Sometimes I’m asked how I find books to read and how I always have a pile of books checked out of the library. The truth is I am always on the lookout for interesting books. I get recommendations from various blogs, from Goodreads, and sometimes from other people. I have definitely found that the more I read, the better feel I get for what I might enjoy reading and the faster recommendations seem to come my way. There was a learning curve for sure as I found my way back into the library over the last seven years or so.
I find the easiest way to keep track of what I might be interested in reading is through the Goodreads app on my phone which I use to conveniently add books to my TBR (“to be read” list) with the tap of a button. I have literally hundreds of books on my TBR and I know I’ll likely read only a small percentage, but keeping a huge list gives me a lot to choose from. The blog Modern Mrs. Darcy suggests keeping a “priority TBR” on a sticky note to help you focus on the top five books you want to read at any given time.
Another convenience that helps me read more is having my public library’s app on my phone. I can easily search and put books on hold when they strike my interest, and then pick them up at my local branch of the library when they become available. (It also helps that my library is exactly one mile from my house and since I am trying to walk more, it is the perfect distance for me to visit at least once a week).
I keep my book buffet stocked and often have an audiobook downloaded on Hoopla, which is another free app through my library, so there’s almost always what to choose from. I feel so lost when I am out of books (lol), which happens on occasion.
I don’t necessarily read many books in their entirety, but I read bits and pieces and learn so much that way. I still do want to grow my sustained attention and read for longer stretches of time and complete larger sections of books faster. (I have a friend who finishes 3-4 books every Shabbos. A power reader)!
Currently I have about fifteen library books checked out, and I’m reading The Blue Zones, The Kingdom of Prep, Good Inside, and listening to We Hope For Better Things [ed. I need to let you know that infidelity figures into the plot of this last one].
Do you like to read? Do you read a lot, or not as much as you’d like?
