As you all know, my passion for reading came back around November of 2023. It was a very random November day when I decided that I should start reading again. Another reason: I was on maternity leave and it felt like I watched all the k-dramas that I could think of that year and I was running out of things to do. Plus, I started following bookstagram accounts and I fell in love. I decided, I wanted to do that as well. Here’s my bookstagram if you are interested in following: @_readatdusk
My genre used to be non-fiction, self-help, and fantasy books. I refused to read any romance because it felt pretentious and I wasn’t really into it—I don’t even watch any chic-flic or romantic-comedy movies. If I read a fiction, it’s usually fantasy. Going back, the first book I read was Harry Potter in high school. I loved the movie and I actually ended up loving the books. Nowadays though, I try to not consume any Harry Potter products or merch because—well, you know about the author’s “controversy”. My second favourite series to date is Percy Jackson and The Olympians. I remember saving my allowance just so I could buy the next book every month. I believe that’s the first series of books I’ve owned and unfortunately, my copies were left back in the Philippines.
Last November of 2023, I decided to give romance genre a chance. I remember I posted a story on instagram that I am going to read a nonfiction book because that’s all that’s left on my shelf. A co-worker replied that we have a little library at work and that I should check it out as there were good selection in there. So, while I was waiting for my bloodwork to be done one time, I went to the conference room and checked out: The Love Hypothesis. After reading that book, that’s when I realized I am actually missing out big time.
Fast forward to today; I am slowly expanding my book genre selection. If I’m going to rate the genres, it’ll be like this:
1) Fantasy/Romantasy
2) Mystery (Whodunit)
3) Romance
4) Sci-Fi
5) Literature Fiction
6) Thriller/Horror
In terms on how I manage to read books: I try to read at least an hour every day. Actually, that used to be my goal: read an hour every day. I remember I changed that goal to: read for 45 minutes at least 3x a week. I had to change it because it was starting to feel like a chore that I need to do in my checklist. At least now I am less pressured to read and finish a book—unless I actually have to return a book in 3-5 days (in Libby).
I also used to just read physical books, and I refused to buy any paperback and was just buying hardcover books. Mainly because back then, I had no idea how expensive hardcover books were and hardcovers are more pleasing to look at. OR they weren’t as expensive back then LOL Anyway, since creating my bookstagram account, I got influenced to buy an e-reader. Kobo just released the KLC at the time I was thinking of what e-reader to choose. So, for my first Mother’s Day, I asked my husband to buy me my first ever e-reader: Kobo Libra Colour. I loved it since and nowadays I find myself reaching out for it over my physical books. Well, granted that my holds in Libby are available LOL I still prefer to buy physical books over e-book or audiobook.
Speaking of audiobook—I am in the process of trying this platform to read. So far, it felt like I’m listening to the book longer than I should’ve. It takes me months before I could finish one audiobook. And sometimes it felt like I wasn’t listening at all, maybe because I listen whenever I am in the bathroom and about to take a shower. Maybe that’s why? I should listen to audiobook whenever I work out and maybe that will make a difference LOL
My goal in this lifetime is to actually have my own reading space. I honestly thought I’ll be able to have it but the room that was supposed to be my mini library got promoted to a playroom. My one bookshelf still lives there and I’m hoping (and crossing my fingers) that my kids won’t touch it until they are old enough to read and understand and enjoy my books. Because right now, my daughter does not really know how to take care of her own books LOL Either the pages are ripped or she scribbles on them. Anyway, maybe someday I’ll have my very own reading space.
I will probably use this space to post about my book reviews. Again, I am not a professional reviewer/critic—all the books I am going to review is base solely on how I enjoyed it. We’ll see.
Bye for now!
xoxo
