"Don't force it; it may feel like a chore" ... I agree. That's why I don't create a TBR, or place number on the number of books to read per week/month/year. (also why I haven't joined a book club, or joint-read).
This was FABULOUS! I think, in Christy’s live, I said speed is never my aim. It’s not a goal. I just read often. 🥰 Balance and desire, rather than speed.
My problem is not lack of motivation. My problem is not lack of time. My problem is guilt. I didn't grow up in a reading family. I don't blame my parents. They didn't have access to much education growing up. They also worked difficult, physical jobs. Honestly, the only time I'd see them sitting down was watching a bit of the news before bed. Whether outside the home or inside the home, they were both always working. They're good people. Even though they didn't really say it* (that I can recall) I absorbed the idea that reading was a waste of time that could be spent doing something more productive. *I vaguely remember something about "getting my head out of the clouds." But, again, I'm not sure if that was said outright or if I just assumed it and then internalized it. I'm in my 50s now. I cannot seem to get out of this mindset no matter what I do. If anything, it's gotten worse since I've discovered Booktube. Now I have even more books I want to read! Plus, the comparison thing. (Which is so silly. It's not a contest!) But even if I finish with work, clean the house, and take care of any other responsibility that I can think of, I can only read a few minutes before the guilt kicks in and I have to stop. Or, when I do push through a bit longer, I am fighting the guilt/anxiety the entire time. Today I took care of everything that needed to be done, spent time with family, and went to a coffee shop for the express purpose of getting in a good chunk of reading time. I spent a short time reading and then I felt the guilt coming on and I went right back home. Apart from waiting for the train and the actual ride (the only time I don't feel guilty) I doubt I read in the coffee shop for more than 10-15 minutes. I'm not asking you or anyone who reads this to solve this issue. It's a "me" problem. Maybe just saying it among people who are also readers makes me feel a little less crazy.
This is good! I tried to do audiobooks for a pretty good fiction book and I felt I missed the literary experience. I usually do audiobooks for when I run. I also agree that reading more complex work trains the brain! My goal for 2024 is to go back to reading the classics
I usually read about 15 books a year. That amounts to about a book a month. But I also read lots of articles and papers I subscribe to. I live in NYC and use public transportation to commute to work. So having something to read is a must. I now download most of my books. I can read them on my phone, iPad. So, you are so right in that social media can keep you from reading. Now that I download most of my books, I stay away from social media and always have something to read. I do purchase books, but only those that I truly love. Living in NYC, space is limited.
My reading speed improved when I realized my brain was focusing on every single word. It was making it really hard to enjoy reading even when I thought the book was good! I kind of had to retrain my brain to process more than one word at a time, kind of like unfocusing your eyes (but for reading).
The tips you suggested are great. I read both physical and audiobooks; audiobooks are lovely when I'm out walking and doing errands. Some audiobook fiction is fine, especially if a narrative brings the book to life (Joe Morton narrating Invisible Man, Chef's Kiss). I have a weekly reading group where we meet twice a week, listen to the audiobook, and discuss after each section (the group just realized that we read nine books since January). I read nonfiction books during the day,, and fiction in the evenings. I'm not a fast reader, but I am a keen one as books I read, whether fiction or nonfiction, are conversing with each other and will quickly pick up on ideas and themes. I can knit while listening to an audiobook, but it's a simple pattern that doesn't require thinking about it (it's cowl season!). 35 books are the most I've read in a year, which is fine, and I'm more likely to remember what I read; it's not a contest. I also enjoy re-reading books. Quality reading rules over quantity in my book (pun intended).
Your advice was really good, and relatable. I work on contemporary fiction, even though I love books from all periods. I remember picking up Henry James' The Bostonians after not having read him in a while and having not exercized my Henry James reading muscles, the book knocked me out flat 😢. I couldn't get very far. The rhythm of his sentences had become foreign, and hard. So what I did a while later was read one of his earlier books, The Europeans, just to dip my toes back in. I enjoyed that and want to get back to reading more James, and Edith Wharton, after my diss stuff is over. The funny thing is, I can watch TV shows and movies easily while writing/working on a chapter. Weird/complicated arthouse cinema in foreign languages? No problem. I've trained those muscles. But I cannot read other books. It's like I can only have the books I'm working on in my brain at the time. It's weird. But yes to putting our phones down. It's a battle, but a worthy one. And I wish you the best with your reading goals.
Thank you! Oooh Henry James - I have a few of his books on my shelf and I’ve been nervous to read him. Hahah I get that. It’s funny how the brain works. The phone is the nemesis!
Don't be daunted, James' books are wonderful, just don't start with The Golden Bowl or one of those where his late style has fully evolved. I actually think The Portrait of a Lady isn't a bad place to start. Either The Europeans or The American would be a good starting point as well.
This video is so honest and just correct. I simply read a lot because I make the time and I am lucky enough to not have kids or a full time job. I love your channel!
Prior to 2022 my reading was haphazard and sporadic. I’m in the process of trying to become better, and so this kind of video is right up my alley. (I set apart special time for this, whereas a review I might listen to on the fly.) It’s an important subject to focus on, and these are some good tips.
Great tips! I loved this video. I’m very guilty of checking my phone while reading because we are addicted to our phones. I really love your thoughts on reading difficult books. It makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the great ideas!
Thanks for what you do, Alana. These days I have to fit reading in where I can. Five minutes here, there, on breaks at work, somehow it all gets read. Now, finding time to write, that's another matter.
I love these reading habits videos. Guess I'm nosy about other people's reading. Your approach seems very practical for your current life. I agree, the key is figuring out what is realistic and works for you. I like what you said about starting slow and building one's stamina.
23:28: Got my laugh in. A genuine LOL. Thank you! Great video and I'm glad you'll still be reading daily and (I hope) enjoying whatever else is happening in life. (Dance performance?) The only thing I'd add is something that was an undertone to your video: read what flows for you, what you really enjoy and want to read--especially when you're just getting into it (or back into it). I've not been doing that enough lately and my reading's slowed to an uncomfortable level these past few months.
LOL I had to go back to that time stamp to see what I could have possibly said LOL. Thanks! yes, always time for daily reading in some way. Just life - but good things! :) Yes, exactly! Spot on!
Funny dog videos 😂....the struggle is real girl!! I'm reading The Brother's K right now!! Totally agree about reading the difficult books; my reading has grown so much over the past couple of years.
Is it OK if I use my phone _as_ a book weight 'cause that's what I do! 😂 I love this and you're so right about how detrimental it can be when we compare ourselves to others. For the past couple years, I have refused to put a lofty "reading goal" number on Goodreads, so my "goal" is now 12 books. In yo' face, Goodreads! 🤓 😉
I've used my phone as a book weight as well LOL!!! yes, comparison is the thief of joy. I think I'm going to start doing away with annual reading goal numbers as well and just go with the flow a bit more. HAHAHA I avoid Goodreads like the plague.
I wish I could enjoy audiobooks. It's very hard to sync it to try my natural reading pattern. And I hate giving away that control over the narrative. It's almost like an adaptation. Of course it doesn't help that I'm half deaf. Difficult books really will level you up. Getting into Henry James was brain altering lol. I rotate books too. I'm a huge mood reader. I think of it as channel surfing. Even my tbr is more of a suggestion. Sometimes I'll sit a book down and read it here and there over a couple months.
Yea I hear that (puns intended LOL) - I'm finicky with audiobooks as well, especially with fiction because I also don't really want the narrator to interpret for me. I really need to read some Henry James! Haha I like that analogy - it is like channel surfing.
This is super random, but for some reason the background being crooked really messes with me. So sorry. Thank you for combatting the pressure to read so many books in a year. Really love your videos.
I had not noticed. Now I cannot NOT notice. UGGHHHHH! It looks to be A) a perspective problem, where the camera is closer to the right side of the shelf that left. (the camera is not square with the shelves), or B) the camera, if on a tripod, seems not to be level; which can be fixed by adjusting one or two of the legs.
How ironic. I was reading... and then I saw you had a video out, I stopped reading to see how to read more. LOL!
HAHAHA love it!
"Don't force it; it may feel like a chore" ... I agree. That's why I don't create a TBR, or place number on the number of books to read per week/month/year. (also why I haven't joined a book club, or joint-read).
That's why I'm thinking about being having a less strict TBR next year and also why I don't do many group reads - they make me feel constrained.
This was FABULOUS! I think, in Christy’s live, I said speed is never my aim. It’s not a goal. I just read often. 🥰
Balance and desire, rather than speed.
THANK YOU! Yes, agreed! balance and desire rather than speed - love that!
Great tips! Putting the phone down and getting off the computer are my biggest struggles. They're so addictive!
Yes! It's so addictive!!
My problem is not lack of motivation. My problem is not lack of time. My problem is guilt.
I didn't grow up in a reading family. I don't blame my parents. They didn't have access to much education growing up. They also worked difficult, physical jobs. Honestly, the only time I'd see them sitting down was watching a bit of the news before bed. Whether outside the home or inside the home, they were both always working. They're good people. Even though they didn't really say it* (that I can recall) I absorbed the idea that reading was a waste of time that could be spent doing something more productive.
*I vaguely remember something about "getting my head out of the clouds." But, again, I'm not sure if that was said outright or if I just assumed it and then internalized it.
I'm in my 50s now. I cannot seem to get out of this mindset no matter what I do. If anything, it's gotten worse since I've discovered Booktube. Now I have even more books I want to read! Plus, the comparison thing. (Which is so silly. It's not a contest!)
But even if I finish with work, clean the house, and take care of any other responsibility that I can think of, I can only read a few minutes before the guilt kicks in and I have to stop. Or, when I do push through a bit longer, I am fighting the guilt/anxiety the entire time. Today I took care of everything that needed to be done, spent time with family, and went to a coffee shop for the express purpose of getting in a good chunk of reading time. I spent a short time reading and then I felt the guilt coming on and I went right back home. Apart from waiting for the train and the actual ride (the only time I don't feel guilty) I doubt I read in the coffee shop for more than 10-15 minutes.
I'm not asking you or anyone who reads this to solve this issue. It's a "me" problem. Maybe just saying it among people who are also readers makes me feel a little less crazy.
Let the book dictate the pace is such a great tip, that no one talks about.
Yes! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
This is good! I tried to do audiobooks for a pretty good fiction book and I felt I missed the literary experience. I usually do audiobooks for when I run. I also agree that reading more complex work trains the brain! My goal for 2024 is to go back to reading the classics
I'm planning for more classics, as well! Agreed, I need to see the words on the page to really get some stuff.
I usually read about 15 books a year. That amounts to about a book a month. But I also read lots of articles and papers I subscribe to. I live in NYC and use public transportation to commute to work. So having something to read is a must. I now download most of my books. I can read them on my phone, iPad. So, you are so right in that social media can keep you from reading. Now that I download most of my books, I stay away from social media and always have something to read. I do purchase books, but only those that I truly love. Living in NYC, space is limited.
I hear that!! Whew yes space is definitely limited in NYC!
My reading speed improved when I realized my brain was focusing on every single word. It was making it really hard to enjoy reading even when I thought the book was good! I kind of had to retrain my brain to process more than one word at a time, kind of like unfocusing your eyes (but for reading).
You make such a good point! This is something I’ve realized as well
The tips you suggested are great. I read both physical and audiobooks; audiobooks are lovely when I'm out walking and doing errands. Some audiobook fiction is fine, especially if a narrative brings the book to life (Joe Morton narrating Invisible Man, Chef's Kiss). I have a weekly reading group where we meet twice a week, listen to the audiobook, and discuss after each section (the group just realized that we read nine books since January). I read nonfiction books during the day,, and fiction in the evenings. I'm not a fast reader, but I am a keen one as books I read, whether fiction or nonfiction, are conversing with each other and will quickly pick up on ideas and themes. I can knit while listening to an audiobook, but it's a simple pattern that doesn't require thinking about it (it's cowl season!). 35 books are the most I've read in a year, which is fine, and I'm more likely to remember what I read; it's not a contest. I also enjoy re-reading books. Quality reading rules over quantity in my book (pun intended).
I love that: "It's not a contest" Quality over quantity. 'nuff said!
Your advice was really good, and relatable. I work on contemporary fiction, even though I love books from all periods. I remember picking up Henry James' The Bostonians after not having read him in a while and having not exercized my Henry James reading muscles, the book knocked me out flat 😢. I couldn't get very far. The rhythm of his sentences had become foreign, and hard. So what I did a while later was read one of his earlier books, The Europeans, just to dip my toes back in. I enjoyed that and want to get back to reading more James, and Edith Wharton, after my diss stuff is over.
The funny thing is, I can watch TV shows and movies easily while writing/working on a chapter. Weird/complicated arthouse cinema in foreign languages? No problem. I've trained those muscles. But I cannot read other books. It's like I can only have the books I'm working on in my brain at the time. It's weird.
But yes to putting our phones down. It's a battle, but a worthy one. And I wish you the best with your reading goals.
Thank you!
Oooh Henry James - I have a few of his books on my shelf and I’ve been nervous to read him.
Hahah I get that. It’s funny how the brain works.
The phone is the nemesis!
Don't be daunted, James' books are wonderful, just don't start with The Golden Bowl or one of those where his late style has fully evolved. I actually think The Portrait of a Lady isn't a bad place to start. Either The Europeans or The American would be a good starting point as well.
This video is so honest and just correct. I simply read a lot because I make the time and I am lucky enough to not have kids or a full time job. I love your channel!
Thank you so much!
Prior to 2022 my reading was haphazard and sporadic. I’m in the process of trying to become better, and so this kind of video is right up my alley. (I set apart special time for this, whereas a review I might listen to on the fly.) It’s an important subject to focus on, and these are some good tips.
Thank you! I'm glad you found these tips helpful!
I honestly needed this. Thank you💖
I’m so glad! ❤️❤️
Great tips! I loved this video. I’m very guilty of checking my phone while reading because we are addicted to our phones. I really love your thoughts on reading difficult books. It makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the great ideas!
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed this! Yes, the phone is the biggest distraction and we definitely get addicted to them.
Your book weight tip has been MAGIC 🤩 We will happily take whatever content you give us whenever your give it! 🤗 I'm excited for you 🤗🤗
LOVE A BOOK WEIGHT!! Love you Christy!!❤️
@@alanaestelle2076 Love you too, Alana!!! 💗🤗
Thanks for what you do, Alana. These days I have to fit reading in where I can. Five minutes here, there, on breaks at work, somehow it all gets read. Now, finding time to write, that's another matter.
Thank you so much for watching! I love that, "somehow it all gets read."
I love these reading habits videos. Guess I'm nosy about other people's reading. Your approach seems very practical for your current life. I agree, the key is figuring out what is realistic and works for you. I like what you said about starting slow and building one's stamina.
haha I'm nosey about other people's reading habits as well. Yes, reading is like working a muscle.
23:28: Got my laugh in. A genuine LOL. Thank you!
Great video and I'm glad you'll still be reading daily and (I hope) enjoying whatever else is happening in life. (Dance performance?)
The only thing I'd add is something that was an undertone to your video: read what flows for you, what you really enjoy and want to read--especially when you're just getting into it (or back into it). I've not been doing that enough lately and my reading's slowed to an uncomfortable level these past few months.
LOL I had to go back to that time stamp to see what I could have possibly said LOL.
Thanks! yes, always time for daily reading in some way. Just life - but good things! :)
Yes, exactly! Spot on!
Funny dog videos 😂....the struggle is real girl!!
I'm reading The Brother's K right now!! Totally agree about reading the difficult books; my reading has grown so much over the past couple of years.
LOOOOL Dog videos are so relaxing! Love Brothers K! It's so good - I hope you're enjoying it!
Good reading habits take a little effort. Great post!
Yes! Thank you!
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Is it OK if I use my phone _as_ a book weight 'cause that's what I do! 😂 I love this and you're so right about how detrimental it can be when we compare ourselves to others. For the past couple years, I have refused to put a lofty "reading goal" number on Goodreads, so my "goal" is now 12 books. In yo' face, Goodreads! 🤓 😉
I've used my phone as a book weight as well LOL!!! yes, comparison is the thief of joy. I think I'm going to start doing away with annual reading goal numbers as well and just go with the flow a bit more. HAHAHA I avoid Goodreads like the plague.
I wish I could enjoy audiobooks. It's very hard to sync it to try my natural reading pattern. And I hate giving away that control over the narrative. It's almost like an adaptation. Of course it doesn't help that I'm half deaf.
Difficult books really will level you up. Getting into Henry James was brain altering lol.
I rotate books too. I'm a huge mood reader. I think of it as channel surfing. Even my tbr is more of a suggestion. Sometimes I'll sit a book down and read it here and there over a couple months.
Yea I hear that (puns intended LOL) - I'm finicky with audiobooks as well, especially with fiction because I also don't really want the narrator to interpret for me.
I really need to read some Henry James!
Haha I like that analogy - it is like channel surfing.
Wait, is crying in HMart good.
I’ve heard it’s good.
This is super random, but for some reason the background being crooked really messes with me. So sorry. Thank you for combatting the pressure to read so many books in a year. Really love your videos.
Haha not random at all because it messes with me too and I have yet to figure out how to fix it! 🤣 and thank you! ❤️
I had not noticed. Now I cannot NOT notice. UGGHHHHH!
It looks to be A) a perspective problem, where the camera is closer to the right side of the shelf that left. (the camera is not square with the shelves), or B) the camera, if on a tripod, seems not to be level; which can be fixed by adjusting one or two of the legs.