One of the most important things to do as a writer is to read. It’s like exercise for the brain, the muse, and a silent teacher working all together at once.
How often do you read? What would you answer to the Book Tag questions below. It’s all about fun and learning about ourselves and others.
I have a huge stack in my TBR (to be read) pile and was intrigued by a book tag I tripped upon over on Twitter TheWriteReads. Recently there was a retweet of this cool tag by Becky over at Becky’s Book Blog which I thought would be fun to do–not only for me but for you too. This tag from Becky’s post the was orininally created by Tiffany on her YouTube channel About to Read.
So feel free to tag yourself or answer one or more in the comments sections. I’m always curious what other readers do. The ‘tag’ questions are in blue followed by my answers.
The sequel to a book you loved just came out but you’ve forgotten a lot of what happens. Are you going to re-read it?
I don’t know about you but I love to reread books. My hubby doesn’t get it. After he reads a book he gets rid of it (collection sigh of horror!)–I know, I know…sheer craziness if you ask me. If I have a book it’s a lifelong commitment–that’s my reality.
If a sequel came out and I couldn’t remember the nuances of the story I wouldn’t hesitate to curl up and reread it first before diving into the next one. To me this would feel like a familiar hug from an old friend as I reacquainted myself with the characters that obviously meant enough for me to buy the second book.
You do not want anyone to borrow your books, how do you politely say no when someone asks?
Oh, this is a bit of a touchy one isn’t it?
I do let people borrow books but it’s few and far between. Often times it’ll be someone who lives close by (if my book is traveling too far from mama then it needs to stay in its place on the shelf.
If I have to refuse someone I’ll place the blame on myself and not them. After all it’s me with the anxiety of letting them out of my sight. They’re like precious pieces of treasure.
You have picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get over this reading slump?
I do this all the time. Sometimes it can be difficult to be the mood for reading. I don’t know about you but the pandemic really dampened my creative spirit–both reading and writing. I’d start a book and my mind would wander away to a point where I couldn’t bring it back to the story. Sometimes I’d go and start another but after trying five I’d allow myself the break.
There are times for me when I need to allow my reading brain a break from the adventure. This can happen in one of two ways. First: an all out break from reading anything long or heavy. I’ll still read articles or short stories. and Two: Switch up my bookshelf for the audio shelf. I’ll listen to a book while walking or laying down. I find this really useful and idk but I think it stimulates a different part of my brain as it gets me thinking in different ways.
There are so many books coming out that you are dying to read, how many do you end up buying?
Lol. I’ll buy them all. Don’t let me in a book store without my wallet. I want to have them all. I love to touch them, collect them, read them, review them… Books hold a very special place in my heart.
After you purchase all of these books that you’re dying to read how long do they sit on your shelves before you get to them?
I can not tell a lie–sometimes they sit there for an extended period of time. I think the longest one’s ever waited is a couple of years. But rest assured it was very comfortable and well taken care of as it waited its turn for attention.
I do have a few books that I simply *could not* get into. They’re bestsellers and people have raved about the story and characters but no matter how many times I try, the book doesn’t catch my interest. I continue to allow them on my shelf not only in hopes that I’ll be able to read them and see what others are seeing but also as a reminder that every reader is different and we don’t all need to like the same thing.
Well, that’s it for me. I’d love to hear what you do with your TBR books and how long your list is–drop me a comment below.
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My current TBR is huge but the first five out of the gate will be:
- Hate List by Jennifer Brown (Little Brown and Company/Hachette Books 2009)
- Rules For Being A Girl by Candace Bshnell & Katie Cotugno (Harper Collins 2020)
- Blow by Jodi Lundgren (Sidestreets/Lorimer 2014)
- All the Wrong Places by Joy Fielding (Penguin Random House 2019)
- By Gaslight by Steven Price (Random House 2016)
And TBR ReReads (Equally as important IMO)
- Plague by C.C. Humphreys (Random House 2014)
- The House of One Thousand Eyes by Michelle Barker (Annick Press 2018)
- The Immortal Gene by Jonas Saul (Vesuvian Books 20218)
- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (Orion Publishing 2012)
- My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell (Harper Collins 2020)
Happy Reading.
My last reading slump lasted over a year. My brain was to full and I couldn’t absorb anything. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to climb out of it atleast part way. I just finished Super Sick: Making Peace with Chronic Illness, by Allison Alexander. VERY different from the usual Fantasy or Science Fiction I usually read. I really enjoyed her honestly.
Oh Mary. I know what you mean about the brain being too full and busy. I’m that same way and instead of settling down to read I’ll pile on more projects! ugh. I love the idea of reading something different. Just last night I started a new audio book called American Dirt. I’m looking forward to getting into it…it’s been too long. Thanks for stopping by Mary. I so appreciate it.
I’ve always been an avid–if not addicted–reader, but never a big book buyer. I’m a library girl, and have discovered so many wonderful books by browsing the shelves. I’ll also buy used books if they’re priced low. My reading style has changed over the years: I used to read only one book at a time, but now I often have several on the go, usually different types. I love discovering great books that missed being on bestseller lists. I’m not really into book series, but can be deeply committed to particular authors. During covid, my attention also wandered, so I went back to reading short stories and essays for a while. My greatest fear is being caught without a good book to read!
Wow Marilyn. That’s so interesting. I too try and buy at used book stores but libraries…there’s a fight inside me not allowing me to let them go. I’ve actually read a book from the library just to later go out and buy it becuz I ‘had’ to have it. lol. My brain is too full and I keep piling on new projects. Just started a new audio book called American Dirt. I’ll let you know what it’s like. Thanks for stopping by. Appreciated/
My husband used to buy and collect a lot of books, and for years we hauled them around from house to house, and even paid for storage at times, in way too many long-distance moves. That put me off owning too many books. I have a shelf full of favorites, and that’s enough. Let me know how you like American Dirt. I’m reading Lionel Shriver now, one of my favorite authors.
Thanks Marilyn. I know what you mean about moving books. Back in the day I used to belong to DoubleDay book club. remember them? omg…I had boxes and boxes of books…those plus four years of uni. When I got married Michael wouldn’t believe me that I’d read them all (and many twice) ….they eventually got weaned down and donated to the used book store. I’m sorry now that I dont’have them.
I don’t generally lend out books, but will suggest the library if folks want to read it. I had one book go missing for 6 or 7 years– due to the person moving several times and not unpacking all the books.
I don’t have a TBR pile– I usually read a new book(s) as soon as they come into the house.
Re-reading a series (or at least the most recents 2-3) when a new one comes out lets me remember the fine detail, though sometimes I’ll start from book one. It depends on how long the series is.
Hi! Thanks for dropping by –It’s so appreciated. Oh man, I’m like you….loaning books to even friends is difficult. For the most part I don’t do it except with a few close neighbors….that way I can keep an eye on them. lol. I think referring them to the library is smart.
Did you get that one book back after 6-7 years? I sure hope so.
I too like to reread to refresh my brain of the story line. I do that with netflix too.
Keep Reading.
I did, finally.
I forgot to include that I read new books from the library as I want to read the new issues, but the cost of hardcovers is not in the budget. For Cdn authors, this also helps them with the library payout and sales that can encourage folks to go looking for their other works.
BTW, what are you doing TV wise?
We’re going back over old TV shows and old movies due to the dearth of new programming. Currently watching the Avengers (1960’s version). 2.3 episodes of the first season still exist, Now in season 2 (50 minutes and 26 episodes!!!!
So glad you got your book back. It too a while though.
Yeah the whole thing with hardcover books is def in the expense. I don’t buy them very often. I wait for the soft cover.
TV wise…I’ve been watching reruns of the Great Canadian Bake Off…it’s so mindless I love it. And I’ve been watching a lot of Prime …just finished the series The Man in the High Castle and also HomeComing. I need to find something a bit fresher and lighter now.
Enjoy the Avengers!!