Is it cheating to read only 100-pagers with large type?

[Rebecca]

I just joined this group. I am curious to see what being Andy Henroid is like.

Interestingly, I, too, like to make specific goals like this. For example, this month I challenged myself to read ten books. So far I've found myself picking up several 100-pagers with multiple chapter breaks. Is this cheating?

[Andy]

Rebecca, my 7th grade Advanced English teacher imparted a bit of wisdom on this topic. I hadn't read "Huck Finn" but tried to make up the oral report there standing at the podium. I was in the hall, sobbing, after being publicly unmasked as a liar. She leaned down to me and said, "Andy, you're only cheating yourself." And then she added, "But I'll still have to give you an F." Rebecca, for God's sake, learn from my mistakes!

[Mark]

You got an "F" for "Faker." Serves you right, you big faker.

[Rebecca]

Okay, I really resent being compared to a snotty-nosed kid who didn't read Huck Finn. At least I DID read my 100-page books! And one was by Susan Sontag! If this is what Being Andy Henroid is like, I want no part of it!

[Christi]

If you just want to say you read ten books, just SAY it! Stop qualifying how long the book has to be etcetera etcetera. Goals are goals. Some people can't even wake up in the morning because they don't have ANY goals! It's time to live! I read 1 book this month and plan to finish a second! I cannot fail.

[Rebecca]

Oh, but you can fail, Christi. What if you choose a 5,000 page book? You might not finish it and then you will not fulfill your goal to read a second book.

[Christi]

I would never do that to myself. I want to succeed.

[Rebecca]

Point taken. I think we can agree that Andy Henroid is wrong.

[Andy]

Rebecca, as soon as I figure out the technology, I'm booting you from this group. Dissent will not be tolerated here.