I very much appreciate being ‘tagged’ for blog posts, but I rarely get around to writing my response. However, you’re in for a treat today as I’ve been tagged by the fantastic Lucinda Blogs to tell you about my good reading habits – and incredible as it may seem, I have actually risen to the challenge:
- I use the public library. Borrowing books saves me having to buy books that I would only read once. Also, because they’re free, this encourages me to try different authors and genres. Many of the latest titles are available as e-books.
- When choosing what book to read next, I alternate fiction with non-fiction and I’ll vary the genres. This ensures that my brain is refreshed by what I’m reading and that burnout is avoided (e.g. not reading one thriller after another).
- I only request one ARC at a time on NetGalley. This keeps my feedback ratio high (currently at 100% – yes, I’m boasting) and ensures I never feel overwhelmed with books that I feel obliged to read and review before the publication dates.
- Many of my books are used/second hand – if you’re prepared to browse various charity shops every so often, you can get some excellent books in great condition at bargain prices!
- When I’ve read a book that I’ve bought and I know I’ll never read it again, I donate it to charity in the hope that someone else will buy and enjoy it. Even if the book is eventually recycled, this is OK with me.
- I always read the books that I buy. I don’t buy them just for display purposes or to impress people who browse my bookshelves. It might take me a year or more, but I will get around to reading every book that I own.
- Generally I treat my books well. I’ve been known to put them face down when interrupted, but I don’t dog-ear the pages, write in them or use them as coasters. A few of them have been superficially damaged by toddlers.
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I won’t be tagging anyone else for this, but feel free to tell me about your own reading habits… 🙂
This was a good post. 🙂
Thanks! 😀
I love the idea of alternating fiction with non-fiction. I find it hard to start reading a new book if the one I’ve just finished has been really interesting or exciting. Sometimes almost a week passes before I feel ready to read another fiction book which of course puts me behind in my tbr pile ???
I know what you mean, when you have finished a great book then the experience is still in your head for a while. I find that I’m reading a lot more non fiction now so I’m able to vary my reading more 🙂
I am very careful with my books, I don’t dog ear, break spines, use as door stops or coasters. I am a member of my local library and I have to say I don’t use it as often as I should. It is a very small library with a limited selection, but I do use their online service. I love charity shops for buying books, I am also a book hoarder though I do have a sort through every now and again. I often take books back to charity shops or donate to jumble sales but find I usually return home with new ones as well.
Great to hear you treat your books well! You have some very good reading habits there. I have to say I use the ‘physical’ library a lot less now that I have access to their ebooks, it doesn’t help that budget cuts mean the selection is more limited now. I tend to take books back to the same charity shops I bought them from! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
I am definitely with you on using the library and reading all the books I own. It’s also great that you often buy books from charity shops!
Thanks – yes, I have always liked to use the library and to buy books second hand, although I do buy new books too. I try not to do that too often 😉
I’m so impressed with your Netgalley strategy! I’m completely overwhelmed at the moment by all of my requests – I need to be stricter with myself!
I know I could request a lot more on Netgalley and it would be helping the publishers out, but I prefer not to be stressed over it 🙂
I just can’t resist!
Wow you’re awesome!!
Really?! Thank you 😀 😀
#3 blows my mind! Wow! What willpower!
Thank you! 😀
Omg you’re an angel, NS! You really have some darn good reading habits! And I agree with you about borrowing from the library. These days I use Libby after finding out about it. Saves me a lot of $$!! Great post, NS!
Thank you, Jee… I’m not an angel, just very sensible. LOL!
I like to use the library if possible. They don’t have everything I want to read, but some of my best reads lately have been borrowed from there. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Yay for using libraries! wow 100% on netgalley is impressive! And I also read a lot of charity book finds 🙂 And I’m also good at donating books after I’ve finished them. And I get round to reading (or at least reading and dnfing) every book I own too. Great habits!
Thank you – I see you have very good habits too! I have quite a few unread books on my shelf now, so I don’t want to request any more ARCs until I’ve cleared some backlog 😉