I don't often do this, but decided to tag along about my reading habits with Sian from High in the Sky. She tagged on to fellow reader Helen of the blog I Will Bloom. Here are my thoughts on the subject:
Do you have a certain place at home to read?
I read all over the house. First thing in the morning, I sit in my chair and catch up on blogs. I should be doing that on the treadmill, but I've gotten out of the habit. I pick up my current book every afternoon and sit in Butch's recliner for that. Later in the day, I"ll sit outside on the front porch swing. I ALWAYS read before and IN bed. I cannot go to sleep with winding down with my book. I probably read about an hour and a half a day. Sunday is my favorite reading day where I'll read up to 4 hours. You will find me lying on the couch for long reads like that.
A bookmark or a random piece of paper?
Now that I use my Kindle exclusively, I no longer use a bookmark. When I did, it was a nice bookmark. Some of my favorites were made by the grands. I moved them from book to book. Cookbooks are another story. I have several bookmarks in each one. At least it's a way to continue to use them. I never turn down page corners unless it's a magazine. I could not defile a book like that!
Can you stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter or number of pages?
I prefer to stop reading at a new chapter. Since that isn't always possible, I can stop anywhere---for sure at the end of a paragraph. It doesn't really matter where I stop as I always have to go back a page to refresh my memory as to where I am anyway. It doesn't happen very often, but if I'm under the gun to get a book read for book club, I'll count the days I have left and then read the number of pages daily to meet the goal. I cannot imagine belonging to a book club and NOT reading the books. Why bother?
Do you eat or drink while reading?
I have a drink by my side all day long, so I do drink while I read. Drink---not to be confused with an alcoholic beverage! I have tea in the morning and water the rest of the day---with an occasional glass of wine thrown in. I never eat while reading on my computer, but will have a snack during my afternoon "read." Lately, it's been a banana popsicle.
Do you watch TV or listen to music while reading?
TV---never---but it's in the background sometimes while reading blogs. Music---most of the time. I like to listen to classical music since it's less distracting.
One book at a time or several at once?
I never read more than one book at a time on my Kindle. But I used to read print books more than one at a time---occasionally. The genres had to be completely different---like fiction vs non-fiction. I could never read two books of fiction at the same time as I would never be able to keep them straight.
Reading at home or everywhere?
I read everywhere. That's why I love having the Kindle app on my phone. That way I am never without my books. Plus, I love how the phone app syncs with my Kindle. I never have to figure out where I am.
Reading aloud or silently in your head?
I read silently in my head. If I ever came across anyone reading aloud to themselves, I'd think they were a little "off!"
Do you ever read ahead or skip pages?
Absolutely NOT! In fact, I am so obsessive about it, I read everything in the book including the critics comments, forwards, end notes, author's bio, author's notes, discussion questions---I read it all. Okay, maybe not the bibliography!
Do you ever write in books?
I almost said "never" but then remembered that when I read print books, sometimes I'd make brief notes of the characters with a brief description or relationship---in pencil---at the beginning---especially when it comes to family sagas and you need to keep all the different generations clear in your mind.
I'm adding a couple questions myself.
What genre do you prefer?
Historical fiction is my favorite. I want to learn something when I read. Books based on true events or facts are so interesting to me. I read many genres---biographies, mysteries, self-improvement, classics and some science fiction. That's why I like my book club. It exposes me to books I wouldn't ordinarily pick up on my own.
Do you have any book related regrets?
I have a huge book regret! Now that I am completely, totally hooked on my Kindle, I have a beautiful library full of print books that I don't use.
Sometimes I'll sit in there with my Kindle in front of the fireplace to read. But the actual books themselves are gathering dust. I used to love to browse the book stores and would frequently come home with a hundred dollars worth of books. Now, if I get book ideas, I just make a list until I can get to my Kindle. Connie taught me a little trick a couple years ago that has saved me so much money. Rather than buy the books that I want to read, I just add them to a "sample" list. That way, when I am ready to start a new book, I can go there and pick one. Currently, I have over 150 books on my "sample" list.
Sometimes I'll sit in there with my Kindle in front of the fireplace to read. But the actual books themselves are gathering dust. I used to love to browse the book stores and would frequently come home with a hundred dollars worth of books. Now, if I get book ideas, I just make a list until I can get to my Kindle. Connie taught me a little trick a couple years ago that has saved me so much money. Rather than buy the books that I want to read, I just add them to a "sample" list. That way, when I am ready to start a new book, I can go there and pick one. Currently, I have over 150 books on my "sample" list.
