I still believe my decision to start a reading journal a couple of years ago was one of the best I’ve ever made. Having a reading journal to record my thoughts, track my reading, and provide a little bit of a creative outlet does wonders for my motivation to read. However, I noticed that I only talk about my reading journals when I set them up, rarely providing any further information on how it’s going or how it looks throughout or at the end of the year. So, this year I thought I would change that with a little mid-year update.
Tag Archives: reading
Monthly Wrap-Up – June 2023: Creature Of Habit
Once again, I started this month with some lofty reading goals, but as I sit down to write this it feels like I read Piranesi, the first book in this wrap-up, months ago. Somehow, though, it was in June, and I got through 3 books this month (as usual), including one that I highly recommend, and I’m excited to give my thoughts on them.
One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake – Review
As a big fan of The Atlas Six, I was eager to read One For My Enemy. I look forward to making my way through all of Olivie Blake’s books, as I enjoy her plots, her characterisation, and her partnership with Little Chmura, who brings her characters to life with visual art. However, One For My Enemy was not as enjoyable as I had hoped it would be, falling a little flat in the places I was hoping it would shine.
My Reading Routine (or lack thereof)
I’m always curious about how and when people read, especially when they read a dozen or more books a month, but generally too. Do you have a set time to read? A dedicated reading nook? Does most of your reading happen on your commute? Have you often lost sleep for a good book? I want to share my answers to these questions and more in this post.
Monthly Wrap-Up – May 2023: When Tears of The Kingdom Calls
Even though I had high hopes for my reading this month, I’m unsurprised that I managed to read a measly two books. Last month, when I was hopeful, it slipped my mind that the game The Legend of Zelda: Tears on the Kingdom would be released on 12 May, and after that, my reading was practically non-existent. Rather than find a good balance between reading and gaming, I threw myself into Tears of the Kingdom to indulge in nostalgia, and I don’t regret it one bit.
What I Like About Gaming (As a Reader)
Many readers spend all their free time with their eyes on a book and don’t even question it. If you dedicate most of your time to reading, it might be your only hobby, or it might be your primary hobby, and you would not think twice when you have a spare moment before reaching for your latest read. Unless you’re like me, and reading is just one of your hobbies among many. Reading and writing may be my most consistent hobbies and the ones I am most devoted to, but I have a few other hobbies that require my attention every now and again, one of which is gaming.
How To Read Critically
Whether for personal development or studying purposes, learning how to read critically can be useful. Not only can it help you to understand a book with more depth, but it can also lead you to make more informed decisions when teasing out what you like and dislike when it comes to reading.
Should You Read Outside of Your Comfort Zone?
As a reader, finding a genre of books you can devour in one sitting is an addictive feeling and it can be tempting to never stray from your established favourites. But what happens when you begin to wonder what else is out there? What you could be missing out on?
Things to Consider Before Lending Out your Books
Have you ever been asked to lend out one of your books and been unsure about how to respond? Me too, but I’ve learned that as a reader, it’s best to be prepared for this question if it comes your way.
Many Book lovers, for good reason, refuse to lend out their books. This is usually due to either bad past experiences or personal preferences, and there is nothing wrong with making this choice. Even friends can disrespect your belongings, so it’s no surprise that most book lovers advise against trusting anyone with your precious books. Even if you think you’re okay with other people temporarily possessing your books, chances are you may still be shocked by the result.
Monthly Wrap-Up – April 2023: Short and Sweet
This month, I read three books that were all relatively new to my TBR, so maybe next month I’ll end up doing the opposite. Reading three books a month has always been my sweet spot, and though I wish I could pick up the pace to keep on track with my 50-book goal for 2023, I’m sure I’ll make up for it in the future… maybe. As usual, there’s a decent range in the genres I read, two of which I enjoyed and one that I’m still not sure about.
Read 'N Riot 