This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is about how your reading habits have changed over time, which is interesting to ponder.
- I read a lot more non-fiction. It’s a shift I never expected, because I wasn’t that interested in non-fiction when I was younger, but year by year the percentage inches up. At the moment about a third of what I read is non-fiction.
- I don’t really enjoy YA anymore. There’s a lot of good stuff out there and I might still give it a shot here and there, but many themes just don’t speak to me as much. And that’s fine: at this stage in my life, it’s definitely not aimed at me!
- I don’t believe in “guilty pleasures”. I try not to value-judge any genre. Reading is meant to be fun, for me, not some kind of moral duty to read “improving” literature — or even stuff that is necessarily “good”.
- I used to read straight through books more than I do now. Same with series. Part of that is the shift in genres: non-fiction, for example, can really benefit from taking a step back to let yourself sort through the information.
- I used to reread books even more than I do now. These days I try not to read books too often, because then the gaps can start to show, or it just becomes too familiar-the same way you can autopilot through a familiar area when walking or driving.
- I think I’m more influenced by other reviewers’ opinions than I used to be. If I loved a book that someone I trust hated, or vice versa, I worry that I’m being weird! I try to notice that feeling, but I’m sure it still affects me at times. Sometimes that’s a good thing, because it prompts me to think something through… but sometimes I don’t feel very in touch with what I enjoyed.
- I probably read less than I did. In a way it’s not surprising — I’m not studying for a degree in English Lit anymore, and I’m both studying and have a full-time job. But it might be surprising to hear given how many books I do read!
- I used to be quite picky about where I stopped reading: it had to be the end of a chapter, or at least a scene break. I know, this one’s a bit more niche and precise! But I really used to find it impossible to put down a book unless I was at a “good” stopping-point. I’m a lot more flexible now.
- I don’t read in bed anymore. It’s bad sleep hygiene and also it’s not that comfy! I like to be sat upright, with my feet on something to bring my knees up closer to my chest.
- I probably read shorter books these days. It’s an attention span thing, and also — no matter now I try to avoid this happening — a sense of pressure about completing reading goals, having reviews to post, etc.
Alright, that’s it for me for now — how about you?
I’ve switched from YA to nonfiction, too!
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday.
Hmm, I can’t say it was a straightforward switch from one to the other for me, there was quite a bit of overlap.
I TOTALLY get you on #8. I hate having to stop reading in the middle of a page. I always go to the end of a chapter or at least a clearly-marked section. I’m glad I’m not the only one with this particular habit! Ha ha.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I also used to prefer stopping at the end of even-numbered chapters, which makes a bit less sense, haha!
“Reading is meant to be fun”, yes!
here are mine: https://wordsandpeace.com/2024/10/22/my-top-10-reading-habit-shifts/
Sometimes I think we risk forgetting it!
I don’t think I’ve ever chosen to read non-fiction, but maybe I might like it if I look for subjects I’m actually interested in. I don’t think I’ve ever cared about stopping a book at a good point, I just stop wherever and then remember what scene I read last and then continue. I understand why sitting upright and reading feels better, but reading in bed has always been my favorite way to pass the time. It was great learning about your reading habits 🙂
If you’d like to visit, here’s my TTT: https://thebooklorefairy.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-tuesday-new-reading-habits.html
I only got into non-fiction in the last decade — I read almost none before that. I just got curious about things, lots of quite random disconnected topics, and I find that fun — though I know it’s not for everyone!
That’s funny. I read a lot less non-fiction. I need to be at the end of a chapter or a scene break otherwise I wind up rereading the page.
Great list!
Ah, interesting! Because of attention span, just not so interested anymore, or…?
I know what you mean about being influenced by other reviewers — I’ve gotten to the point that I avoid GoodReads when I’m writing a review simply so the ‘consensus’ doesn’t shape my own response.
Yes, sometimes I definitely find that a risk…
Several years ago, another blogger friend had posted a negative review for a book I’d loved, and it actually confirmed my trust in her reviews because the things that made it a one star book for her were the things that I loved about the story, and she detailed them well without spoilers.
I hope you have a great week.
Here’s my TTT from last week if you wish to visit at this late date – https://justanothergirlandherbooks.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-tuesday-books-on-my-tbr-longest.html
Yes, that’s always interesting!