A couple of weeks ago I was lamenting the fact that I never seemed to have time to read.

A few days later, I was granted that time when I came down with the crud that is the flu. I read three books in the first four days of my bedrest, including this month’s book club selection. That one, I can proudly say, I completed in one day. One day. All 536 pages of it.

Keep in mind that it wasn’t tiny type and it would not be considered single-spaced either. It also had a very compelling storyline, although it took me a few pages to get into it. The biggest plus for me was that it was set in Chicago, referencing tons of places that I knew, including our favorite restaurant, Reza’s. (Go to the one on Clark Street.)

After those first four days, though, I couldn’t stand to look at another book. Instead, I occupied the rest of my sick time with reruns of “Dawson’s Creek” and “Law & Order.” What better way to spend the extra hours I was handed?