The race to The End

[Miriam]

Do you think there's a growing pressure now to finish a book, then the next one, and the next one?

Has the emphasis moved from quality reading to quantity reading?

Has the focus moved from considering the meaning of what you've just read to zipping on to another opening chapter?

Book reviews, reading challenges, data on reading habits, competitions for the number of books read per annum - all can push you to read more. That's good. But do you find yourself galloping to finish a book just so you can get along to the next one; picking short books over long ones; choosing easy reads over complicated ones?

Has the race for The End come to dominate your reading habits? What do you think?

[Janie, Group Owner & Book Addict]

Miriam this is a great topic! Here is how I feel...

I feel like before I started back to working again almost 5 years ago, I was racing to read books, but I also feel like enjoyed most of what I read, but in the back of my mind was always the thought of "How many books can I read this year." And I, of course would work towards a pretty high goal. Like maybe 6-8 books in a week. Yes a week.

Since working and my time has become more valuable it slowed me down and really made me savor the books I chose to read. Yea I read less books now, but I tend to remember more of what I have read and really feel like I enjoy them more.

[Miriam]

Hi Janie
Six to eight books a week. That's speed reading, which can work if you have super-concentration. However, to me speed reading seems to apply more to business-related print or electronic documents. Things you need to finish. It seems to have a lack of enjoyment surrounding it. Was it fiction you were reading, non-fiction, or a mix?
Miriam

[Janie, Group Owner & Book Addict]

It was purely fiction, and I enjoyed most of the books I read.

[Keli]

I read for charity this year. I set a goal that was high for me but also attainable. I have one book left for this year and I have been prettu much reading just to get to the end but, like Janie, I have enjoyed the reading, well when the books were good. But I will never do this again. I made my monetary goals and will meet my book goal but it was a struggle. This has taught me to enjoy the whole process and to take my time. There are books that will be devoured but there are other books that need to be put down. But for me there also needs to be a short break.

[Janie, Group Owner & Book Addict]

Exactly Keli! Read what you can when you can, but also enjoy what you are reading. That has always been my thought process. Who cares how much you are able to read as long as you love it. When I was not working I had most of my days to read, and I LOVE reading so that is what I did. I am by no means a speed reader, if the book is enjoyable it is easy to fly through it. I usually will take a day or two to in between books as well, unless I am reading a series then I generally go to the next.

[Miriam]

Hi Keli
I'd be interested to know how you read for charity. Can you explain? Thanks.

Miriam

[Cosmic]

I am not a fast reader. I tend to read with thought and have maybe another book going along beside it. (Honestly I have a pile of books I started, thinking "this one would be good to read after...") I think I take a buddy read more seriously than just reading solo.
So am I racing to the end?

I have found that if I keep reviewing my list that it helps me to keep reading. But I can't read fast. I was one of those students that when the teacher asked if you read your assignment I didn't think I could answer yes unless I read every word. So when I space out I have to back up and reread. I mostly read classics and non fiction. I didn't make my goal too high that it could not be easily reached. My goal was 30 books and I have read 70. I really wanted to read more this year than I did in years pass. Still I didn't make my goal to high, I just kept looking at books and reading. It has been a really wonderful year of books.

[Miriam]

Hi

Good to hear that 2022, was a great reading year for you. I hope 2023, will be even better.

Miriam