Flights of Fantasy discussion

Hi, everyone!

I used to read 50 books or more a year without problem. I know that's still not a lot for some readers, but compared to what I do now, it was massive.

Basically, when I quit my job and went full-time self-employed, my reading time suffered. I thought I'd read more, but I feel more compelled to walk on my lunch breaks (which is good--I *need* to move more), whereas before, I spent every lunch break reading.

I read 26 books last year, two more than I set out to read. I know it's not terrible, but I see some people read 5 books a week and that just seems impossible XD

I'd love to read faster to fit in more books, but I've always been a slow reader and I'm not sure how to speed up.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated <3

Have you tried audiobooks? You could listen to one while you walk. :)

Becky wrote: "Have you tried audiobooks? You could listen to one while you walk. :)"

I just tried one today while walking as per a recommendation in another thread and it worked really well! Looking forward to more :)

I love them. I've read (or listened to) hundreds. They are definitely a game changer. :D

What did you try today?

Becky wrote: "I love them. I've read (or listened to) hundreds. They are definitely a game changer. :D

What did you try today?"

The really weird thing is that I'm even looking forward to cleaning the kitchen since I can see it as reading time now XD

I started today with Throne of Glass. I've only read one book by her so far but wanted to read more, so this is a good start!

Exactly! It makes loading the dishwasher less of a chore since you're being productive and getting some reading in!

Becky wrote: "Exactly! It makes loading the dishwasher less of a chore since you're being productive and getting some reading in!"

Who knew housework could be so fun??

Maybe I'll have to try that next time I have to clean the bathroom. Usually we have a movie or show on in the background that we've seen before - but I always want to stop and watch the good parts.

colleen the convivial curmudgeon wrote: "Maybe I'll have to try that next time I have to clean the bathroom. Usually we have a movie or show on in the background that we've seen before - but I always want to stop and watch the good parts."

It's working pretty well for me so far! I cleaned the kitchen while listening to my audio book and it made it so much more enjoyable. Bring on the laundry later!

I have also been very disappointed with the amount of reading I’ve been doing the last 4 or 5 years. Basically since I met my husband. Hey! It’s his fault! Which is weird because he is also an avid reader and his reading has suffered because of us getting together, getting married and having a kid. But I digress.

I’m finding audiobooks to be the obvious solution. I’ve loved audiobooks since forever but got waylaid by an equal love of podcasts.

This year, instead of being upset that I can’t seem to find the time or the attention span to sit and read a book, I’m just going to lean into it and abandon paper books for 2020. I’ve had audible for 500 years and just figured out the overdrive app to connect with my local library. So far I’ve read 3 book in January and last year I read 4 altogether. I think I figured my problem out.

Plus, it’s gotten me reconnected with groups on GR which I also severely missed so that’s been fun as well.

I still miss the feel of the book in hand on a lazy afternoon. But I’ll work back to it as my son gets older and more self sufficient. My number one daydream for the future are lazy afternoons in bed with the whole family while we all quietly read our own books. I really hope Wesley likes to read. *fingers crossed*

I like the audio book solution - I used to be big on going to the library, but I'll say the pandemic has definitely impacted how often I'm able to get over there :( They did a great job though of putting your books out front for you to pick up.