I don't know how I missed this when you first posted it but WOW I'm glad I discovered this post! I can safely say I have never read anything that made me want to just curl up with a book on the sofa more strongly :) we're very similar in most of our reading habits! I also love reading on a free weekend with lots of time to spare, usually have fic + nonfic on the go at once, will absolutely put a book down if it doesn't grab me in the first 100 pages, and usually get more reading done in the summer. I'll give you my most controversial reading habit though - I have pretty much fully converted from paperbacks to just reading books on my phone now...it's definitely not as cosy, but I find it super convenient when traveling or going places (I get to bring a whole library with me wherever I go, AND it doesn't take up luggage space!), and I also like being able to read with the light off at night.
I'm an analog book reader too. I stare at screens all day and reading words on a printed page feels like relief to me. I'm lucky that I'm extremely nearsighted so I can still read without reading glasses or on an e-reader that allows one to make the type bigger. I read at night in bed before I go to sleep, which probably isn't the greatest method because I'm usually pretty tired so I can't make much of a dent. But when I'm really into a book that I can't put down, I will read it in the bath tub, on the couch, at the kitchen counter, wherever really. I will definitely abandon a book if I'm not into it. In fact, I just made it through 3/4s of a book recently and decided I didn't need to finish it because I didn't care what happened in the end. HA. I usually read one book at a time, but I have been known to toggle. Fascinating and fun to read about people's book habits. Thanks for sharing yours. Great post!
Thank you for sharing your preferences here too, Hilary! I think I'm just nosy - I love to know! 3/4 of the way is a strong effort!! I love that you still knew you didn't need to know the ending.
Thanks for your article. So interesting. I’ve been setting up a book stack each day to suit my mood and if I have time I pick one out of the stack. Could be related to my work or personal interests.
Oooh, I loved this so much, Jess! Totally fascinated by this topic and by other people's habits especially around reading, writing, creativity. I relate to so much of what you shared here - I love a cosy spot, a blanket, candles, and a big mug of tea (ideally with a pot for handy top ups) when I'm home but will read pretty much anywhere, anytime. Completely understand about the floppy paperacks - haha! I think second hand copies of old penguin classics might be the best in that category... 🤔 Always have multiple books on the go as well, different things for different moods, y'know? Thanks for the lovely mention too - I'm planning another letter about books this week so hope you enjoy it! ✨
This was really interesting to read and definitely made me think about my own reading habits! I read the most in the evening with a cuppa by my side. It's how I like to unwind and finish the day. I sometimes read in a morning too but not as much. I absolutely LOVE a proper book (paperback or hardback, I'm not fussy) and was slightly annoyed when I had to buy my Kindle for travelling. My husband told me there would absolutely not be enough space for all of my books on the camper! But I'm kinda used to it now. Although I can't wait to go back to actual books and go to actual bookstores again! I used to think it was strange that I didn't follow any particular authors, and picking what I fancy by the titles and if the cover grabbed my attention. I do tend to follow more authors now and also look seeing book recommendations on SubStack as it helps me to branch out with my reading subject matter :)
I couldn't imagine reading without a cuppa haha! I've just finished Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout and loved it. My next one is Landlines by Raynor Winn. I read her first two, the Salt Path and the Wild Silence, and they were great so I have high hopes! How about you? 😊
"I love knowing how far through a book I am in accordance to which side it’s weighted on and glancing at where the bookmark shows." Yes, this is a bit of me. Paperbacks are my fave too but I end up with hardbacks often as that's the format the library stocks. (I love the library!!)
During lockdown I developed a habit of reading first thing on an early morning on the sofa with a cup of tea before *anything* else. (E.g. looking at my phone). I still, for the most part, retain this habit and I love it. This is my favourite time of year when I can start reading by dawn daylight rather than a lamp in the pitch dark.
I also love reading in the bath but sometimes the vibe isn't right.
I love that you picked out that quote and know where I'm coming from! Thanks Janelle!
It is always great when I get to reading before anything else - maybe I should set a time block or something to make this an even more consistent habit!
...I bet there are lots of people who are bath readers too.
It took me a while to build the habit but I used to lose sooo much time on a morning scrolling through each of the apps and the news apps. And I felt crap afterwards!
20-30 mins of reading is a much more nourishing way to start the day.
I definitely think I could do with a little less phone time, but I don't think it's really a morning problem for me. You've got me thinking about a little habits check in though, so thank you!
I don't know how I missed this when you first posted it but WOW I'm glad I discovered this post! I can safely say I have never read anything that made me want to just curl up with a book on the sofa more strongly :) we're very similar in most of our reading habits! I also love reading on a free weekend with lots of time to spare, usually have fic + nonfic on the go at once, will absolutely put a book down if it doesn't grab me in the first 100 pages, and usually get more reading done in the summer. I'll give you my most controversial reading habit though - I have pretty much fully converted from paperbacks to just reading books on my phone now...it's definitely not as cosy, but I find it super convenient when traveling or going places (I get to bring a whole library with me wherever I go, AND it doesn't take up luggage space!), and I also like being able to read with the light off at night.
Thank you so much, Sofia!
I feel like I've been missing things since Notes. Trying to keep up!
Love hearing about how our reading habits are similar. . . and that controversial one! I often think about how convenient going more digital would be!
I'm an analog book reader too. I stare at screens all day and reading words on a printed page feels like relief to me. I'm lucky that I'm extremely nearsighted so I can still read without reading glasses or on an e-reader that allows one to make the type bigger. I read at night in bed before I go to sleep, which probably isn't the greatest method because I'm usually pretty tired so I can't make much of a dent. But when I'm really into a book that I can't put down, I will read it in the bath tub, on the couch, at the kitchen counter, wherever really. I will definitely abandon a book if I'm not into it. In fact, I just made it through 3/4s of a book recently and decided I didn't need to finish it because I didn't care what happened in the end. HA. I usually read one book at a time, but I have been known to toggle. Fascinating and fun to read about people's book habits. Thanks for sharing yours. Great post!
Thank you for sharing your preferences here too, Hilary! I think I'm just nosy - I love to know! 3/4 of the way is a strong effort!! I love that you still knew you didn't need to know the ending.
Small is good 👌
Thanks for your article. So interesting. I’ve been setting up a book stack each day to suit my mood and if I have time I pick one out of the stack. Could be related to my work or personal interests.
Thank you, Tanya! I love that idea of a small stack of things to choose from!
Oooh, I loved this so much, Jess! Totally fascinated by this topic and by other people's habits especially around reading, writing, creativity. I relate to so much of what you shared here - I love a cosy spot, a blanket, candles, and a big mug of tea (ideally with a pot for handy top ups) when I'm home but will read pretty much anywhere, anytime. Completely understand about the floppy paperacks - haha! I think second hand copies of old penguin classics might be the best in that category... 🤔 Always have multiple books on the go as well, different things for different moods, y'know? Thanks for the lovely mention too - I'm planning another letter about books this week so hope you enjoy it! ✨
Thank you, Charlene! I’m fascinated by it too!
Nice to hear that you relate and thank you so much for mentioning my strange paperback love! 😅
Absolutely, different things for different moods!!
No problem - ooo, exciting!
This was really interesting to read and definitely made me think about my own reading habits! I read the most in the evening with a cuppa by my side. It's how I like to unwind and finish the day. I sometimes read in a morning too but not as much. I absolutely LOVE a proper book (paperback or hardback, I'm not fussy) and was slightly annoyed when I had to buy my Kindle for travelling. My husband told me there would absolutely not be enough space for all of my books on the camper! But I'm kinda used to it now. Although I can't wait to go back to actual books and go to actual bookstores again! I used to think it was strange that I didn't follow any particular authors, and picking what I fancy by the titles and if the cover grabbed my attention. I do tend to follow more authors now and also look seeing book recommendations on SubStack as it helps me to branch out with my reading subject matter :)
I’m so glad it was interesting Lyndsay, I wasn’t sure for a while if it was too much!
Yes, ebooks for travelling - definitely space saving!!
Love hearing about your preferences.
I wonder if anyone never reads with a cuppa of some kind?! :)
Are you reading anything good at the moment?
I couldn't imagine reading without a cuppa haha! I've just finished Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout and loved it. My next one is Landlines by Raynor Winn. I read her first two, the Salt Path and the Wild Silence, and they were great so I have high hopes! How about you? 😊
It’s great when you know an author and are unlikely to be disappointed!
I’m reading Stolen Focus by Johann Hari - really interesting :)
That will be going on my list! I read Lost Connections last year and found that really interesting 😊
I’m finding it almost as good so far!
"I love knowing how far through a book I am in accordance to which side it’s weighted on and glancing at where the bookmark shows." Yes, this is a bit of me. Paperbacks are my fave too but I end up with hardbacks often as that's the format the library stocks. (I love the library!!)
During lockdown I developed a habit of reading first thing on an early morning on the sofa with a cup of tea before *anything* else. (E.g. looking at my phone). I still, for the most part, retain this habit and I love it. This is my favourite time of year when I can start reading by dawn daylight rather than a lamp in the pitch dark.
I also love reading in the bath but sometimes the vibe isn't right.
I love that you picked out that quote and know where I'm coming from! Thanks Janelle!
It is always great when I get to reading before anything else - maybe I should set a time block or something to make this an even more consistent habit!
...I bet there are lots of people who are bath readers too.
It took me a while to build the habit but I used to lose sooo much time on a morning scrolling through each of the apps and the news apps. And I felt crap afterwards!
20-30 mins of reading is a much more nourishing way to start the day.
I definitely think I could do with a little less phone time, but I don't think it's really a morning problem for me. You've got me thinking about a little habits check in though, so thank you!
Great piece! I love reading in the morning with a cup of tea in bed before I get up 😊
Thank you so much Sian! Can't beat the perfect cosy cuppa. Do you set yourself a certain amount of time for reading in the morning? :)
At least 10 mins but 30 is a real treat!
Thank you so much, Alicia!
I’m not sure that’s as controversial as you may think, I know a few bath readers! 😊
Thank you for sharing your preferences, all the conversation around this topic has been so wholesome - I love it.
I’m not sure I have any secrets, haha. Just so much I want to read and there’s something for every mood!