#BookReadingHabits
A genre you stay away from
Hmmm, I’m not sure I stay away from any specific genre as much as typically reading others more. If anything, I would say I read fewer self-help books and westerns?
Do you judge books by their covers?
… Yes. I try not to, honestly! But when a book has a gorgeous cover, it makes it so much better to read.
I do love books where the cover really feels like it was thought out and connects to the story in some way. Some covers I think do this wonderfully are, Fever Dreams by Samantah Schweblin, Blue by Emmelie Prophète, and The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard.
Worst reading habit?
I still have not learned how to DNF (did not finish) a book. Currently, I’ll suffer through a book out of some loyalty. What if there’s a hidden gem of a line? What if I, selfishly, can take a lesson from it? What if there’s a surprise ending that will amaze all?
Sometimes these questions are answered true. Vindication. But other times, it’s not worth slogging through 300 pages. There’s usually a time and place to read a book and I want to learn how to navigate that line.
Current Reads
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
Ghosts of the Tsunami by Richard Lloyd Parry
Villians are Destined to Die by Gyeoeul Gwon
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Of One Blood; Or, the Hidden Self by Pauline E. Hopkins
Do you buy used books?
Yes! Most of the books I buy are used. One of my favorite things is finding notes and annotations from previous readers.
Books you always recommend
This entirely depends on the person asking for a recommendation. While I love Jane Eyre, I wouldn’t necessarily bring out my well worn copy as soon as someone asked me what they should begin their reading journey with.
My reading habits and genres tend to widely vary, so I can try to recommend something with the right vibe. Something more tailored to someone’s preferences that will get them excited about reading.
Books I think a lot of people would like even if it’s not their preferred genre:
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green - Those who love nonfiction, memoirs, and thinking about the meaning of life
Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama - Fantasy fans will love, but also those who love complex characters, coming of age stories, and beautiful art
Quicksand by Nella Larsen - A short, accessible classic. (I read this as an audio book and enjoyed it.) Peer into life of the 1920s for a young African American woman in her journey to acceptance.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree - Wholesome, self-discovery and reinvention, and a coffee lover’s delight. Some fantasy, some romance, and some action. A bit of everything.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - Couldn’t resist adding it. Not the easiest classic to read and it’s long, but worth it.
