Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop,
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What to Do
1.) Post on your blog answering this week's
question:
How many books do you normally
read in a month?
(submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)
2.) Enter the link to your post in the
Linky list on Billy's blog.
3.) Visit other blogs on the list and
comment on their posts.
4.) Be sure to find out next week's
question when you visit
Ramblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer!
My Answer
It really depends on my other activities -- work and blogging, for the most part. I'm currently trying to strike a satisfactory balance between reading and blogging, and it's not easy for me to do this.
When I first started blogging, I was usually reading -- and reviewing -- about 4 to 5 books a month. Now, however, I'm reading 1 or 2 books, and sometimes I only have the time to review one of them in one month's time. I'm not happy about this at all! I definitely want to read and review more!
Another obstacle in my path is the fact that I'm a slow reader. I don't know how some people just seem to ZIP right through books! I guess my problem is that I tend to pronounce the words in my head as I read. I just can't seem to shake this annoying little habit.
On the other hand....I do want to immerse myself fully in the story, so perhaps reading faster is not for me. Instead of trying to read faster, I've decided to limit my participation in blog tours. These types of posts tend to take too long to put together; much longer than other types of posts. They not only limit my reading time, but also, I don't get many comments on them anyway, so they're really not worth all the work and details I put into them. I won't eliminate them completely, but I will not be posting as many of them as I did until recently.
Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to finishing at least 4 books a month, so that I can review that many every single month!
When I first started blogging, I was usually reading -- and reviewing -- about 4 to 5 books a month. Now, however, I'm reading 1 or 2 books, and sometimes I only have the time to review one of them in one month's time. I'm not happy about this at all! I definitely want to read and review more!
Another obstacle in my path is the fact that I'm a slow reader. I don't know how some people just seem to ZIP right through books! I guess my problem is that I tend to pronounce the words in my head as I read. I just can't seem to shake this annoying little habit.
On the other hand....I do want to immerse myself fully in the story, so perhaps reading faster is not for me. Instead of trying to read faster, I've decided to limit my participation in blog tours. These types of posts tend to take too long to put together; much longer than other types of posts. They not only limit my reading time, but also, I don't get many comments on them anyway, so they're really not worth all the work and details I put into them. I won't eliminate them completely, but I will not be posting as many of them as I did until recently.
Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to finishing at least 4 books a month, so that I can review that many every single month!
What are your thoughts?
Please leave a comment,
and I'll go check out your post!
Your posts on general reading topics are so interesting Maria.
ReplyDeleteI often really feel bad that I seem to read so slow. I thing that I am getting through about two books a month my self these days. Life is so busy!
Of course it makes a big difference what I am reading. I noticed that when I read Jeffrey VanderMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy that I moved through them relatively quickly. Though the books contained worthy themes and characters I found the writing less dense and complex then other things that I typically read.
Of course some works are also just longer then others.
I think that it is good to read slowly and immerse oneself in a book. What is the point of prioritizing reading as a hobby if one does not do it right?
Hey, Brian!
DeleteThanks so much for the good word!! :)
You know, sometimes I wonder if I should really be reading faster. I do want to enjoy a book to the utmost. But then, I take a look at my bursting shelves, and get hit by a wave of despair.... I don't know if I'll be able to get to them all!
I agree that it makes a big difference what you're reading. Some books just seem to drag....and drag, and you end up leaving them unfinished. But other books just seem to lead you along, and you're compelled to keep reading, until suddenly....POOF! the book is finished!
Years ago, I attempted to read Kafka's "The Castle". I never finished it. The narrative just seemed too repetitive, too monotonous. I realize that the author was trying to convey a sense of existential angst, but still....
I've even had trouble with a couple of YA books, although I usually find this genre to be very compelling reading.
Your last point is definitely one to ponder. What really is the point of reading more quickly? One does have to immerse oneself in a book, and get everything out of it that one can! I guess that means that some of us will never read all the books we own..... :(
Thanks for the thought-provoking comment!! :)
The balance between blogging and reading is definitely difficult to figure out. I've yet to come anywhere close to it!
ReplyDeleteHi, Katherine!
DeleteYes, this is definitely not easy. The thing is, when you don't post to your blog regularly, you tend to lose readership. And, of course, that's not good for the blog!
On the other hand, book blogging must necessarily include book reviews, so you've got to read!
Well, it's a process, I guess....
Thanks for commenting!! :)
I usually average between 6-8 a month. However, I always end up throwing in a graphic novel or two which makes my totals higher than what I feel they really should be. I mean, I can fly through a graphic novel in 2 or less hours. I am really bad about reviewing all the graphic novels I read but at least I manage to track and rate them on Goodreads.
ReplyDeleteHi, Barb!
DeleteYou can actually read 6 to 8 books a month? WOW. I should be so lucky. I'm now trying to get back to reading 4 a month! Lol.
I don't care much for graphic novels. I did make an exception for the Twilight books, though; I have the graphic novels for the first two books in the series -- "Twilight" and "New Moon". I did the same with the first book in the Vampire Academy series. Gee, I guess I should review these, then!
I'll have to check out your graphic novel reviews on Goodreads. I might want to read some myself!
Thanks for the nice comment!! :)
I am not the fastest reader either. It does depend what you are reading as well though. I read a lot of crime fiction which I find quicker and easier to read than some other genres. Good luck on finding the balance it is hard!
ReplyDeleteHi, Emma!
DeleteI agree -- it does depend on what you're reading. Some books take an extra long time to read. That's what's happening right now with my current read, "Last Sacrifice". However, I will admit that I've gotten sidetracked with other books..... now I'm trying to finish this one so I can review it this month!
Balancing reading and blogging is definitely hard! Thanks for wishing me luck on achieving it!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!! :)
I don't see how some people can read so many books in a month. Like I'm a fast reader and all, but these people have book review going up almost everyday. It's crazy! Maybe if I didn't have so little free time because of school, I could read more than 7.
ReplyDelete-Kayl @ Kayl's Krazy Obsession
Hi, Kayl!
DeleteI don't either, but there are indeed people who can do it... I don't know how YOU are able to read 7 books a month! Lol.
I think the people who post reviews every single day either have blogging partners, so they're not the only ones reviewing on their blog, or they schedule posts way in advance. I wish I had started my blog that way. I would have read several books first, then started my blog. I would have been ahead of the game! If I were to do that now, I would have to stop blogging completely for at least a month, then come back and start posting my reviews....not a good option, though.
Thanks for visiting and commenting!! :)
I am like you I love to immerse myself in a story. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteSportochick’s Musings Blog Hop Answer
Hi, Teri!
DeleteYes, I think it's very important to enter fully into the story's world.
You're very welcome for my visit. Thanks for commenting back!! :)