading.
2 the larva of a wood-boring beetle that feeds on the paper and glue in books.

I am going to go ahead and claim the first definition as the one I can personally identify with. As I was thinking yesterday of my love for books, I decided a "Top Ten Ways You Can Know You're a Bookworm" would be of service to those out there who ride the fence and are unsure if their status as an official "bookworm" is certain.

Top Ten Ways You Can Know You're a Bookworm

10. It is commonplace to have a stack of 4 or 5 books by your bed that you read in cycles, none of which are required for class.
9. The prized decor in your house or room are the numerous shelves of your favorite books.
8. You have on multiple occasions foregone group hangouts on a Friday night because you "need to stay at home" all because the book you are reading sounds much more appealing.
7. When traveling your "carry on" weighs over 20 lbs. because it is holding your weighty/ but-oh-so-necessary 4 or 5 books that exceeded the weight allowance in your checked luggage.
6. You keep a running list of books you have read, are currently reading, and want to read.
5. You have been caught reading things with your head cocked sideways when it is unnecessary, because bookstore habit has taught you it is the quickest way to walk down an aisle, with your head just slightly tilted.
4. You strategically leave your wallet in the car outside our favorite bookstores in hopes of not spending money, then return to your car to get your wallet because "that" book was on such a "good" sale that passing it up would be completely uncalled for.
3. Barnes & Noble or Half Price Books would be a very appealing date... or better yet, both in the same night!
2. You carry a larger bag with you in order to have a book on hand in case lines are too long or you find yourself sitting in a waiting room for more than 5 minutes. Prime opportunity to get a few pages done.
1. You are willing and very much capable of unashamedly making a "Top Ten List for Bookworms" and posting on the World Wide Web, only to solidify forever your status as a true nerd, ahem, I mean bookworm.

Man... that was fun. But now a list of some of the books I read this past year, if I write them, I recommend them (and for ease, I recommend them in the order listed... and the nerdiness continues):

• "The Divine Conspiracy" by Dallas Willard
• "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan
• "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis
• "Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer
• "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo
• "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy
• "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
  
• "The Da Vince Code" & "Deception Point" by Dan Brown
  

I have this sinking feeling that I am forgetting a really good book... things slip my mind incredibly too easily. I will inform the world as my memory informs me...