So … you’ve just finished reading a book. For the sake of the discussion, we’ll say it was everything a book should be—engaging, entertaining, interesting, thought-provoking. The kind you want to gush over. The question is—do you immediately move on to your next book? Or do you take time to contemplate this writerly masterpiece and all its associated thoughts/emotions/ideas for a while first? – BTT

Usually, I’ll write up my thoughts on the book for review. It really depends on my schedule. There aren’t a lot of times where I finish a book and just go straight to the next one, I move onto another activity. But this year, I did read an amazing book and often times, I feel inspired to read more because of it. So I would say I do a bit of both.

On BTT this week:

Do you keep a list of the books you’ve read? How? In a journal? Through one of the online services? If so, WHY? To keep good records for future reference? To make sure you don’t accidentally reread? If not, why not? Too eager to move on to the next book? Too lazy? Never thought to bother?

Yes! I keep it online on a blogspot journal. It use to be on this website and I am still considering bringing the whole list over. It is very long and includes the movies I consume. I also updated my GoodReads account to reflect more or less all the books I’ve ever read, but I’ve only ever added the dates for this year.

I like keeping records and lists of things. I started to really track books and movies when I started doing websites back in 2001 so I have kept it up. It really does help with accidental reread or rewatch. It helps me plan for what to read next, challenges, and set goals.

How about you?

On BTT this week:

I was talking to a co-worker the other day about a book I’d read recently, and realized how very, very few people I can do that with. In my daily life, it seems like almost no-one reads anything more than a newspaper or a fashion magazine. I only have one person I can truly chat about books with … and yet, being a Capital-R-Reader, I simply can’t imagine going through life without a book constantly at hand, or shelves of them proudly displayed downstairs. I’m proud of being a person who not only reads, but who reads a lot–not just in volume but in variety. I like having an inquiring mind. I like exploring new ideas. I love following an intricately plotted story (the more layers the better). I love BEING a reader and simply can’t imagine what it’s like to go through life without being one.

Am I the only one who feels this way? That wonders at how other people can simply NOT do something that should be so essential? Who feels almost sad that so many people seem content to go through their lives without stretching their mental wings at all?

Can you imagine NOT being a Reader? How does it shape your life? Your perception of it?

How does being a Reader affect your relationship with all those folks who are looking at it from the other side and simply can’t understand how you can sit and READ all the time?

In the Jasper Fforde Thursday Next series, Thursday lives in a world where books are read by almost everyone. People devour the classics and the idea of a Pride & Prejudice reality show readily happens. I remember trying to imagine a world where most people read fiction and literature, and it seems so idyllic to me.

I would not say it is lonely to be a reader because I love it. Books are your friends when you are a reader. You engage in them and they open all these ideas and worlds to you. But it is rare for me to find someone to talk with me about all the books I read. If I did, I probably wouldn’t have this blog 75% dedicated to books.

I can’t imagine not being a reader. It keeps me sane. It keeps me inspired. It keeps my mind at work. It does sadden me a bit that we live in a world where books are not really valued or used. On the other hand, I don’t really care if people think I am bookish or introverted. I am rather private about what I do with my life, but being called bookish is a compliment to me. Being a reader means something to me and so there is nothing to hide about the real me.

How about you?