In my early years of blogging, book reviews made up a pretty hefty percentage of my posts. I discovered some of my favorite authors by agreeing to write a review in exchange for a free book!
It’s been a while since I’ve regularly written book reviews, but I’ve recently read a couple of books that have been especially compelling. So, I thought I’d renew the habit. Not today, but soon. In fact, I have a book sitting on my desk right now, waiting to be reviewed.
But, that leads me to a question. What are you reading right now? Is there a book, fiction or nonfiction, that is having a strong impact on you?
I have discovered powerful books because other people have shared with me. My very well-read hubby is constantly passing me new books. They are either books he’s found that he thinks I’ll enjoy or books he’s read that impacted him greatly and he wants to share. He’s a much faster and stronger reader than I am, so I’m slow to get through them all. But, it’s worth it to try! In fact, the first review I’m going to share with you is of a book he handed me — one that convicted him, so he just had to share! Haha! And because it convicted me as well, I just have to pass on the favor.
Meanwhile, a couple of years ago I grabbed a free e-book with an interesting premise, but I hadn’t gotten around to reading it. Then I saw a friend marking progress on that same series in her Goodreads profile. I asked her about it, and she told me she was absolutely hooked on the series. So, I gave it a shot. Halfway through the book, I was so captivated that I immediately took advantage of the fact that the next two books in the series were on sale, and I added this new author to my “favorites” list.
Sharing books is a glorious thing!
So, let’s share books!
Oh, and as a side note, I do believe that listening to audio books counts as “real” reading. They’re not a great thing for me because I’m a very visual learner. But, I’m also someone who is a deceptively avid reader. Reading has never been super easy for me. I just love stories and learn so much through them. Reading is the easiest way for me to access good stories. So, I practice reading. I have established morning and evening reading times. This is what allows me to process a large number of books, even as a slower reader. If audio books are the way you can access the amazing treasure trove of literature, then by all means, listen to your books! If there is another tool that helps you practice reading well, use it! You don’t have to be a strong reader to be an avid reader. You simply need to be willing to practice reading.
Above all, share your books. Let others know what you’re reading — what you like; what you don’t like; the why behind what you do and don’t like. Find people to read with. It can be so much fun to read the same book at the same time and chat about it! (Doug and I are currently rereading Lord of the Rings simultaneously, although he is taking breaks here and there to read other things, since he reads so much more quickly than I do — and has read Lord of the Rings many more times than I have!)
However you do it, just share.
So, I’ll ask again…what are you reading? I’d love to know!
