I love to read. Most writers do. Books are our drug of choice; the thing we rely on to keep us motivated, inspired, eager to put our own ideas down on paper. Writing can be exhilarating. So can reading. But, like writing, reading is not without its dark side. Read on and I’ll explain.
On more than one occasion in the past I’ve talked about how I read around in a circle, choosing books in different genres and reading some books that aren’t necessarily in my comfort zone. I like a good reading challenge on occasion as I talked about in a recent post. (here’s the link in case you missed it: https://jansenschmidt.wordpress.com/2021/02/15/i-wont-let-it-steal-my-joy/)
There is nothing more exciting than picking up a new story and getting immediately immersed in the imaginary world and connecting with the characters. Some stories take longer than others, but there must be a connection of some sort pretty early on in order to keep turning the pages. If not, put that book down. Get another one. Life’s too short to waste your time reading ho-hum books.
Here’s where the challenge comes in, the hardest part of reading: choosing which book to read next. If you’re like me, you have tons and tons of books to choose from. Why is it so hard to choose the next book? I’m probably going to like any of the ones I choose. I mean, there was a reason I bought them in the first place, right? They sounded intriguing? They are the next book in a series. Something caught my attention at the time of purchase. So why is it so hard to just grab a new book and start reading?
I don’t know about you, but I have to pick up several books and thumb through the pages, reading the cover blurbs, studying the covers, etc. before I fully commit to actually reading it and not just stuffing it back on the shelf.
When I finish an historical, I next look for a western or a thriller, or a biography. As long as I don’t choose another historical, I’m staying consistent with the circular reading pattern. But, should I decide to go with another historical, just to because I can and absolutely no one will even know I broke the cycle, I still have a hard time deciding on a new one.
And, that’s just the actual paper books on my actual shelves. That’s not even taking into consideration the hundreds of books on my Kindle. Those are even harder to choose mostly because you really, truly have to decide based on author, title and cover alone. Unless you open up each book, scroll, scroll, scroll to the blurb page (if there even is one) and then decide from there. It’s much harder to choose an e-book than a paper one. Oh, sure I could take the Kindle into my office and open it and my laptop at the same time and scroll down the list of books on the Kindle, locating them on the Amazon page and reading the description there, but hey – who has that kind of time?
Don’t even get me started on the selection of a new bookmark, once the book choosing portion is complete. I have a huge envelope full of bookmarks in my office. Whenever I start a new book (and I usually have several of them going at the same time mind you) I choose a new and interesting bookmark as well. I put the one I just used in the book I finished in the back of the envelope and select one toward the front of the envelope for the new book I’m about to start. See? Another process.
Reading, it’s more than just turning the pages. It’s an art. An experience. And I’m a bit OCD when it comes to choosing my next reading adventure.
How about you guys? How do you choose your next book? Do you have a process? Do you tend to read the same types of books? The same authors? Do you use bookmarks? Come on, please tell me I’m not the only slightly obsessive reader who coordinates my TBR (to be read) pile with her bookmark collection. Do you buy more books even though you have hundreds you haven’t read yet?
Word of the Day: Estreat
Fun fact about me: I’m always contemplating ways to add another bookshelf in every single room of my house.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, March 2021. Images by Google and giphy.com.
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Don’t even get me started on the miles of books waiting for me to read them…and then I buy more. More! I’m definitely a mood reader, at least when it comes to choosing which book to read next. The only exception are new releases from my handful of ultimate favorite authors. Those always go to the top of the list. In fact, I just spent most of the weekend binging on The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop, stayed up too late and still have a couple of chapters to go. I should have been attending to my weekend to-do list, but you know. Books and reading trump chores.
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Oh my yes – books and reading always take precedence over chores. Always. However, now that the weather is so nice here, it’s hard not to just sit on the porch, close my eyes and listen to nature. That’s a close second in my book.
Thanks for visiting. Have a great rest of the week and choose wisely my friend.
Patricia
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I’m a binge reader. If I find a good book I’m done with it quickly. Then I won’t read for a while and then bam! Another quickie. Mostly non-fiction but an occasional mystery (like yours).
You know, there’s a support group for people who buy far more books than they can possibly read. It’s called Optimist International. Oh wait, that’s a service organization. Never mind.
P.S. Your play on words in your response to CJ did not go unnoticed.
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I’ve always thought of myself as an overachiever, so Optimist International is certainly a group for me. And, I am well-intentioned. When I buy more books, it is always with the intent on reading them. Some day. I’ll get around to them eventually.
I’m glad you change up your reading habits to include my books. That warms my heart. Thanks for your support.
And, thank you for your optimism as well. That’s why I’m particularly fond of you. (wink)
Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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Patricia… I take my recommendations from my students during the school year because I just want to read stuff that they do to figure out what they are thinking. My latest read is Astrophysics for young people in a hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson because I’ll be doing a book club when we get back to school with a small group of boys and girls. I use GoodReads to track my reading, but like many things in my life I am woefully behind and focusing on the urgent and not necessarily the important. I’ve read a few of your recent posts and not commented… it’s a lame excuse, i always enjoy your perspective. take care and stay well. Peace.
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Good for you Clay, trying to stay in touch with today’s youth. That is so important.
I also use GoodReads to track my reading progress. I am also woefully behind, but that’s probably because I had big expectations of myself and my reading goals. At least I’m reading.
Thanks for always checking in. I appreciate knowing others are at least taking the time to read my random thoughts.
Take care. Have a wonderful rest of the week and enjoy your book club.
Patricia
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