I was a reading obsessed kid, but for many years I have not been reading much. I still love books and take them home from the library all the time, but either I don't read them or they are nonfiction to peruse rather than fiction to get lost in. BUT, I find myself getting back to it! Maybe it's the audio books I use to get me through chores. Maybe it's just the desire to be a reader again. I think it has something to do with the reminder I made to read A Pocketful of Prose on Sunday mornings, and my new little ritual is waking something up in me. I've been considering scheduling time to read, but i think it may be more important to make that cozy space that I want to be in. Thank you for the suggestion - it has come to me at just the right time!
I was that kid who was always reading and my love for books has never faded. I used to reread books all the time when I was a kid and even now I have books that I've finished reading and then immediately started rereading because they were just that good. There are also books that I've struggled to finish and finally a few years ago, I had the realization that if I'm really not interested in a book, there's no law against putting it down 🤪
Thank you for this. It’s like you read my mind (haha) because I haven’t been able to focus enough to read lately, and I have an entire stack of books waiting for me. Maybe I’ll try re-reading a favorite to get back into my groove!
Love that! Audio books might work too. I also like saying it’s not me, it’s you and going through books until you find one that captures your interest. This post was precedented by me finally returning several overdue books I had to admit to myself I just wasn’t going to read.
Try audiobooks! I can't seem to read the way I once did. If I can even find/make the time to sit down with a book, I often fall asleep. I listen to books while doing mindless chores, and I get all the joy I used to get from reading print.
# 2 is a theme I’ve followed most of my 60+ years as a reader. I have several “comfort” books that I turn to when I’m sick or otherwise not able to give full attention to what I’m reading. The familiar story and words are soothing and, sometimes I even get something new even when it’s the 6th or 7th time I’ve read them.
Thank you for this post. I was an avid reader as a adolescent and young adult. And always had a public library card . It was a place of peace. My love for books remains. This article inspired me to consider my way back to full on book reading. So next chapter.📚 🌞
I love this, Mary! I was actually just thinking about this because I brought home a stack of books from indie bookstore day and didn’t have space for all of them on my shelves. What I did see on my shelves were about a dozen books that fill me with guilt every time I look at them because it’s been years in some cases and I haven’t gotten around to reading them.
And I thought to myself…my bookcase should make me excited and happy and full of wonder, not guilt! The time might be right for those books later but it’s not right now. So I packed them up and put my new books on the shelves that I’ve already started reading. I’ll revisit the others at some point, or I’ll gift or donate them and it’s all ok.
I'm an avid reader and have been since I learned to read at four. My parents were readers and I couldn't wait to be one myself. Finally, my Dad taught me to read and I was off and running. Many years ago I stopped reading books that I just couldn't get into. No time to waste! I read every day, and every night before bed.
Great tips on reading only what you love! I recently returned a stack of books my neighbor loaned me. I didn’t finish one of them. They just weren’t my jam. And that’s okay. I read enough (sometimes more than enough because I felt obligated), and finally gave myself permission to set them aside. I have too many books I want to read without being bogged down by ones that don’t grab me. My neighbor needn’t know. I thanked him for the loans and moved on with my reading life.
I do sometimes fall into the book triage trap ... when the books I've requested come in all at once and I've found other things when visiting the library ...I tend to give top billing to the books I waited for that are due first, even if there are other things I want to read more at the moment.
just finished The Other March Sisters. I started it a few days ago and after spending sometime in the garden, I sat on the porch and devoured the rest.
I'm also remembering that I love rereading. I made it a goal this year because it's so easy to get caught up in new books. It's interesting to see what feels new when you read a book again.
When my older daughter was born, I reread all my favorites from my childhood, partially with the idea of reading them to her some day, but largely because they were easy and comfortable and if my brain wasn't fully there I knew the stories well enough to not miss things.
♥️ I love that story about when your daughter was born. Thanks for sharing! I’m terrible about returning library books so I don’t have the triage problem, but I will hold on way too long.
Yes to every word of this post! And thanks for the shoutout. Next time we hang out, can we discuss The Baby-Sitters Club the entire time? Please say yes.
Omg I also loved the Babysitter club books (main character had my name, so I was immediately interested) and made handmade flyers that failed at like 9! 😂 Definitely hooked us on reading. My husband laughs because I take out stacks of library books and return stacks of library books…after reading only one. If they don’t interest me after two chapters, I’m out.
Good for you to be so clear on what you like and what you don’t. I am trying to get there. I feel like the baby-sitter’s club story and the flyers is just another example of how we are kindred spirits, and I love it.
I was a reading obsessed kid, but for many years I have not been reading much. I still love books and take them home from the library all the time, but either I don't read them or they are nonfiction to peruse rather than fiction to get lost in. BUT, I find myself getting back to it! Maybe it's the audio books I use to get me through chores. Maybe it's just the desire to be a reader again. I think it has something to do with the reminder I made to read A Pocketful of Prose on Sunday mornings, and my new little ritual is waking something up in me. I've been considering scheduling time to read, but i think it may be more important to make that cozy space that I want to be in. Thank you for the suggestion - it has come to me at just the right time!
I’m so glad. I’m also super honored to be part of your Sunday morning ritual. 🥰
I was that kid who was always reading and my love for books has never faded. I used to reread books all the time when I was a kid and even now I have books that I've finished reading and then immediately started rereading because they were just that good. There are also books that I've struggled to finish and finally a few years ago, I had the realization that if I'm really not interested in a book, there's no law against putting it down 🤪
🥰 I still struggle with this. 🤣
Thank you for this. It’s like you read my mind (haha) because I haven’t been able to focus enough to read lately, and I have an entire stack of books waiting for me. Maybe I’ll try re-reading a favorite to get back into my groove!
Love that! Audio books might work too. I also like saying it’s not me, it’s you and going through books until you find one that captures your interest. This post was precedented by me finally returning several overdue books I had to admit to myself I just wasn’t going to read.
Try audiobooks! I can't seem to read the way I once did. If I can even find/make the time to sit down with a book, I often fall asleep. I listen to books while doing mindless chores, and I get all the joy I used to get from reading print.
I love your 100 guideline!
I agree. In my revision of this post, audiobooks would definitely make the list. I love a good audiobook.
# 2 is a theme I’ve followed most of my 60+ years as a reader. I have several “comfort” books that I turn to when I’m sick or otherwise not able to give full attention to what I’m reading. The familiar story and words are soothing and, sometimes I even get something new even when it’s the 6th or 7th time I’ve read them.
So wise Daniel.
Thank you for this post. I was an avid reader as a adolescent and young adult. And always had a public library card . It was a place of peace. My love for books remains. This article inspired me to consider my way back to full on book reading. So next chapter.📚 🌞
Oh, I’m so glad Frances. Thank goodness for public libraries. 🥰
You had me at “The Babysitters Club” lol
I am reading The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh and am absolutely loving it. And you write so beautifully too.
That book looks really good. Thank you Natasha’s, and thanks for reading and saying something nice about my writing.
I love this, Mary! I was actually just thinking about this because I brought home a stack of books from indie bookstore day and didn’t have space for all of them on my shelves. What I did see on my shelves were about a dozen books that fill me with guilt every time I look at them because it’s been years in some cases and I haven’t gotten around to reading them.
And I thought to myself…my bookcase should make me excited and happy and full of wonder, not guilt! The time might be right for those books later but it’s not right now. So I packed them up and put my new books on the shelves that I’ve already started reading. I’ll revisit the others at some point, or I’ll gift or donate them and it’s all ok.
I love this Rachel. I totally fall into the guilt trap and I’m trying to let that go. This is such good inspiration to make space for what we love.
I'm an avid reader and have been since I learned to read at four. My parents were readers and I couldn't wait to be one myself. Finally, my Dad taught me to read and I was off and running. Many years ago I stopped reading books that I just couldn't get into. No time to waste! I read every day, and every night before bed.
Good for you Sandra! I’m trying to get there.
I didn't always have time to read during the day, but I've always read at bedtime. Lifelong habit. May you achieve your reading goals too!
Great tips on reading only what you love! I recently returned a stack of books my neighbor loaned me. I didn’t finish one of them. They just weren’t my jam. And that’s okay. I read enough (sometimes more than enough because I felt obligated), and finally gave myself permission to set them aside. I have too many books I want to read without being bogged down by ones that don’t grab me. My neighbor needn’t know. I thanked him for the loans and moved on with my reading life.
Good job!
I do sometimes fall into the book triage trap ... when the books I've requested come in all at once and I've found other things when visiting the library ...I tend to give top billing to the books I waited for that are due first, even if there are other things I want to read more at the moment.
just finished The Other March Sisters. I started it a few days ago and after spending sometime in the garden, I sat on the porch and devoured the rest.
I'm also remembering that I love rereading. I made it a goal this year because it's so easy to get caught up in new books. It's interesting to see what feels new when you read a book again.
When my older daughter was born, I reread all my favorites from my childhood, partially with the idea of reading them to her some day, but largely because they were easy and comfortable and if my brain wasn't fully there I knew the stories well enough to not miss things.
♥️ I love that story about when your daughter was born. Thanks for sharing! I’m terrible about returning library books so I don’t have the triage problem, but I will hold on way too long.
Yes to every word of this post! And thanks for the shoutout. Next time we hang out, can we discuss The Baby-Sitters Club the entire time? Please say yes.
I’m writing the question on a note and also writing yes and no and I’m circling yes at least five times. Thank for being you!
Omg I also loved the Babysitter club books (main character had my name, so I was immediately interested) and made handmade flyers that failed at like 9! 😂 Definitely hooked us on reading. My husband laughs because I take out stacks of library books and return stacks of library books…after reading only one. If they don’t interest me after two chapters, I’m out.
Good for you to be so clear on what you like and what you don’t. I am trying to get there. I feel like the baby-sitter’s club story and the flyers is just another example of how we are kindred spirits, and I love it.
Thank you for the reminder to find joy in reading.
I have enough obligations in my life.
Crossing off mandatory books or books I think I should read, at least for now, feels good.
♥️