There is so much here that I agree with. First, debunking the idea that reading, in itself, is a morally superior thing. Second, challenging the idea that reading a -book- is somehow better than reading on a phone. What's the difference? It's still reading. But I admit to having that moment's hesitation about adding yet one more police procedural or mystery to my Goodreads list (which I use merely to help me remember what I read). Which is silly because it shouldn't/doesn't matter what a person reads, as long as they're getting out of the book whatever it is the book promised to provide them.
I have also been reading much more at whim this year—which has led to more fiction, and more reading in general. After years of reading lots of “should” non-fiction, I’m craving stories! I’ve always liked short stories, but this year I have fallen in love with them.
I still keep a spreadsheet, but more out of nerdy joy and curiosity rather than obligation. I started it to see just how many dead white guys™️ i was reading but it has led to a greater breadth of books and a better understanding of what kind of reader and person I am and want to be.
Amen. After spending all day reading to recommend (bookstore life), reading to acquire (slush), and reading for editorial notes, reading for the sheer pleasure of it has become a supremely "this is my time, get away from me" thing. And I do find myself putting books down more readily without feeling the least bit guilty. "Oh, so that's how this is going to go. Okay, I'm good."
There is so much here that I agree with. First, debunking the idea that reading, in itself, is a morally superior thing. Second, challenging the idea that reading a -book- is somehow better than reading on a phone. What's the difference? It's still reading. But I admit to having that moment's hesitation about adding yet one more police procedural or mystery to my Goodreads list (which I use merely to help me remember what I read). Which is silly because it shouldn't/doesn't matter what a person reads, as long as they're getting out of the book whatever it is the book promised to provide them.
I have also been reading much more at whim this year—which has led to more fiction, and more reading in general. After years of reading lots of “should” non-fiction, I’m craving stories! I’ve always liked short stories, but this year I have fallen in love with them.
I still keep a spreadsheet, but more out of nerdy joy and curiosity rather than obligation. I started it to see just how many dead white guys™️ i was reading but it has led to a greater breadth of books and a better understanding of what kind of reader and person I am and want to be.
Oh, how closely this aligns with my experience and approach, Anne! I feel seen! :)
Amen. After spending all day reading to recommend (bookstore life), reading to acquire (slush), and reading for editorial notes, reading for the sheer pleasure of it has become a supremely "this is my time, get away from me" thing. And I do find myself putting books down more readily without feeling the least bit guilty. "Oh, so that's how this is going to go. Okay, I'm good."