Things I’ve Learned About Myself As A Reader

I’ve always enjoyed reading. I mean sure there were lags at different times when other things may have gotten in the way: school, sports, all things middle school, but I always found my way back to a book. And while I read in High School and College, it wasn’t until I moved to Seattle during a pandemic when I really embraced reading. I had a lot more free time and didn’t always have the patience for TV and movies so I found myself leaning towards reading to past the time. I quickly grew to loving reading and became this avid reader. Because of this, I’ve learned quite a bit about myself these last two years and what kind of reader I’ve become, so I figured I would write some of these down so I can look back at it one day.

1. I’m a planned reader

This wasn’t much of a surprise when I think about myself in general. I am a woman who loves her list. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as checking something off a list or finishing a list entirely. Goodreads has become like the ultimate reading list for me. Helps me add books I want to read, maybe remove books I no longer want, and rate them once they’re finished. I know many people are more mood readers or just pick what they want to read next, I somehow have to go chronologically from when I added the books. Unless they are part of a bookclub and I have to go out of order. Currently working on the books that I added back in June 2021. Sigh.

2. I’m not afraid to stop a book if it hasn’t captured my attention

That’s right you heard me correctly, if a book can’t capture my attention in the first 50-100 pages then I have no shame in putting down the book and starting a new one. I will even go as far as rating it 1 or 2 stars on Goodreads so I remember in the future that I did not like it the first time around. Life is too short to eat bad food and read bad books. The main quote I live by.

3. I avoid series

This is kind of connected to the last one but I just have way too many books I want to read and have learned to avoid series as I just don’t have the time needed to dedicate to them. I know there are some absolutely amazing series books out there, but for myself when looking at new books I tend to stay clear of series. Very much so a me thing.

4. I’ve learned to try genres that are not my usual

If you have followed/known me for awhile, you probably know that if I could read any set genre it would be historical fiction. However, I can’t just read historical fiction. I need to open my horizons (got that off a tea towel quote). I’ve started reading books from genres like thrillers, nonfiction, regular fiction, and memoirs. Books that I may have looked past originally. And yes there are still genres that I am not a huge fan of (looking at you fantasy and sci-fi) but I will always give a book a chance. I never know what ones I may end up enjoying.

5. I am not to be left alone in a bookstore

It is my kryptonite. I’m like a kid in a candy shop. When I visited Powell’s Books in Portland, I could’ve spent an entire day in there and been happy. Just getting lost between all the different shelves of books. Picking out the perfect ones to add to my collection. I love bookstores but my wallet does not. Writing this will not stop me from going to bookstores. I know my weaknesses and I am just owning it.

6. I love sharing my love of reading with others

This is by far one of my favorite things this past year has brought. It brings me so much joy when I either get to recommend a book that I love or give recommendations to someone who may like a particularly genre or book. Or a friend/family member texting me that they are looking for their next read and having them trust me enough for me to give them that, nothing is better.

A few years from now, I will be very curious to see how many of these still apply. Will I even still be as avid as a reader as I am now or will I have found a new hobby of choice. For now though it’s fun to write about and analysis myself. I look forward to growing more as a reader and learning to challenge myself in different ways. And continuing to share this passion of mine with all of you.

Until Next Time, The Library Abroad (Happy St. Patty’s Day)