HOW MY READING HABITS HAVE CHANGED IN TEN PLUS YEARS
Reading habits. We all have them. Some are normal. Some are unusual. Perhaps we even have some fun ones. I don’t consider any of my reading habits odd or special. In fact I’m really not sure I have any worth talking about. We’re going to think about this though and see if we can come up with anything worth talking about.
LIST | 14 OF THE BEST FILM AND TV WITCHES WE LOVE MOST
HOW MY READING HABITS HAVE CHANGED IN TEN PLUS YEARS. #Reader #Reading #ReaderHabits #ReadingHabits #Books #TopTen Share on XIt might be a stretch but we’re going to see if we can come up with a handful of reading habits that have changed in the last ten (or longer) years.
HOW MY READING HABITS HAVE CHANGED THESE LAST TEN YEARS
DONATE (AND SELL) BOOKS
I’ve been donating books for a while now and trying to sell them for less time. This is a change because it’s something I used to think I couldn’t do. By this I mean I didn’t think I could get “rid” of a book. I’ve come to the realization that as someone who isn’t a Kindle (I’ve never replaced my broken Fire) or Audio-booker, I cannot just keep everything which includes books, especially true in the case of books if I plan to continue to buy new ones here and there. I mean there’s only so much space plus I love the idea of someone else actually finding and reading the book vs the book just sitting on my shelf as a dust collector.
HAPPY BOOKS
Generally I’m less about serious reading, and more about happy books. It’s not that I want nothing serious in a book or to experience hardship that leads to change with the character, but the book needs to have a generally more upbeat mindset.
I DON’T READ (MUCH) ANYMORE
I’ve gone through ups and downs of reading lots and reading little. In the last four years I’ve been reading very little. I still love books. I still read, but I don’t really read and love the process of reading much anymore. I do want to discover that reading love again, and I just went through a period (this summer) where I made time each day to read, and it was fun. Certain things have kind of soured my former love of reading.
LEARNED WHAT I LIKE
Unlike when I was younger and I would sign up for multiple book review copy opportunities or the books I thought I “should” like because everyone was talking about them. Like many other things that I’m self teaching, I’ve also been teaching myself what I like and what I don’t. It’s been helpful and I think a smart thing to learn what you like.
READING TIME
Years ago, I feel like I used to sit for a long time and just bury my nose in a book. I cannot do this anymore. Either side of an hour is about my limit now. Unless a book is just that good, I feel like that’s the time I can give a book and actually pay attention before I feel guilty or remember all the other things or tasks I should be doing.
REVIEWING BOOKS
Once upon a time reviewing a book wasn’t even a blip on my radar. So in this way, reviewing a book is something I never once thought of back in the day of American Girl book reading. I also try to make it a point to write a review for the books I read even if I don’t publish it.
VARIETY
I used to read books in specific genres like inspirational fiction, and I’ve definitely branched out since then. While I in no way regret reading in only a specific genre for the period of time I did, I also appreciate that I now I can appreciate books outside of this too. Though I’ll fess up, I still love my comfort reads which I consider books by favorite authors who consistently write favorite books.
While none of these may be proper reading habits, per se, they’re what I came up with. And yes, I realize lots are just repeat headings. What are some of the ways your reading habits have changed through the years? Do you have any noticeable things? Are you the same? Comment all of your reading habits below. Let’s talk about them all.
Thank you for visiting; please visit again soon.
PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE
Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl October 22: How My Reading Habits Have Changed Over Time (submitted by Lydia)
I lost my reading mojo for years and years. And then I found a obok which led me back home to reading. I hope the same happens for you.
That’s always the best feeling. :)
I like audiobooks specifically so I can get things accomplished while also reading. I hope you have a great week.
Here’s my TTT if you wish to visit – https://justanothergirlandherbooks.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-tuesday-books-on-my-tbr-longest.html
So many readers love audiobooks and I love that! I’ve listened to MAYBE ten (I don’t think it’d that many) through the years. I did enjoy them (the quality, production), but feel like I miss a lot of the story this way too. I’m sure I’ll keep trying them though because I love the idea of “reading” while getting work done. :)
I think most of us have had a period where they really slow down or even stop reading. Perhaps you need to find the thing that will excite you about books again. As you said it’s important to learn what you like – not what everyone else likes! – maybe your tastes have shifted, and you’ll eventually find the right book to pull you back.
I have been learning what I like in the last 5 or so years and of course I still pick books that don’t suit, but overall I think I’m learning that there are certain books I like and those are the ones I enjoy best! It’s helpful. This past summer I did take the time to rad for an hour or so each day for five or so days of the week which I enjoyed. I kind of fell away from this because of other things but I’ll pick it up again eventually. :)
It was great reading about your reading habits. I feel the same way about happy books. For me, even if the story is emotional and dark at times, I need there to be a happy ending.
If you’d like to visit, here’s my TTT: https://thebooklorefairy.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-tuesday-new-reading-habits.html
Same here! I don’t mind going through some strife that leads to character growth BUT I want there to be plenty of happiness too. :)
I think all readers go through periods where they only want to read a specific genre. This year, I found myself getting burned out on high-stakes historical fiction. What does that mean? Books are set in France and Germany during WWII, where everyone is afraid they’re going to die for saying or doing the wrong thing.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/the-is-have-it-ten-titles-starting-with-i/
I would agree, Pam. We do all go through the certain genre periods. I do really like Sarah Sundin’s historical fiction but her books are nearly all set during the World War so yeah, there is always that “tense” storytelling wondering if everyone will be ok. :)
A great list. I go through reading a couple of books a week to maybe one a week. It depends on time and if I’m panic reading. I suppose in a way I don’t have time not to read because I do Blog Tours and request Netgalley books! When I was going through my reading slump I purposely booked Blog Tours to see if I would come out the other side 😂 (which I did!)
Have a lovely week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2024/10/22/top-ten-tuesday-how-my-reading-habits-have-changed-over-time/
This past summer I took an hour or so during the week to read some and it was great! That’s kind of fallen away because I had other things come up but it was fun and something I plan to reincorporate into my days again. Just need to make the time. :) I used to be on blog tours too and while I did love that I also find that I don’t mind not being on them and instead reading something I get to pick up. :)
I can relate to donating books, I do the same thing. I do read a lot less now but I feel like it’s for a different reason than you. You mentioned being able to branch out and I’m exactly the opposite, I feel like I need to read in my comfort zone or I won’t want to read. Everything else feels forced.
There are certainly genres I DON’T like but, for example, in my teen years I used to read SO much historical fiction. Now I rarely read historical and find I enjoy some “cozy” mysteries and contemporary, which is currently my favorite. I also read the odd fantasy book but it’s been a while since I read in that genre! I’m all about my comfort genres/authors though. I love being certain (or as certain as a reader can be) that I’m about to discover a new favorite. :)
Donating books is one I hadn’t thought about but I have done this more over the last year or so. One reason is I’m running out of bookshelf space! When I finish a book I now ask myself realistically will I ever read it again? Or is it special in some way, e.g. signed. If not, it foes in the pile for the charity bookshop. I Gift Aid them as well so the charity can claim back extra & I get to know how much my books raise when they’re sold.
I never used to donate books! I don’t think I really thought about it one way or another. But I’m SO glad I do now. I usually let the boxes sit for too long but when finally they are dropped off it’s a nice feeling. Always hopeful someone will find the “right” book and enjoy. :)
I have times when I don’t read much either. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words earlier!
It’s all the “ups and downs” of reading, right? :) Always appreciate you visiting!
I like to keep things less sad and serious too. And I love my comfort reads! They are necessary at times!
I don’t mind reading a book that has serious issues, but the driving genre or force has to be more “happy.” It’s just the kind of reading I like best which I think also leads to more of those comfort reads, too. :)
I noticed that the genres I choose are similar to those I chose even as a kid–a lot of historical fiction and time travel. Here’s my TTT: https://bonniereadsandwrites.com/2024/10/22/top-ten-tuesday-how-my-reading-habits-have-changed-over-time/comment-page-1/#comment-10023
That’s cool! I’m all about comfort reading. I should have added to my list that I have a specific genre I don’t read anymore… which is historical. :) I used to read that A LOT and now it’s a rare genre for me to pick up.
Reviewing books is relatively new for me as well. Back when I still had physical books, I loved to pass them along. It felt like a gift in a small package. For me, I did a lot of trading at used book stores. I’ve never kept my books, but it’s unlikely that I’ll read them again. And as you pointed out, there is the storage issue.
Space is definitely an issue! There are periods where books are stacked on the floor beside the shelves. I enjoy having books and I think I’d even like a “proper” albeit small kind of home library space (someday!) but I would still only want to curate a collection of books I either love or have high expectations for. I use to lend out my books to my aunt but she’d bring them back unless I told her that I didn’t care if she returned it. When I donate books my hope is someone will find a book that shows them how fun reading can be. :)
I donate and sell a lot of my books that I’m not planning on keeping to reread as well.
I didn’t used to do this… but I’ve come to (thankfully) realize that keeping *everything* isn’t something I have space (literal or mental) for and I think it’s good to be able to let things go now and then. :)
I used to have all the time in the world to read and now either I can’t concentrate or I have adult obligations to fulfill.
Those adult things do creep in, don’t they? I was reading for an hour or so during the summer but then something unexpected came up and I’ve been busy with that. But I plan to get back to that schedule soon! :)
I feel the same way about happy books! I used to read a lot more serious or sad books, but over time I’ve just come to embrace the ‘happy’ books and now it’s the biggest chunk of my reading :)
I love my happy reads! If I discover a book has a sad ending I’m less likely to give it a second glance. ;) All about the more upbeat stories in the world.
I hear you on variety and reading time. Growing older also seems to mean less time to read generally and I’ve been thinking of it as a “slump”… but really, maybe it’s just my new reading habit? As for donating & selling books, I think that’s a great idea that I should explore as well
Good point! I would agree. Our lessened time for reading is a new reading habit for sure. It fits. :) I never used to donate (or sell) books but I’ve found it a good way to unload some I didn’t love or the books I’ll never reread. :)
I feel the same about reading happy books. The world is too scary. So I choose to escape into a different world…one with a guaranteed happily ever after ending. 😀
I’m all about that good happy ending! :)
Great list! Do you think reviewing got in the way of your reading enjoyment?
My TTT: https://laurieisreading.com/2024/10/22/top-ten-tuesday-how-my-reading-habits-have-changed-over-time/
Good question! I don’t think reviewing got in the way. I wasn’t reviewing (at least not from publishers) NEARLY as much as I used to when reading lagged. It was more about the culture of reading and some specific things I saw. I let it kind of “ruin” my enjoyment but I still LOVE books! :)
A few years ago, I started making it a point to review every book I read on Goodreads. I do it right after I finish a book so my thoughts are fresh. That way, I have a record of what I’ve read, what I liked or didn’t like about it, whether I want to read more from the author, etc. If I decide to write a longer review of a book on my blog, I have my initial thoughts down already and can just expand them. It’s been really helpful, especially since my memory is old and not very good anymore, LOL!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I try to write reviews for every book I read. It doesn’t always get published (sometimes it sits on my USB drive in a folder) but I like the idea of having that record PLUS I like the “discipline” of writing about the book. :) I like your method of using GR and then having that starting point if you publish on your blog. I don’t love staring at a blank screen so having something started would be helpful to me! :)
Great list! It’s sad that certain things soured your former love for reading. I totally get the feeling of feeling bad for reading when other tasks need to get done – I’ve felt that, too.
My list: https://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-tuesday-october-22-how-my.html
I did enjoy reading for an hour or so each day this past summer and hope to pick this up again soon. Just need to carve out that routine again. I have so many “behind the scenes” things I’m working on (here) that I’m trying to get those down (by the end of the year) and so when that happens, it’s a kind of one-track mentality I take on. ;)
Great list this week – I identified with so many of these. Giving myself permission to find books that make me happy and might not be what everyone else is reading was a big change that I’ve made.
It’s a good one I think! Sure I enjoy reading something now and then that isn’t “100%” a me book, but when I Read something, I still want to be liking SOMETHING about it (so a character or finding a certain plot thread awesome, etc.). I still am open to trying “new” books and authors, but I also try to be more sure than not that I’ll enjoy SOMETHING about it. ;)