Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop,
hosted by Billy @
This Week's Question
Can you say this about yourself: "Nothing makes me happier than sitting down with a good book"?
(Submitted by Elizabeth @
My Answer
Here's the short and sweet answer: Absolutely. Positively. Without the shadow of a doubt!
You didn't think I would stop there, did you? Lol. Of course not! Because I love to write about the lovely effect that a good book has on me! Of course, what I consider "a good book" might not be what other bookworms consider a good book. And we also have the two main classifications of books to take into account: fiction and nonfiction. Each one obviously encompasses different criteria for "book goodness".
In the case of both fiction and nonfiction, genres have to be mentioned, as well. In my own case, I tend to prefer novels that contain elements of fantasy in them. So I love to read the following genres: fantasy, science fiction, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. I also read historical romances, and, occasionally, even romances with an element of suspense. However, I will always prefer to read novels that take me out of the mundane reality that surrounds me every day. I love to be immersed -- by a skillful author, of course -- in books that will transport me to worlds and "realities" that are highly improbable in the here and now. Such books will totally absorb me, to the point that I will emerge into what everyone knows as "the real world", several hours later, wondering where the heck the time went!
I am not interested in the following fiction genres: horror, thrillers, or crime fiction. As for women's fiction, or what is otherwise known as "chick lit", it depends. I might read such books from time to time, but I will ALWAYS prefer books that have those fantasy elements.
As for nonfiction, I find there's a similar effect, if the subject matter of the book is interesting to me.
Nonfiction books dealing with the following subjects are DEFINITELY my cup of tea: esoteric topics (to a degree), psychology, philosophy, and theology. In regards to these subjects, I have no problem reading practical books (such as self-help psychology books), as well as more academic ones.
I am also interested in art, so a book on acrylic painting techniques will definitely make me lose several hours! So will a book on the life of a famous artist, or a specific period in Art History, such as the Renaissance. As for crafts, I might get absorbed by a book on beadwork, for instance.
In short, any book, whether fiction or nonfiction, that takes me out of the ordinary, that opens up new horizons, that stimulates me to think about things in a different way, or that will allow me to suspend disbelief while involving me in magical adventures, will count as "a good book". And yes, I feel totally blissful when reading such a book!
What are your thoughts on
this topic?
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Thanks for visiting!!!
Lovely answer as always. You've really hit on some of the best parts about reading a good book. I find that I actually get grumpy when I'm unable to read for a few days. It's how I relax, it's what I enjoy and yes, it makes me happier. I'm already counting the days for college and pro football to start (preseason already has - YAY!) because I know it means hours of hanging out with my guys (Mr. Barb and the pups) snacking on good food and reading. Yep, I'm a pretty good multitasker during football! And unlike with movies and TV shows where I find I must play closer attention, football just isn't the same).
ReplyDeleteHi, Barb!
DeleteAwwww.....you're so sweet!! Thank you!! <3 <3
How funny that you get grumpy if you don't get the chance to read for a few days! The very same thing happens to me!! Lol.
My husband does watch football, but only when his favorite team -- the New York Jets -- is playing. Lol. Actually, he's more into video games. And he puts on headphones when he plays, too, so no problem for me there! I'm totally able to concentrate on my book (or on blogging, for that matter).
Hanging out with your guys probably makes you very happy, too, right? But then again, we bookworms need BOOKS in our lives! So YAAAAAAY for books (preferably the printed kind, too)!!!
Thanks for commenting!! HUGS TO YOU AND THE PUPS, AND "WOOF, WOOF" TO THEM!!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) )
Great answer. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. - Katie
ReplyDeleteHi, Katie!
DeleteThank you!! <3 <3
Hope you have a great weekend, too! Thanks for commenting, as well as for following my blog! I'm now following yours!! <3 :)
Indeed, time with a good book is a way to increase happiness for many of us. Like myself you have very eclectic reading tastes Maria. I think that is one of many reasons why we find reading so enjoyable. I do know people who read a much narrower slice of books. After a few years I think that I would get bored with that.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Hi, Brian!
DeleteOh, yeah, there's really NOTHING like settling into one's favorite reading nook with a good book! :) Well, I could also say that I love blogging about books, so the two activities are tied for first place, but reading does have a definite lead. Lol.
As you know from this post, I do avoid certain genres. Overall, though, I am indeed pretty eclectic. And I agree that this is part of the enjoyment of reading! Absolutely! Like you, I would be bored if I were always reading the same type of books all or most of the time!
Hope you have a great weekend, too!! Thanks for the interesting comment!! <3 :)
I'm torn on the absoluteness of the question Definitely reading is one of my favorite things but I'm not sure I can say it's my absolute favorite thing. I like your breakdown of genres. One of the most relaxing things for me is sitting down with a cookbook which might not count as a true "good book" either!
ReplyDeleteHi, Katherine!
DeleteThis question has produced a variety of answers, which is GREAT, as everyone has different thoughts to share. :)
For me, sitting down with a good book is certainly at the top of the list of things that make me VERY happy. I should have added blogging, too, tied with reading, but I do think that reading has a slight lead. Lol.
As for cookbooks, I think of them more as quick reference books, if I want to make a particular recipe (not that I do that very often, lol). But leafing through a cookbook to look at all the scrumptious food is certainly enjoyable! I prefer to get into a good fantasy story that takes me out of everyday reality, or a good nonfiction book that will interest me in something new. But I can see how looking through a cookbook can be very relaxing!
Thanks for the interesting comment!! Hope you're having a nice Sunday!! <3 :)
If you enjoy it, it’s a good book. It doesn’t have to be fiction. And yes, Katherine, a good cookbook counts! Think about the fact that people buy them to drool over, without necessarily ever making something from them. I do, but not often more than a handful of recipes. I also love my mediaeval themed cookbooks. Those are cookbook and history combined.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue!
DeleteAs I stated in this post, I LOVE to read nonfiction as well as fiction!
Cookbooks can be a relaxing way to pass the time, looking at all the pictures of obviously DELICIOUS food.
I get the most enjoyment out of actually getting immersed in a magical tale, or in some interesting subject matter, in a nonfiction book.
Thanks for commenting! <3 :)
A wonderful, detailed answer as always!
ReplyDeleteHi, Nicki Thanks for the compliment!! Hope you're having a nice Sunday!! <3 :)
DeleteYou definitely have answered fabulously as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maria.
I am in Maryland visiting my sisters. :)
Hi, Elizabeth!
DeleteYou're very welcome, and thanks for the nice compliment!! <3 <3
I'm glad you're having fun with your sisters in Maryland! ENJOY this Sunday!! HUGS!!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)
I love everything you said about this, Maria! And I absolutely love that you mention nonfiction and which topics you find interesting because I don't know a lot of people who like to read nonfiction and you know I love the genre. When I was in elementary school I always felt weird for liking nonfiction. I would always borrow at least three nonfiction from the library when we would go with school. Sorry if that was too much information haha :D
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
xoxo
Hi, Steph!
DeleteThanks for the compliment!! <3 <3
Oh, I LOVE to read nonfiction!! I used to review nonfiction on this blog, but stopped, because, since I feature a lot of YA books on it, not too many people were interested in reading my nonfiction reviews. So now I review nonfiction on my other blog, "MindSpirit Book Journeys". (Although that blog is neglected right now, because of lack of time....)
Hey, that was not "too much information"! Lol. I think it's VERY interesting that you loved nonfiction at that young age! KUDOS TO YOU!! :)
Sometimes I even have a problem deciding what my next read will be -- fiction, or nonfiction? Lol. When you don't see me reviewing fiction frequently on this blog, it's because I'm into a nonfiction book. But I haven't reviewed my most recent nonfiction reads, on my other blog....again, because of lack of time.
Thanks for the nice, as well as interesting, comment!! HUGS!!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)
Oh yes! I completely agree - I can't imagine a life without books. Thank you for your insight into what you enjoy reading and why:)). I hope you're having a wonderful weekend, Mariax
ReplyDeleteHi, Sarah!
DeleteYAAAAAY FOR READING!!! Yeah, I can't imagine life without books, either!! :) :) With SO much stress in this modern world of ours, not having books to read would be a NIGHTMARE! LOL.
You're very welcome for my sharing of genres that I LOVE!! :) :)
I did have a wonderful weekend! Thanks!! Hope you did, too! And now I hope you have a GREAT week!!
Thanks for the supportive comment, too!! HUGS!!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)
I agree- few things beat curling up with a good book. :) And I also agree with what you said- there's something amazing about being able to leave the "real" world for a while, and immerse in a fantasy world or other setting. It's so amazing we can do that!
ReplyDeleteHi, Greg!
DeleteSO glad you agree that reading is really the BEST and MOST ENJOYABLE activity in the world!! :) :)
And yes, it's SO AMAZING that we bookworms are able to immerse ourselves in a wonderful, magical story, and are taken completely out of this boring, mundane reality!! :) :)
Thanks for the supportive comment!! <3 :)