Room for Everyone
A year ago, I cut my home library by about 75%. An out-of-state move prompted my decision, but there was a secondary reason. I was moving toward a more minimalistic life. I kept items of comfort—including my favorite books—but got rid of the clutter that was wearing me down.
My choice to limit my library had an unexpected benefit. I knew that after our move, I wouldn’t have the space or the money to hoard books the way I once had, so I began to focus more on borrowing books through my subscription to Kindle Unlimited. It has become my primary resource for reading new titles, authors, and genres.
This year, I hit my goal of 104 books read. Over half of those were read using KU. Many of those books were written by 20+ new-to-me authors (most of whom wrote multiple titles in my books read list). https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/19123220-marbeth-skwarczynski?page=1&shelf=2023-challenge&view=covers
This year, my goal is the same: 104 books. It works out to two books a week, a goal that is fairly easy for me to reach with my normal reading schedule. I play audible books while playing Words with Friends, cooking, or doing other chores. Before sleeping every night, I read a chapter or two from a hard-copy book. And, of course, I have a full library on my phone thanks to my Kindle app.
I’ve finished one book so far this year. It’s by a new-to-me author, and I read it on KU. Hope for Christmas is a well-written novella that starts with a Hallmark-like premise but gradually deepens into a more spiritually grounded story that lives up to the season.
And I have six I’m reading now. The hard-copy book on my nightstand is a reread that was originally a Kindle Unlimited selection. I was so impressed by this book by Catherine Brusk that I purchased her entire series. Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, What Love Washed Up was a perfect read to start the new year.
My Audible selection is The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham. It’s a detective caper Rom-Com set at the turn of the last century.
The other four books are ALL Kindle Unlimited selections. Two are by authors I first read last year. I love their work and will continue to read everything they write.
The other two are by new-to-me authors. Their books are incredible. I’ve found two new favorites.
I sell my own books as paperbacks and eBooks from Amazon, but the best way I’ve found to connect with readers has been through Kindle Unlimited. This option has allowed independent authors like me to extend their reach to curious and willing readers.
Not every book I read through KU is a winner, but the service allows me to read widely without risk. It provides an outlet for writers committed to creating the best product after paying for editors and cover designers. It’s another avenue for writers, and despite our occasional crabbing that we’d love to make more money per page, we’re grateful.
It reminds us that there is room for everyone with a story to tell.
