I HAVE to read a lot of books. I join book juries like other people go to AA meetings. Anywhere that has a stack of books to read I'm there. Of course, sometimes I end up running from the room screaming for mercy because most books just aren't that good.

So when I get a chance to read for just my own pleasure I'm happy as a...fill in a metaphor of your choice.

I just started Patry Francis' book THE LIARS DIARY because it seemed like the perfect title for a book to read during the presidential campaign. But soon, of course, I could see the book is more than just a book cover with a political statement I can make on public transportation on the way to work.

I'm amazed at the way Francis slips me into the deep waters of emotion between her main characters and keeps me there even though I have to hold my breath.

I have to stop writing now so I can finsih reading.