Why I love to read

Whether lounging on a sandy beach or stuck in a crowded airport, a good book is the perfect companion for any travel adventure. Books, either audio or hardcopy, have saved me from some pretty awful layovers or long lines!

From losing yourself in a thrilling mystery to getting lost in the beauty of a well-written passage, there’s nothing quite like the joy of reading on the go.

What are the top 10 reasons why I love reading?

Reading has always been a passion of mine, and there are so many reasons why I love it. Here are my top 10:

  • It’s a way to escape reality: When I’m lost in a book, I can completely forget about my daily worries and immerse myself in a different world.
  • It’s an affordable form of entertainment: All you need is a book and a comfortable place to sit, and you can be entertained for hours without spending any money.
  • It’s good for your brain: Reading has been shown to improve vocabulary, concentration, and critical thinking skills.
  • It’s a way to learn new things: No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a book out there that can teach you something new.
  • It’s a great stress-reliever: Taking a few minutes to read can help calm the mind and relax the body, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.
  • It’s a way to connect with others: Discussing a book with friends or joining a book club can be a great way to connect with others and engage in thoughtful conversation.
  • It’s a way to improve your writing skills: Reading the work of skilled writers can help you understand what makes writing effective and inspire you to improve your own skills.
  • It’s a way to improve empathy: Reading about characters and their experiences can help you understand and relate to others better.
  • It’s portable: You can take a book with you anywhere (especially the audio ones) making it a great way to pass the time while traveling or waiting in line.
  • It’s fun: Above all, reading is just plain enjoyable! There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book.

How do I choose what books to read?

There are so many great books out there, it can be tough to decide what to read next. Here are a few things I consider when choosing my next read:

  • Recommendations from friends or book reviews: If someone I know has read a book they really enjoyed, I’m more likely to give it a try. I also read book reviews to get a sense of what others thought of a book before I commit to reading it.
  • Genre: I tend to have different moods when it comes to what I want to read, and I choose books that match my current mood. If I’m in the mood for some self-improvement, I’ll scroll through the lists of articles on google of the best self-improvement books from recent years. If I’m in the mood for something more serious, I might choose a historical fiction or non-fiction book.
  • Time available: I try to be realistic about how much time I have to devote to reading. If I know I have a busy week coming up, I might choose a shorter book or one that I know I can easily pick up and put down. But I read a lot.
  • Curiosity: Sometimes I just see a book that looks interesting and decide to give it a try. It’s always fun to discover new authors and genres that I might not have considered otherwise.

How do I make time for reading in my busy life?

I know firsthand how hard it can be to find time to read when you have a lot going on. Here are a few strategies I use to make sure I carve out time for reading:

  • Set aside specific times for reading: I try to set aside at least a half hour each day to read, whether it’s before bed, during my lunch break, or on the weekends. Having a regular reading time helps me make it a habit and ensures that I have dedicated time to devote to my books.
  • Make use of downtimes: I try to make the most of any downtime I have, whether it’s waiting for may next flight or standing in line at a ticket counter. I always try to have a book on hand to read during these moments.
  • Prioritize reading: While it’s not always possible, I try to prioritize reading over other activities that may be less important to me. This might mean saying no to social invitations or skipping a TV show in favor of curling up with a good book.
  • Read in small increments: If I only have a few minutes to spare, I’ll try to read a few pages rather than putting the book down until I have more time. This helps me make progress on my current read and keeps me engaged in the story.
  • My biggest secret is audiobooks! Either purchased from a site like audible.com or from your local library apps like Libby or one of the other Overdrive Apps. I listen to them while doing yardwork or chores or driving to work.

How do you keep track of what you’ve read and what you want to read next?

I have a few different strategies for keeping track of my reading:

  • Goodreads: I use the Goodreads app to keep track of the books I’ve read, as well as create a list of books I want to read in the future. It’s a great way to keep track of my progress and discover new books to add to my list.
  • Physical bookshelves: I have a bookshelf in my room where I keep all of the books I own. This helps me keep track of what I have and what I still need to read.
  • Mental list: I also keep a mental list of books I want to read in the future. This might include books that have been recommended to me or ones that I’ve heard about and want to check out.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?

I have so many favorite books and authors, it’s hard to choose just a few! Here are a few that come to mind:

  • Books: Some of my all-time favorite books include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
  • Authors: Some of my favorite authors include J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Jane Austen. I love how they write and create complete other worlds and all the details that come with them.

Here is a quick list of fun places to look for unique books

Local thrift stores or flea markets: You never know what hidden gems you might find at a thrift store or flea market. These places are great for finding unique, one-of-a-kind books that you might not find elsewhere.

Library book sales: Many libraries hold regular book sales to get rid of excess or donated books. These sales can be a great way to find books at discounted prices and support your local library.

Online marketplaces: There are many online marketplaces, such as eBay and Etsy, where you can find unusual and rare books. These sites can be a great resource for finding hard-to-find titles or books from specific time periods.

Book swaps or exchanges: Consider joining a local book club or participating in a book swap or exchange event. These events can be a great way to find new-to-you books and meet other book lovers in your community.

Independent bookstores: Independent bookstores often have a wide selection of unique and hard-to-find titles, and the staff may be able to recommend books based on your specific interests.

Estate sales or garage sales: You never know what treasures you might find at an estate sale or garage sale. Keep an eye out for books among other items, as you may find some rare or unusual finds.

Used bookstores: Used bookstores are a great place to find books at discounted prices, and they often have a wide selection of used and rare titles.

Specialty bookstores: Look for specialty bookstores that focus on a specific genre or topic. These stores may have a smaller selection, but the books they carry are likely to be of particular interest to you.

Antique shops: Antique shops can be a great place to find old and rare books, particularly those from specific time periods or with unique covers or illustrations.

Online book clubs or book subscription boxes: Consider joining an online book club or subscribing to a book subscription box to discover new and unusual books. These services often focus on a specific genre or theme, and they can be a great way to find books you might not have discovered otherwise.

There are so many great books and authors out there, and I’m always discovering new favorites. Reading is such a joy, and I’m grateful for all the amazing stories and experiences it has brought into my life.

Other Travel Tips and Questions