The second question was me! I think what I was getting at is that I am missing that factor of discovering or stumbling upon something new and wonderful without the help of everyone else's internet opinions (and this comes from someone who gives and takes LOTS of internet opinions). I love the idea of a limiting factor to help me browse a list I might be interested in. ☺
YES! I totally relate to that, and actually wrote about that very thing here: https://fictionmatters.substack.com/p/reading-in-public-no-18-and-a-tbr. For your predicament, I wonder if browsing a used bookstore could help! You would come across much older titles that you probably know less about and get to go in without all of the overwhelming data and opinions we have access to now!
I was feeling overwhelmed by my library books this morning, and then I saw this newsletter! I decided to return the library books, because I don't really want to read them right now. One thing that has helped me with library book overwhelm (besides snoozing on Libby, a feature I also love), is putting books I'm excited about on my Goodreads TBR rather than immediately adding them to my library holds. That way, I know I have recorded a book I'm interested in, but I don't feel bombarded with library books. Also, love the analogy that a book collection is a like a collection of fine wine! I love browsing bookstores and buying books, and there are so many great indies in my area. Now what I really need is a bigger bookshelf...
Ugh, I have a real problem with "saving the good stuff"! I do this in all areas of my life. There's something sort of comforting to me knowing the "good stuff" is waiting for me? But also, I need to accept I'm worthy of enjoying that "good stuff" sooner rather than later!
I’ve also noticed I “save the good stuff” but sometimes bc I want to be mentally ready for it. If there’s a book I believe is going to be a great read but I know this month is crazy with kids/life, I’ll keep pushing it back for when I can focus or sink into it. But then still feel the quandary of not reading what I want to be reading! Maybe just what life is with two little right now!
I'm a mood reader too and I'm conscious sometimes of saving something that will be an emotional or sad read for when I'm feeling good in myself and know it won't affect me. Maybe it is a phase of life right now (I don't have kids so I can't say!)
Maybe find the joy in a book that can just take you away for a bit but isn't the most literary or amazing writing for example. Like a thriller or something that can just sweep you up quickly in the time you do have to read.
I loved all these and relate to different aspects. As a bookseller I'm constantly overwhelmed with brilliant books and things to read and I've given up trying to 'control' things and instead read mindfully (mixing up review copies, things for our podcast Better Words, stuff I've wanted to read for ages and owned for a while). It's been okay so far but I have to just accept that working in a bookstore with a fantastic discount means I'll always own a lot of books!
I’m a very visual person, so I keep a pile of the books I want to read in a convenient place. I may change the order that I read them, but it’s helpful for me to see what I’ve selected and stick with that plan.
The second question was me! I think what I was getting at is that I am missing that factor of discovering or stumbling upon something new and wonderful without the help of everyone else's internet opinions (and this comes from someone who gives and takes LOTS of internet opinions). I love the idea of a limiting factor to help me browse a list I might be interested in. ☺
YES! I totally relate to that, and actually wrote about that very thing here: https://fictionmatters.substack.com/p/reading-in-public-no-18-and-a-tbr. For your predicament, I wonder if browsing a used bookstore could help! You would come across much older titles that you probably know less about and get to go in without all of the overwhelming data and opinions we have access to now!
I was feeling overwhelmed by my library books this morning, and then I saw this newsletter! I decided to return the library books, because I don't really want to read them right now. One thing that has helped me with library book overwhelm (besides snoozing on Libby, a feature I also love), is putting books I'm excited about on my Goodreads TBR rather than immediately adding them to my library holds. That way, I know I have recorded a book I'm interested in, but I don't feel bombarded with library books. Also, love the analogy that a book collection is a like a collection of fine wine! I love browsing bookstores and buying books, and there are so many great indies in my area. Now what I really need is a bigger bookshelf...
Ugh, I have a real problem with "saving the good stuff"! I do this in all areas of my life. There's something sort of comforting to me knowing the "good stuff" is waiting for me? But also, I need to accept I'm worthy of enjoying that "good stuff" sooner rather than later!
I’ve also noticed I “save the good stuff” but sometimes bc I want to be mentally ready for it. If there’s a book I believe is going to be a great read but I know this month is crazy with kids/life, I’ll keep pushing it back for when I can focus or sink into it. But then still feel the quandary of not reading what I want to be reading! Maybe just what life is with two little right now!
Loved this post and found it very helpful!!
I'm a mood reader too and I'm conscious sometimes of saving something that will be an emotional or sad read for when I'm feeling good in myself and know it won't affect me. Maybe it is a phase of life right now (I don't have kids so I can't say!)
Maybe find the joy in a book that can just take you away for a bit but isn't the most literary or amazing writing for example. Like a thriller or something that can just sweep you up quickly in the time you do have to read.
I loved all these and relate to different aspects. As a bookseller I'm constantly overwhelmed with brilliant books and things to read and I've given up trying to 'control' things and instead read mindfully (mixing up review copies, things for our podcast Better Words, stuff I've wanted to read for ages and owned for a while). It's been okay so far but I have to just accept that working in a bookstore with a fantastic discount means I'll always own a lot of books!
So much good advice here, Sara! I especially like what you shared about putting a limiting factor on decisions.
I’m a very visual person, so I keep a pile of the books I want to read in a convenient place. I may change the order that I read them, but it’s helpful for me to see what I’ve selected and stick with that plan.