When I was young, I envied girls who were thinner than me, or more popular, or more athletic. I envied girls who seemed more comfortable in their skin than I was in mine. I envied girls who weren't oddballs and who had the confidence I lacked.

Now, I envy people who can read faster than I do, who can tear through a book in a day.

I used to be a faster reader. But as a writer, I read more critically. I can't just lose myself in a book. While reading, I'm thinking about how the author accomplished this or that, how the author made me gasp with surprise or joy, or how the author blew it.

Also, by the time I can quit for the day and curl up with a book, it's usually around nine-thirty or ten at night. I'm exhausted. One chapter, and I'm drifting off to sleep--even if it's a good book!

So, to all of you who read quickly--oh, how I envy you!