I had a bad day…

Recently I “hit the wall.” Not physically. But emotionally and mentally. I was exhausted from traveling, speaking, and incessant blogging. Unmotivated due to constantly being “ON,” total veg-out time was sorely needed.

I plopped down on my comfy couch in my loft and for the entire afternoon read Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand – an addictive novel – a beach book – that I thoroughly enjoyed and felt utterly decadent for devouring almost in one sitting.

I ruminated while page turning – mostly about the huge number of fans overflowing the author’s reading area in a bookstore I had recently visited. Why were over 100 women eagerly awaiting two authors’ arrivals on a random weekday night? Because co-authors Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings – also best buddies – were about to appear. Who are they? New York Times, USA Today and international best-selling American authors of contemporary romance novels. Fifteen best sellers to date. Pen name: Christina Lauren.

“Seriously?” I asked myself. “Romance novels? Grown women? Reading for escape, rejuvenation and pure pleasure. Geez.”

Epiphany: What in the heck is wrong with that? 

So I proceeded to ask my friends probing questions on their reading choices and reading routines.

Responses:

I like saga books about history. I have to be in the mood to read – when my mind is relaxed. If it is a good book, I know from the beginning.

I typically find books via recommendation from friends and of course, my book clubs. I read if I get up at an ungodly time in the morning and on vacation. I always have a mission to finish a book! 

I am an eclectic reader… best sellers… fiction – especially historical fiction – non-fiction, bios, autobiography, histories, politics, mysteries – always been a reader.

I like to read some chick lit now and then and occasionally a mystery. Finding time is hard – love to read on planes and mostly at night before bed.

I have been trying to read for an hour before I make dinner but am having a hard time sticking to this plan – too easily distracted in my house.

I get book suggestions daily from Penguin Random House, as well as the site PureWow and articles in Vogue and sometimes InStyle, and the library when I am reserving another book.

Nothing more fun than starting a new book and immediately being enthralled. I should take more time during the day to read but always feel guilty – I could be cleaning, instead, or doing the laundry.

Totally non-fiction. I don’t often have to make time to read because books are the constant companions of my bed and I love to read there.

I have been known to flip a page at a red light – hey, it’s better than texting.

Often I want to read about a certain subject and shop books about that topic – using Google too.

I alternate reading a “hard” book with reading an “easy” book and I read with ear pods while my husband is watching sports. I also listen to the book I am reading on Audible in my car.

Thank you to my many friends who responded to my post on reading.

Next week: Top books suggested by my buddies.

Spoiler alert: Very few beach books made the cut. However, if, dear reader, you DO have a favorite beach book, please send me the title and author at irisruthpastor@gmail.com

Happy vegging out with a book – whatever the genre.

And Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

Iris Ruth Pastor