Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Ok, I have to confess, My name is Cheryl and I am a read-a-holic. I know that this is a safe place to confess this because I think that there may be many here just like me so why not start a thread about it.

Here is what I did. I innocently made my way to the library today to return my only one full length book from the library this month that I had allowed myself, the rest were my TBR's that I own that I was reading to help clear some of my books off of my shelves. Of course if I would have been wise I would have just dropped the book off in the outside slot but oh it was so cold and of course raining ( I live in WA state) and so I rushed into the library just to warm up....and there it was a darling table all set up called "Blind date with a book". The books were all wrapped in brown paper and decorated so cute. Mine literally had a cut out pic of an old beautiful gown with the teaser "For the lover of Louisa May Alcott". Tell me dear friend how could I resist checking out this darling little literary surprise? And so even though I have many TBR books yet to read and even some I need to read for review, I still found myself picking up the book and taking it to the check out counter! There is my tale of woe, of me ,once again, giving into temptation. Please share with the group your moments of weakness :) Hopefully we can all have a chuckle or two.

My name is Marion, and I'm a read-a-holic.

I have piles of clean laundry on top of the dryer, in laundry baskets in my child's room, and on our guest bed. I told myself to not start any new books until all the laundry has been folded and put away. That was before Christmas. My husband who thankfully loves reading too now just goes to either of the above places when looking for clean clothes. We dig through the piles for what we need and know it'll likely end up there again once it's clean.

My other read-a-holic tendency is to google pictures for my dream home library when I should just be cleaning the home God has blessed me with for now.

My name is Loraine, and I'm a read-a-holic.

I am often found reading 3 or 4 books at a time. One in the living room, one in my bedroom, one in the bathroom, and a Kindle for travel/doctor's appts, etc! I am guilty of reading on commercials. I am guilty of reading waiting for the timer to go off on the oven while cooking dinner. I am guilty of reading when I should be house cleaning, doing laundry, or just about anything. I am guilty of waking up early and going to bed late so I can read. I would try read-a-holics anonymous, but I don't want to be reformed and know I am hopeless. I have suffered from this problem since learning to read. Guess that's why I grew up and became an elementary reading teacher.

My name is Bonny, and I am a read-a-holic.

My habit began as a child when I would stay up half the night reading by the dim glow of the streetlight outside my window. Now as an adult, I keep a light hanging above my bed so that I can read until I fall asleep with my book still held open in my hands until I wake in the morning with the lamp still on and my book still open.

Not only am I addicted to reading books; I am also addicted to acquiring them. I seek to excuse my habit by only buying books for 50 cents or $1 from thrift stores and library sales, so I can spend only $20 and come home with a huge pile. Seven years ago, I kept my TBR books lined up on the edge of my bed against the wall, allowing me to sleep with a hundred books every night. Three years ago, I managed to clear my bed of books and move them to stack along my bedroom wall. This allowed the TBR stacks to grow to a few hundred. In an effort to get the dragon under control, I recently bought three new bookshelves to store my TBR books on. Now I have three bookshelves full of TBR and room for more stacks of books on top! Despite knocking over 100 books off the shelf last year, there are always more library sales and yard sales to keep my appetite fed!

Hi, my name is Karen and I am a read-a-holic. I confess that I really struggle with my lack of self control over books. I do not spend money on them, and I do not have bookshelves stacked with TBR books everywhere (that's my mom), but I am very resourceful with my library system. I've discovered I can get practically any book if I try hard enough. I scour Amazon & CBD & Goodreads for ideas and then put in a ridiculous number of requests to the library. Needless to say the librarians all know me by name.
My book addiction has been great in the area of stimulating my 4 children to read, but a lot of my time is taken up with the necessary read a louds, story times, and searches for books to request for them.
I do not watch TV, but I read too late at night, I read while exercising, I even use the iPad to read while doing dishes, cooking, folding laundry, etc. sometimes I fear my addiction is costing my family too much of my attention or taking my focus too far from my God and I go on a temporary book fast, but the craving is hard to resist!
My friends do not understand. I am glad fir this thread to know that I am not alone!

This thread is cracking me up. I can relate to at least one comment from each of you.

While it's pretty clear we are all letting something else slide so that we can spend more time reading, I like to put this all into perspective. There are much, much worse addictions to have.

Read on ladies!

My name is Kalena and I am a read-a-holic.

Surrounding myself with books just makes me feel better. My poor books find a home wherever they can--the bedside table, my desk, the dining table, bookcases, the floor...anywhere with a semi-flat surface really. Is it wrong to hope they multiply at night?? What a delight it would be to discover a new title amongst my growing family!

When I broke 1,000 books on my Kindle and discovered how much I was truly spending on books in general, it became clear to me (at my husband's kind insistence) that perhaps I could use some healthy limits. This year, I have a $25 a month budget and I am spending more time with my home books. I do console myself with the fact that our public library has many titles on my TBR list as well. Being frugal does not mean one must give up books. Where there is a will, there is a way!

My name is Lawrence and I'm a read-a-holic & book-a-holic. I must agree with wife and Staci....there are much worse addictions we could all have and thank God we don't. I was more of a read-a-holic when I was growing up. I went to the library every Saturday, read in the bathroom and tub, read under my cover with a flashlight, read on the school bus while others were acting bad and fighting. I would sneak books to church under my shirt on Wednesday night prayer meeting and read while my mother and others were praying. Now as an adult, I would go to as many book fairs that I could find until I had over a 1,000 books in my library. I had 7 book shelves in my three bedroom apartment and 3 book shelves in my storage space near the garage. Then I had to move and give away :o( more than 3/4 of my collection. So now I had to start over collecting and replacing them on my Kindle Fire. I would wait until I find the books on sale and now...(drum roll)...I have over 2,700 books and 80% of them are either free eBooks or 99 cents. I haven't recovered all over them yet, but I've collected more than I had. As a read-a-holic, I try to inspire others to read and I've gotten several ladies on my job into listening to audiobooks. My wife called me the Pied Piper of Audiobooks!! This is my story and I'm sticking to it!! :o)

Love your story Lawrence. My dad drove me to the library every other week and would patiently wait in the car reading the newspaper while I collected a pile of books. I read many of the places you did and even managed to read Gone With the Wind behind my algebra book in high school algebra. (The teacher just read the book to us and went over the problems BORING!) I have almost 2500 books on my Kindle and all were free or 99 cents. Have to do that since my hubby and I are retired and on fixed income. The library is my best friend to fill in what I don't have or can't swap.

I'm so glad that we are all read-a-holics and have such wonderful stories!

Loraine wrote: "Love your story Lawrence. My dad drove me to the library every other week and would patiently wait in the car reading the newspaper while I collected a pile of books. I read many of the places you ..."

I liked your stories too and all of the read-a-holics. We all have soooo much in common!! :o)

Loraine wrote: "...I read many of the places you did and even managed to read Gone With the Wind behind my algebra book in high school algebra..."

Ha! Me too, Lawrence and Loraine--under the covers, in the bathroom, and with the novel hidden in my math book!!

One week later from my original post and the clean laundry piles still not folded or put away. I can't claim anymore it's only because of my reading addiction, but it sure is part of the reason LOL.

I can say though I can't remember the last book I actually bought since my library system is amazing. I can see why it won Library of the Year a few years ago!

Marion wrote: "One week later from my original post and the clean laundry piles still not folded or put away. I can't claim anymore it's only because of my reading addiction, but it sure is part of the reason LOL..."

What would we do without our libraries Marion? Mine is incredible as well. It belongs to a large group of library all over northern Colorado. If we want to read a book they don't have, you click on a link on the internet and it tells you if any of the other libraries has it. If it does, you click request and it sends it to your library. Rarely, do they not have a book that I want. Otherwise I check bookmooch or paperbackswap and try to find it there. We're retired and on fixed income, so this is absolutely wonderful for us.

My name is Agnieszka and I'm a read-a-holic and challenge-addict.
The last year I spend almost entirely at home reading or in front of my PC updating my challenges (which needs way too much time, and I'm not willing to admit how many challenges I joined because it's really embarassing). In the meantime it got so bad I'm affraid to say how many ebooks I have - let's say neither the Kindle App nor the iBooks App are anymore able to work properly because they have not enough processing power and the providers are not willing to deal with the issue since I'm the only person in Germany having that kind of trouble :-(
My flat is full of cartons and shelves with books (from way back - when I was able to afford buying books) and it got that bad I didn't ask my landlord to fix the broken heating in my sleeping room or the broken door in my great groom since at least one year - because I knew I need to tidy up my flat to let him in and I'd rather read.
Another issue is I'm reading even while walking so I don't loose valuable reading time - as long as I have at least one hand free and I already dread the day my reader dies - it's making more and more trouble each month - and I'll only be able to read the library books, which means only secular stuff because it's very difficult to get German library to buy Chirstian books *sniff*

I love all your stories and it's so great to know we have so much in common - especially that we don't want to deal with our addictions ;-) I feel I'm here in the right place and I'm so grateful I don't need anymore to feel like a freak - In the time span of last 10 years I only met one stranger in my city interested in reading and none of my friends and family understand it. I'm so glad for my reading family at GR.

Agnieszka wrote: "My name is Agnieszka and I'm a read-a-holic and challenge-addict.
The last year I spend almost entirely at home reading or in front of my PC updating my challenges (which needs way too much time, a..."

LOL! I'm also a challenge addict. I keep telling myself that I'm going to join fewer, but I still join too many. And I spend a lot of time on some of them (e.g. Finish the sentence, because I have to read through all the unused sentences for each book I read).

I used to be a reading addict, but I haven't felt like reading all that much lately. I guess that's good because I have less time to read and listen now. Still, I've read 24 things this year, so I guess I'm not doing too bad.

I went to the thrift store the other day and spent $13 on 60 books. We live in a one room cabin and I already have two floor to ceiling bookshelves filled......let me tell you my husband is thrilled!

I am definitely not a challenge addict though! Slow and steady for me! If it's a challenge, it's no longer fun for me.

My name is Courtney and I am a read-a-holic.

I recently had carpal tunnel surgery on my of my wrists on the 28th of this past month, and let's just say that I have been a rather difficult patient for my family to deal with.
When I went in to have my surgery I read until the nurse threaten to bring in my husband to remove my book, and then after it was over my mother claims I cried out for my novel back (even though both of my hands were bandaged).
I love to read and escape in to my stories so much, that I get anxious if I cannot do it. Even with the pain and soreness I have been/been going through, I still have drug out my android to read and check goodreads today. Needless to say, my audio books are definitely coming in handy.

Courtney, it's good to see you back here! :)

Amanda wrote: "I went to the thrift store the other day and spent $13 on 60 books. We live in a one room cabin and I already have two floor to ceiling bookshelves filled......let me tell you my husband is thrille..."

Sounds like you need a third shelf, Amanda! How cozy to live in the same room with lots of books. ;)

Hannah wrote: "Courtney, it's good to see you back here! :)"

Thank you, it's good to be back!! :)

Courtney, prayerfully, recovery will be completely successful. We do become obsessed with our habits; thankfully, you can use audio for part of that distraction in healing time.

Courtney wrote: "My name is Courtney and I am a read-a-holic.

I recently had carpal tunnel surgery on my of my wrists on the 28th of this past month, and let's just say that I have been a rather difficult patient..."

Glad you are back Courtney and praises that your surgery went well.

Thank you both ladies. I am thankful to be apart of this group and to have been introduced to audio books, they have been a life savor!

Article about audiobook listening:

https://qz.com/924075/audiobook-reade...

There was nothing in there about the biggest reason I listen to audiobooks a lot: So much of the things I have to do is drudgery, and listening to audiobooks puts me in a better mood. Oh, how I wish I loved to clean and cook, like some women I know do.

Hannah wrote: "Amanda wrote: "I went to the thrift store the other day and spent $13 on 60 books. We live in a one room cabin and I already have two floor to ceiling bookshelves filled......let me tell you my hus..."

We're going to be adding two more shelves in our tiny house soon! (And yes, I brought about 30 more books home just days after the last episode...)

My name is Lauren and I am a read-a-holic.

I can't pass a Barnes and Noble without purchasing a book. Whether it's for me or for a parent or a friend, I usually end up getting something.

I also read like a mad woman in the beginning of the year to the point of burning myself out and swearing to read slower and better to not let that happen, only to start a fresh and like a mad woman at the start of the new year. haha

So I have a new confession.

My name is Courtney and I am a read-a-holic.
When I find a new author that I thoroughly enjoy, I have to read as many as I can. Deeanne Gist is currently my favorite author, her novels are some of the best I have ever read! I have read over 9 of her books in the past two weeks.

My name is Gary. I am a read-a-holic. I probably have 1500 books on my iPad, kindle and kobo reader. I have lots of books on my iPod and I always have a book going while I am driving. I'll start a book and see something else interesting and start that one too. I have way too many books at my church office and at home. I hear why do you have to go to library when you have all these books. Now I am going through the children's section of the library and reading all those books. Just love to read and collect.

Lauren wrote: "My name is Lauren and I am a read-a-holic.

I can't pass a Barnes and Noble without purchasing a book. Whether it's for me or for a parent or a friend, I usually end up getting something.

I also r..."

Apparently I'm not allowed to go to Barnes and Noble by myself either... I purchase books. Too many books... Whyyy?

Rev wrote: "My name is Gary. I am a read-a-holic. I probably have 1500 books on my iPad, kindle and kobo reader. I have lots of books on my iPod and I always have a book going while I am driving. I'll start a ..."

I can understand that. My husband jokes with me about going to the library so much, he doesn't understand why I go when I still have so much at home and on my kindle to read.

When people don't read as much as all of us do, it's hard for them to understand.

Lawrence wrote: "My name is Lawrence and I'm a read-a-holic & book-a-holic. I must agree with wife and Staci....there are much worse addictions we could all have and thank God we don't. I was more of a read-a-holic..."

Impressive!

Just found this discussion. I love all your stories. I have been a big reader as long as I can remember. My sister and I used to walk to the library during summers and read everything we could. When my children were babies, I slacked a little until my older son told me one day when I went to the library to pick up a book his father had requested, that he knew that was daddy's book because mommy only read magazines. That did it! I was back in!
That son is also a big reader. Now I am trying to encourage my granddaughter to be one. We are reading Little House in the Big Woods together. We just finished The BFG. We love reading together! We frequent the library, also.

I agree with you Courtney. Deeanne Gist is a favorite of mine! That genre just seems to stick to me!

Hi I'm Lauren.

Every single time I go to any place where they sell books, I always end up finding one I want to read. My mom used to say "Yes, sure" but recently she has stopped because she no longer wants to contribute money to my book addiction. 😂 I have even told my mom that she can take me to Barnes and Noble and it's like a free resort trip because I could spend all day looking at books--and better yet, admission is free! (Sadly, the books aren't, but I guess that's a book thing otherwise Barnes and Noble wouldn't have any more books). I have ran out of places to put all of my books in my room and I refuse to put them on any other shelves because I don't want them getting lost or another member of my family taking them and losing them. The solution? Hide them in the places where I know my sisters can't find them-even IF they would read them. They don't even like reading and I still feel the need to hide them. I don't like using the library books because I feel an emotional attachment to a book and want it to be mine (even though I'll most likely never read it again for a while). There's just something about making sure the books are 100% yours.

From one bookworm to another,

Lauren

Courtney wrote: "Rev wrote: "My name is Gary. I am a read-a-holic. I probably have 1500 books on my iPad, kindle and kobo reader. I have lots of books on my iPod and I always have a book going while I am driving. I..."

I have the same problem with my husband! He just does not understand a reading addict!

Confessions:
I'm beginning to pack up my home to move, and realized I'm deliberately saving my books for last...

I just discovered this thread. It's hysterical!!! Y'all are nuts! (Takes one to know one, right!)

I must confess I suffer from the same affliction condition, although I was never brave enough to read novels behind my algebra books (Loraine!!). And Kalena just cracked me up when she said "Is it wrong to hope they multiply at night??"

Hannah wrote: "Confessions:
I'm beginning to pack up my home to move, and realized I'm deliberately saving my books for last..."

I'll probably do the same thing Hannah!

I'm getting three books in the mail this week, because "I have nothing good to read". So embarrassing that I said that to my sister because my kindle is full of books, and I have several books I need to read for reviews.

Hello everyone, I'm Courtney and I am a returning read-a-holic! I just wanted to check in with the group to see how everyone is doing? I have recently fell off of the band wagon and I have picked up at least 50 new books in the past couple of months.

I managed to win more books this month. It's a full time job filling out all the contest forms. But I managed to read quite a few, at least 6 in the last two weeks. It forced me to review them because I had to for a summer reading contest and I like to review for the author's sake. I bought one for a dollar at the library on Weds. But it is for a gift a friend.
My husband just shakes his head when another one comes in the mail or looks at my bookshelf!

i am a read-book-challenge-a-holic. i can't remember a time in my life when i haven't been. it's always been a given for me; the same as simply breathing. it is my comfort, my joy, my stress alleviation. the hubs feels i need a 12 step program. i reply, "i can stop any time i want. really." then i grin. his aquaintances, upon entering our home, (my little book room is the 1st room you enter into) will say, "there's a lot of books in here". to which i reply, "yep". then i grin.

we've been talking about downsizing for senior living purposes and he challenged me to do an inventory on the books. i discovered that one can stack quite a few more than even i thought on 10 bookcases (two double rows of books on each shelf). then there are those rubbermaid type bins filled with books. they hide-stack quite well behind other furniture/doors. and let's not forget about those lovely, colorful fabric bins that books can hide, oops, i mean store in, and they sit wonderfully on top of those plastic bins. craft stores sell fantastic shopping bags that hold a lot books and slide under tables. so, i spent a "staycation" doing my inventory. let's just say the number was between 3,400 & 3,500. the hubs jaw dropped open quite far. he managed to close it enough to say "they (the books) will need to find new homes for our downsizing retirement". i replied, "they are my retirement". then i grinned.

i believe i have found my "peeps" in this group thread of discussion.

I have accumulated a bit over 100 books in the last two years and hubby keeps saying “ if we move, I’m not gonna pack all those books”! We ARE retired, so I don’t see us moving anytime soon.

Paula, are you determined to keep books read? otherwise, a few of us trade our books read on a site called paperbackswap; you post books you no longer need and in turn you get to choose another book from members. no membership fee; just pay postage when you send a book and they pay when they send you a book. so, no more then $3.00 for a book, tp make it yours and I usually only go for hardbound books and NEVER mass produced paperbacks.

Thanks Carolyn. I really don’t have the funds to do even that. I will give them to friends or the library or put them in the Church Library.

Paula, I donate to the library yearly, also. I just finally decided swapping them for another book on paperback swap keeps me out of book stores and paying full prices for books.

My name is dana and I definitely am a read a Holick when I read it I cannot put books down smile and I’ve by and look for books quite often. I really would love some more friends on good reads that love Christian fiction so if you all would like to add me feel free God bless

Hi Dana, you appear to be interested in suspense, mystery. I'm wondering if Lynette Eason books having swearing in them? I read amish mystery and enjoy that; so prefer suspense/mystery with out swearing and blood gory details. I thought since you listed christian ficiton; you would give me an answer.

Carolyn wrote: "Hi Dana, you appear to be interested in suspense, mystery. I'm wondering if Lynette Eason books having swearing in them?..."

Lynette Eason’s books are Christian fiction, so they don’t have swearing in them. Quite a few of the active members here are fans of Lynette Eason. She writes great suspense.

Is it bad that I read in my son's carline for school dismissal???? LOL!! I love reading all these comments and can definitely relate to a lot of y'all!!