Reading Habits

[forestofglory]

I was one of those kids who took a book everywhere and would read in any spare minute I got. When I was in high school I walked to school about a mile each way, and read the whole walk. These days I don't do either of those things. I like to have a bit more time to get into the story so I tend to spend odd 10 minute breaks on my phone. And reading while walking seams dangerous, what was I thinking!

But I still do spend time reading everyday. For sleep hygiene reasons I don't look at screens for an hour or so before bed, so I tend to spend that time reading. These days I read a lot of fic on my ereader, but I still do read pro pubished stuff, I'm just finding it takes more focus.

I do have a favorite reading spot. There's a sofa in my work room (where my computer and sewing machine are). One of the quilts I made lives there, so its nice and snugly. I like to sit with my back on one of the arms and my legs stretched out in front of me.

What are your reading habits like these days?

Comments

[rekishi]

I still bring a book friend if I go somewhere where I might sit down, usually the ereader.

I do read at breakfast and lunch now I'm working from home because sometimes that's the only time I get to. I always figure some is better than none.

[emceeaich]

At the moment, my reading seems to be around a half hour or so reading on a phone once I've gotten into bed around 1am (so not a morning person.)

I've finally gotten to Gideon the Ninth and enjoying it.

[riventhorn]

I read tons of books growing up--always reading. But after grad school I haven't really read many physical books--I spend most of my time reading fic on my tablet. I'd like to change that, especially in the before bed hours, but am finding it difficult. I want to read more books, but also want to read ALL the fic, lol.

[torachan]

Now that I have a car I don't want by myself much anymore, but I used to walk and read all the time even as an adult. I'm able to pay attention to my surroundings while I'm reading, so it never felt dangerous. (I mean, I wouldn't read while crossing the street at least.)

These days I read any physical books at my desk, and most of my ebook reading is done in bed at night, though I do sometimes read ebooks at my desk as well. I can't read in bed comfortably for long, because my neck and elbows start to hurt, and my hands get numb, so reading at my desk is my preferred place. I have a large desk chair that I can sit crosslegged and lean back in so it's very comfy. I often have a lap cat while reading here.

[naye]

Ahh, I used to read on the bus from school and then - if the book was good enough - read all the way home from the bus stop.

In 2018, right before I found myself with unmatched fannish creativity (because I found Guardian) and also a bunch of emotionally draining things happened I blacked out a reading bingo board over the summer. I had a 100 book reading target and easily hit it. I read through a combination of ereader and audiobooks.

The past couple of years I've almost exclusively read audiobooks. It gives me a chance to read while out walking or doing chores, when I have something to keep my body busy. I can't seem to focus on just reading, hence the lack of ereader reading. It's frustrating. I want to read more but also I just...can't seem to read. I'm hoping it's pandemic exhaustion and will pass when life opens up past staying home and avoiding people because there's no other choice. (I do like staying home on purpose.) The first six months of the pandemic I read nothing, so managing audio book and the odd fic is an improvement over that.

[lunabee34]

Heeee. I used to walk around reading as a kid. I did run into things while doing so a few times.

[trascendenza]

I used to read while walking as a kid all the time, too! The best was when I could walk behind my mom and use her as a guide, so I barely had to look up at all. I would also read at meal times, which I still do. Lately, I've started using my tablet to read articles and ebooks which has made a huge difference. Reading on my phone was too small, and it would take a lot of motivation to move my laptop around. The tablet helped me clear out a cache of hundreds of saved articles that I had gathered over the years, it was very exciting how accomplished I felt!

[oracne]

In all the gaps. While eating alone. Before bed. On the weekend.

[elvenjaneite]

My current goal is to read at least 20 pages a day. With everything going on life-wise, that strikes a good balance for me of being attainable and also keeping some momentum going. Typically, I'll save reading a print book for my bedtime routine, unless it's something I'm really excited about!

[mrissa]

I'm figuring out my new reading habits, now that I don't have an elderly dog nudging me to have specific reading hours at 9 and 3:45 and 6:45. I still read a lot, but...those were very clear, a little nose to my knee: time to cuddle the dog and read.