On reading

Currently Reading: The Cartographers

The Old Woman with the Knife

So I finally caved and joined Book of the Month. So much of my reading is digital—I’ve missed physical books. And I have friends who do it.

I think I’m a bit of a book club addict? I can’t seem to talk about books enough with people. I’m in four book clubs (two with humans I know, one digital, and one new group at a local bookstore.) But it still doesn’t seem like enough? I just want a buddy who will read every book with me so I always have someone to discuss it with. The problem is, I’m a slow reader. Any buddy would finish long before me. Ah well.

The real trouble is the same all readers face: too many books, too little time.

After publishing Familiar Magic, I took a small vacation to luxuriate in some extra reading time this week and it’s been so wonderful but like any holiday, returning to reality is a bit of a bummer. Not getting to read all day every day? Boooooooo!

While I’ve always been a big proponent of e-readers–being able to take an entire library with you anywhere in the world, being able to access any book at any time you want–I will allow, there there is something inherently enjoyable in reading a physical copy. Especially a hardback. It just seem like a more indulgent experience? As if the book itself is telling you to take your time. You don’t have to listen at double speed to finish this audiobook before the library loan period expires. Nope. This is yours, here for whenever you want to come to it.

I will always appreciate my kindle and ebooks. Of course. (I write ebooks, after all.) But sometimes, reading a paper book is just that extra something that you can do to treat yourself. (The only drawback being smudges or whatever I’m snacking on in the pages.) It’s classic for a reason. I think there is an entire section of instagram just of books and reading corners with hot drinks. Spring is fast catching up to summer, and cosy corner reads in blankets will turn to finding a nice spot outside under a tree or a sunny park bench. That is how I intend to read Breaking Bread with the Dead… a book club pick for April.