Define value? We talk and read a great deal about valuing things, generally to define tangible assets, houses, jewellery, cars, electronics, and investments.

But how do you put a value on entertainment or any human experience? Attending a movie, a play, watching TV, a ballgame, a concert leaves an impression, or a lesson lasting sometimes that of a lifetime. Can reading be included? Nowadays, we all tend to gravitate toward the more passive pastimes, possibly because our lives are so hectic and these require no energy, no concentration, no involvement. Reading demands concentration, absorption and commitment to thousands of concurrent thought processes.

Consider that reading is good for the soul, not to mention a constant upgrade of your skills (and your vocabulary with the right books) for work environment advancement. Researching illiteracy on the Web turns up some interesting statistics: the UK education statistics estimates one in five adults is functionally illiterate: the United States illiteracy rate is down to 5.5% of the population and Sweden, a small country of almost nine million, less than one percent cannot read. How have the Swedes managed such a triumphant achievement?

Reading ? discovered is one of the greatest joys and cheapest values around today, waiting to be discovered. I value great reads first by cost: free, then used, cheap, educational, and lastly those forever treasures to be read again and again. My rating system goes like this. Will this book provide anticipation, interest and enlightenment - preferably accompanied by a box of chocolates or better yet, a pint of great vanilla ice cream? These bad eating while reading habits were refined as a child living near the Freeza Fresh ice cream store where we had everything to gain by sneaking off with a precious book (and a treat) into the reading corner.endless hours spent reading are best enjoyed when there is no cost to borrowed books, salvaged books, and free books. How many remember eagerly waiting to get the Funny Pages in the newspapers, just to read the cartoons and shortened novels? The New York Times have brought back the serial novel with one of my very favorite authors, Elmore Leonard, 80 years young. Staged in 14 chapters with the last one December 18, you can still download the entire novel ?for free from his website www.elmoreleonard.com. Printed on coloured paper and wrapped with a sparkly ribbon, this is a wonderful thoughtful gift written by an author who toiled in total obscurity for 23 years before being discovered by the masses. He still writes every single day, and looks 15 years younger than his real age. While there is definitely a youthful exuberance derived from continuous intellectual activity, possibly the small fortune he has made having various thrillers, such as ? made into a movie surely has relieved his financial comfort stress. Let me know if you like it and be sure to watch the New York Times, coming in January, a serialised novel by groovy gory bestseller, Patricia Cornwall. investment reads are found on the entire website of www.smartuniversity.com along with www.investopedia.com where the curriculum ranges from very, very basic to the extremely knowledgeable seasoned trader. Cost ? internet access, printer ink and printer as all articles can be saved in book format. For a slightly higher price ($25-30 BMD), but certainly less than the cost of a single dinner, David Bach, ? is a motivating challenging book that will jumpstart progress toward definable financial goals. While it appears to be somewhat plain vanilla, it is also full of financial vignette successes that help couples identify, discuss and solve their financial issues.how can I describe these timeless reading worlds, but like loyal old friends, steady, strong, deep and always interesting. There are so many, and they can be found anywhere: second hand book stores such as ? yard sales, dump runs, and so on. Wherever they are, if they fit your criteria, grab them quick and treasure them always! Some classic favourites, Maurice Sendak: ?, and ? by Georges Remi a.k.a. ; Richard Scarry: ? by Sidney Sheldon, still in print 30-40 years on. Anything by Elmore Leonard, John Le Carre , innovator of sparse phrases such as when referring to an unreliable politician as a man with We have saved them all for posterity.

There is a real difference between a quick summer read, and a treasure. You know the type, read one, read them all. The treasure is timeless, for the turn of phrase or construction of plot. describes island life and culture as if time stood still, even to the stopping in the middle of the road with no warning ? for a chat.? Written by Herman Wouk in 1965, this novel is incredibly insightful into the island temperament and thought process. I consider it as serious a work today as the Caine Mutiny.

Don?t want to take the time to read? You don?t know what you are missing. Reading is constant stimulus to the intellect thought process and is creative amusement that all of us have, but fewer and fewer of use take the time to use. Reading keeps you young and smart. Reading inspires philosophical thought, religion, and science. Reading is the cheapest form of entertainment ever because it lasts and lasts. It can literally change your life, especially when you learn to read for the first time.

One of my treasures is a story that is stunningly sad, shocking and wonderful all at the same time. It is the true account, told in his own words, of the life of George Dawson. ?, he said as he enrolled in school to learn to read. How old was he? 98 years old, having survived the post-slavery south, segregation, raising and educating four children and three spouses, he still yearned to be educated. You will love this modest man; he is a true hero for the ages.

Give, buy, borrow, use, read books ? and enjoy your holiday.

@EDITRULE:

Martha Harris Myron CPA/PFS CFP? is a VP and Senior Private Banker, Private Client Services, Bank of Bermuda Member HSBC Group. She specialises in providing financial solutions for individuals and their families.

She can be reached at Confidential email can be directed to marthamyron@northrock.bm