Worried the return to normality will impact your to-read pile? Here are some steps you can take to keep that reading groove rolling.
*A huge swivelling chair spins around*
Oh! Hi. I didn’t see you come in. Let me put down this book I’m reading – it’s the 22nd book I’ve read this year.
What’s my secret? Well, it’s not a secret, is it: I’ve been in lockdown. For a full year, I barely left my flat, so it’s been easier than ever to find time to get stuck into reading. I’ve read a host of lengthy classics, some incredible debut novels, some must-read non-fiction, and a few poetry collections, too.
But what, you say, about now? With lockdown coming to an end, and pubs, parks and people threatening to draw you away from your newfound reading groove? I’ve had a few fears, myself; I’ve been enjoying where books have taken me.
With that in mind, I’ve assembled a host of tips from folio friends, page-turning peers, book buddies and reading rivals, alike, to take the steps toward preserving the groove. Here’s what they suggested.
Take a book to the pub – you may need it as a conversation-starter, anyway
Books are mates, too, so why not cosy around the pub booth with a few old faves? You could even theme your pub visit: Have a Smiths-only pub night (Ali Smith, Zadie Smith, Dodie Smith, you’re up!), or a canine literature extravaganza. If you must meet up with real people, your book just might be the conversation-starting lifeline you need.
And on your commute or holiday
You were already doing this, I bet. Obviously. See you on the tube, the train or – someday – the airplane. And pack a backup book, just in case you finish on the way.
Embrace audio…
These days, audiobooks are doing pretty special things – turning works of illustrated beauty into soothing sonic storytelling, and comic books into audio action-adventures – and a whole collection can fit right in your pocket. I’m doing the big shop, and I’m reading at the same time – is this how it feels to be a god?
*A huge swivelling chair spins around*
Oh! Hi. I didn’t see you come in. Let me put down this book I’m reading – it’s the 22nd book I’ve read this year.
What’s my secret? Well, it’s not a secret, is it: I’ve been in lockdown. For a full year, I barely left my flat, so it’s been easier than ever to find time to get stuck into reading. I’ve read a host of lengthy classics, some incredible debut novels, some must-read non-fiction, and a few poetry collections, too.
But what, you say, about now? With lockdown coming to an end, and pubs, parks and people threatening to draw you away from your newfound reading groove? I’ve had a few fears, myself; I’ve been enjoying where books have taken me.
With that in mind, I’ve assembled a host of tips from folio friends, page-turning peers, book buddies and reading rivals, alike, to take the steps toward preserving the groove. Here’s what they suggested.
Take a book to the pub – you may need it as a conversation-starter, anyway
Books are mates, too, so why not cosy around the pub booth with a few old faves? You could even theme your pub visit: Have a Smiths-only pub night (Ali Smith, Zadie Smith, Dodie Smith, you’re up!), or a canine literature extravaganza. If you must meet up with real people, your book just might be the conversation-starting lifeline you need.
And on your commute or holiday
You were already doing this, I bet. Obviously. See you on the tube, the train or – someday – the airplane. And pack a backup book, just in case you finish on the way.
Embrace audio…
These days, audiobooks are doing pretty special things – turning works of illustrated beauty into soothing sonic storytelling, and comic books into audio action-adventures – and a whole collection can fit right in your pocket. I’m doing the big shop, and I’m reading at the same time – is this how it feels to be a god?
…or go to a bookshop
Remember these? They arranged the books on shelves, often alphabetically, to help you find what you were looking for! They smelled incredible! And you, um – well, I just always bought something, even when I wasn’t looking for something specific. No, you have a problem.
Tell your mates you’re busy when you’re actually just reading
In the world of mental health, this is called: boundaries.
…or start a book club
Right, yes, of course. Why not read and get together with mates? You might have plenty of wonderful ideas for where to start, but if you’re seeking inspiration for that summer book club, look no further.
Quit your job so you can read all day
Ok but you didn’t hear it from me.
Source: https://bit.ly/3oAl4PJ