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May
06
How do you manage your reading life?
2011 at 5am Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
I’m asking because it’s something I imagine all serious readers give thought to—anyone who reads a lot has encountered the “How you find time for that?” question a million times—and because I feel like I’m struggling to do it effectively lately. Or, I should say, I’m all over knowing which books are coming out when and organizing them on my shelves accordingly, but that whole finding-time-to-read thing? I sort of suck at it these days.
So here’s what I want to know: how do you manage your reading (book selection, TBR pile, etc.), and more important, how do you manage the rest of your life so you can have a substantive reading life? Please share your wisdom with me.
Reading lives were also the topic of the most recent episode of the Bookrageous podcast. Jenn was on vacation, so Josh and I invited our newest blog crush, Kit from Books Are My Boyfriends (seriously people, this blog is freaking fantastic—smart, funny, and totally original) to chat about it. Enjoy, subscribe, and please (oh dear god, please) holler back with your own take on this.
Related posts:
thanks for that….
most of the time read only on a day off . i cant do any th ing else while i am reading it is not very easy to stop reading for doing my duties .
nela´s last [type] ..I have to change my attitude to life
I read to and from places on public transport. I read… just generally a large part of the day. I read during lunch breaks. I read before bed. I treat myself to dates with books and wine and chocolate and indulge.
It’s rather easy for me, but not an answer that is likely to help others. I spend over half my time on the road and so my evenings are full of sitting around alone in hotel rooms
This gives a ton of reading time! When I’m not on the road I do have to actively force myself to get out of that pattern and make time to go out and do things though.
As to selection, I haven’t been reading many review copies or staying up on new releases lately. I just pick what sounds good off my tbr pile.
Amy´s last [type] ..Review- Solo by Rana Dasgupta
Love your blog!
When I get the “where do you find the time?” question, from most people, I just shake my head. I have about as much time for reading as other people have for watching TV, surfing the internet and playing video games. Which is to say, of the free time I have, I choose to do with it what I enjoy. Most of the time, that is read (also hike, bike, run, kayak, do yoga and play musical instruments).
Where I find most of my reading time, actually, is on my commute. My husband and I carpool and he always insists on driving. I’ve always been one of those lucky people who can read in a moving car, so I get about 30 minutes of reading time in the morning and 50 minutes in the evening (traffic patterns). I take my Nook with me to work and read whatever I am reading on that. In the evenings after the dishes are put away, my husband and I either read, or he watches TV and I read. It adds up to where I usually read a bit every day. When I get really into a book, I squeeze as many reading moments as I can.
As far as TBR piles are concerned, I don’t have them. I have a bunch of books that I haven’t read yet, at home on a shelf in my “reading room” (an unused bedroom that will someday be sacrificed for a kiddo) and an online ebook Wishlist. When I finish my current paperback I look at the shelves, and when I finish my current Nookbook I look at the wishlist, and I choose whatever looks good to me at that moment as my next book. It works for me!
Jaclyn´s last [type] ..Cucumber Coolers
First off, you are not alone in that I too “suck at it these days.” I have a full time job that keeps me away from books and four small children that require a lot of attention, so I don’t get to read nearly as often as I’d like. I tell myself that life has it’s seasons and things won’t always be this way. So keeping that in mind helps me not get discouraged in my lack of time to read, but just to slowly keep at it. So here’s what I do. I get up and start work early so I sometimes get an hour to read in the afternoon. I read in the evenings after the kids are in bed (got to just turn off that tv!) and in bed before I go to sleep. If there are any other open times in my day, I try to fit in some reading.
As for managing the TBR list, well I find I’m a “classics” reader, so I just plow through the oldies one at a time as I want. In addition I have subjects that are of interest to me and I’ll dig into a subject and read up on it as much as possible before I get bored and move onto another subject!
I’m sure all of that travel has its own drawbacks, Amy, but all that reading time is one of my favorite things about traveling (especially traveling alone). Maybe I should take myself on my own reading retreat!
With a full-time job & two young boys, I’m constantly asked how I have time to read. I make time! I wake up at 5 am, do yoga/work out and then have at least 30 minutes to read in peace and quiet. If I have a down moment throughout the day, I pick up a book and read. In the evening, when things have calmed after a busy day, I sit down on the couch and read. It helps that I have an incredibly supportive husband who knows how much I “need” to read and two boys who love to read as well.
In regards to picking what I’m going to read next, I attempt to pick one book off of my TBR shelf after every two books I read for review. Since I’ve become a bit more choosey in which books I accept for review, it’s rare that I’m reading a book for review that I wouldn’t have picked up and purchased for myself anyway.
I have a pretty extensive book organization system that I posted about some months ago. Organization is key in having a “stress free” reading experience
.
Jenn’s Bookshelves´s last [type] ..Frightful Friday- They’re Watching by Gregg Hurwitz
Jenn, I’m constantly in awe of your ability to do this, and your superfantastic organization. Thanks for sharing!
I work freelance, so I have a very flexible schedule that allows for a lot of reading time. And I carry a book or three with me everywhere and read whenever there’s a free moment. Also, I’ve completely eliminated TV and watch only a few select movies so I’m able to focus more on books.
As far as organization, I have several spreadsheets – one with all my TBR books (which is ridiculously huge and large), one with all the books I own which I need to read, and one with all the 2011 new releases that I’m interested in. I choose the books to read based on challenges (geographic, at the moment) and lists I make of particular categories I want to read. I’m pretty much crazy organized.
Her Royal Orangeness´s last [type] ..Review- The Night Journal
I struggle with this all the time. I do what Bethany does: I read when I can catch snippets of time. I read on the 20 minute Metro ride in the morning and evenings. I read on the eliptical or the recumbent bike at the gym. I read for about 30 minutes before bed. I read during my lunch hour. But all of that sometimes only adds up to an hour or two a day.
I am not nearly as organized as I should be, but I try to make the most of my limited reading time by not wasting it on books I’m not enjoying. I tend to have a low threshold for pushing through a book I’m struggling with. I’ll keep reading it if I feel obligated but I’ll always pick up something else pretty quickly if it’s clear I’m either not in the mood for that book or I’m just not enjoying it. Life’s too short to read bad books.
Rachel´s last [type] ..Top Ten Tuesday- Top Ten Recommended Books
The biggest challenge to my reading life lately is that I’m now full-time work-from-home and have a hard time remembering to take myself off the clock and enjoy the flexibility to read. Thanks for the reminder!
I really stink at this. I have an Evernote file with by TBR, but I don’t manage it well and things that I want to look into slip away all the time.
I read when I can, but don’t schedule reading time (unless it for my teaching stuff, which doesn’t count).
I guess this isn’t any sort of tip, just an example of abject failure to manage something I love.
The Reading Ape´s last [type] ..An Offshoot of the Buzz
As one of you mentioned on Bookrageous, I didn’t really think about having a “reading life” until I started writing a blog. I started it to put more pressure on myself to read more. I was an avid reader right up until I had kids. When my kids were younger I veered more toward the easier forms of entertainment — TV and computers. Even now, it is a struggle for me to pick a book over TV, computer games, board games, housework, etc.
As far as managing what I read, it is simpler for me because I rarely accept ARCs so I don’t have the pressure of needing to read and review a book within a certain time frame. I read almost exclusively from my public library’s collection. I keep a TBR list on Goodreads which has 200+ titles on it at the moment.
You guys also mentioned abandoning books on the podcast. This is still something that I struggle with. When I’m not getting into a book, I often wonder if it is the book or if it is the pull of other things that is causing me to dislike it. Some books hook me from the first page and make me forget all about turning on the TV. Other books don’t really become engaging until 20-30 pages in, and it is much easier for the kids or other things to distract me and make me put the book down.
Dani in NC´s last [type] ..Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
I totally get the “suck at it these days” thing. I’ve been feeling that way too.
I’m in the same situation as many who have already commented – I have a full time job that is not book/reading related – and it tends to take over my life sometimes. I bring my book/e-reader with me always, and am amazed at when I catch a few minutes of reading during unexpected breaks.
I’ve found that the biggest help is to remember that I read/blog because I enjoy it – and if my life only allows for a couple of books one month, that’s just the way it is.
Lastly – I linked this in my “Friday Five” over at Kate’s Library, so hopefully you get more helpful advice! I’m looking forward to reading future comments!
I totally get the “suck at it these days” thing. I’ve been feeling that way too.
I’m in the same situation as many who have already commented – I have a full time job that is not book/reading related – and it tends to take over my life sometimes. I bring my book/e-reader with me always, and am amazed at when I catch a few minutes of reading during unexpected breaks.
I’ve found that the biggest help is to remember that I read/blog because I enjoy it – and if my life only allows for a couple of books one month, that’s just the way it is.
Lastly – I linked this in my “Friday Five” over at Kate’s Library, so hopefully you get more helpful advice! I’m looking forward to reading future comments!
Yeah, I suck too. Especially at reading print things, since I never sit down. I do listen to audio to maximize the multitasking. I just grab a minute here, a minute there. Waiting for an appointment, waiting to pick up the kids from school, while cooking, in the bath. I love traveling long distances (what we will be doing this summer)…it is like a readathon. I am stocking up for that.
Sandy´s last [type] ..RIP Rufus
I wish I had the answer. It’s really hard as a writer. I’m busy writing, promoting, taking care of family. Reading time gets severely cut. Oh for the days when I could just curl up with a book and forget the world. Seriously, I think you have to make time for it. Just squeeze in a few minutes here and there, which is tough for someone who doesn’t like to put the book down.
First, I just wanted to say that I love your blog! As for the topic, I think this is a fantastic question to think about. I spent last year working TONS of overtime at my job, and found that I didn’t get to read nearly as much as I used to. Now that work has calmed down for me, I’ve started reading a lot more and I realized how much I missed it — reading really does keep me sane. I really try to make time to read and take advantage of small snippets of free time that show up. I always have a book with me, and I read on my subway commute to and from work every day. We usually have the TV or a movie on at our apartment in the evenings, but I tend to just sit with my boyfriend and read while he watches the TV.
I also like to read several books at once — for me personally, my mood has a lot to do with how quickly I read and how much I enjoy a book so I’ve found that if I have a few going at once, then I can pick up whichever fits my mood best at that moment. That way I’m never looking at my current book thinking that maybe I don’t feel like reading right now; there’s always another option that better fits my mood.
I have an hour long lunch break at work everyday. I bring my own lunch and it only takes me maybe 15 minutes to eat. I devote the rest of that time to reading. I also find time to read on the weekends and on evenings that I don’t have other plans. I really miss those summer days as a kid where I could just read all day because I didn’t have anything else to do. I got through a ton of books in those days.
Good luck with your reading!
Julie @ Read Handed´s last [type] ..This Post is For the Dogs
Several people have mentioned reading in little tidbits of time. I used to do that when i was younger; I remember watching TV shows and reading during the commercial breaks before we had the ability to fast-forward through them
. I think the babies sucked my brain dry, because I have trouble following the narrative of a novel if I read in 5 or 10-minute bites.
Dani in NC´s last [type] ..Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Great question and very insightful comments.
I also have two young children who demand attention and a full time job.
I read 30-60 minutes in the morning before everyone wakes up (I really should exercise though). Then in red lights on the way and from work.
I read at lunch.
At night I usually get another 30-60 minutes in before going to bed.
When the weather is nice I read less because I found out that wood working really relaxes me, so that’s what I spend my nights doing in the garage several days a week.
http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
My reading life increased greatly after the TV digital conversion in June 2009. It was a year until I could get cable. Meanwhile, my library card got a big workout. The result: I discovered that I preferred spending the evening curled up with a book over watching TV.
I also try to use bits of time. A Nook is good for standing on line at the bank, and audio books let me “read” during my commute. I pack a bag lunch to allow more time for reading.
I use Goodreads to manage my lists. I love perusing my TBR stacks, touching the covers and anticipating the fun that awaits me.
I have a full-time job where I can listen to audio books all day, and that’s how I get most of my “reading” done. I usually get about 6 hours worth of listening done every day, and for some YA novels or generally short books, that could be the whole thing. I also read real books on breaks and on lunch when I’m not actually interacting with other people. I try to read at home as well before bed.
I also have an hour-long car ride to work and home every day, so I listen to books on my iPod. These are usually separate from the book on CD at work and the regular book at home. I’m pretty lucky when it comes to time to read/listen to books.
Managing my TBR list has been tough, actually. I always end up finding new books to read that aren’t yet on my TBR list and go for those first. Then my TBR list builds and builds until now I have over 115 in there, and that only includes the first books in a series I want to read! So really, I just keep reading and hope I get to the books I want to read.
Mickey´s last [type] ..Follow Friday
Books on tape, reading in the bathroom, not doing the things I am supposed to do like the dishes and laundry, at night before bed, it is hard to find time, you have to make the time and it is always at the expense of something else. My best solution is retirement….LOL!!
Mickey: what do you do? And are they hiring???
[...] ~ The Book Lady’s Blog: How do you manage your reading life? [...]
I allot a time of the day for reading. Most of the time, it’s before bedtime.
Well, I don’t have much going on in my life so I have a lot of time to read, but I still have stuff to do during the day. So when I have a break from doing school and other things, I’ll read. It gets kinda hard sometimes because I’ll end up reading all day, and not do anything so I have to bide my time… The time goes by so fast, I don’t know that 4 hours have past away! haha Reading is like my escape from the world and I try to make time for it.
Bookworm1996´s last [type] ..Well
I find ways to make time by figuring out what’s worth my time. I used to have a morning ritual of waking up earlier than the rest of my family, putting the coffeepot on, and read for 30 minutes to a hour. I take public transportation so I read while waiting for the bus. I’m an insomniac so I’m often up reading.
If you don’t mind your tbr books gathering dust while you read review copies, then don’t worry about it. If it does bother you, then what about reading one of your own books for every two ARCs that you read? Good luck.
Vasilly´s last [type] ..Weekend Cooking- The Library Loot Edition
Never leave the house without a book. That’s how I manage my reading life.
That being said…I’ve been reading the same (and I’ll grant that it’s a challenging read) book for the last 3 weeks and I’ve been working my buns off. Strangely…they are still the same size (bootylicious).
EMBASSYTOWN by China Mieville (author-crush) is exceptional, but it’s work.
Back to the never leave the house without a book: you *do* have time to read. At the DMV, waiting to pick up a friend or kids, basically anywhere you are just waiting.
And I think I watch an average of 3 hours of tv a week. I have nothing at all against tv. Reading is an entertainment choice. Skip an hour of Real Housewives or Halo and you’ve got 30-50 pages down easy.
That’s how I manage my reading life. Great post! Now I have to get offline so I can finish this book!
Kelly Justice´s last [type] ..Book Club Giveaway Frenzy! With Guest Author Amy Stolls and The Book Ladys Blog
Such a great question! I fit reading into lots of smaller pockets–I read over breakfast before work, over my lunch break. I take my book with me wherever I go and read in the line at the post office or in the waiting room for the doctor. I carve out at least 30 minutes before bed. Sometimes if I’m having trouble getting through a book I’ll set myself a page goal: I have to read 50 pages a day, or whatever. That makes me more focused and I look harder for time to read so I can get it done. That said, sometimes I need a break! Sometimes I’ll take the pressure off and re-read some of my favorites for a while to recharge.
Brooke´s last [type] ..Book Review- Swimming
I’ve read through the comments, and to the question, “How do you make the time?” most people seem to be answering, “Whenever I can,” or “I make the time.”
As for me, I probably average about an hour of reading per day (it goes up on the weekends). I work on a computer all day, so I don’t spend a lot of time on Facebook or things like that once I get home. I live in a small town, so there’s not much to do, and I don’t drink, so I don’t often travel to “the big city” unless it’s to see friends. I try to finish all my blog posts for the week on the weekends, so I have all week to bask in a book or two. So…I make time to read.
Give up other stuff in exchange for that time.
As for how I decide what to read next…usually I just go with whatever I’m in the mood for. But if I know I’ve been reviewing a lot of fantasy on my blog, or a lot of fiction, or a lot of funny stuff or kids’ stuff, I try to mix it up and read something a little different.
Amy´s last [type] ..Notable Quotables- Fantasy
It is as simple as turning off the tv, people are apparently spending between 3 – 5 hours per day watching tv, what on earth are they watching?
I read when I can…or not. When I start to try and manage it, it becomes a chore — and I have enough of those to do! I read here and there — audiobooks in the car (sometimes…sometimes I listen to NPR), a hard copy or two on my nightstand, my Kindle in my purse, a book going through dailylit.com. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I do enjoy a small handful of shows. Sometimes I read like crazy, and sometimes I’m in a slump. I just take life as it comes and count reading as one of my true pleasures. I pick up whatever looks interesting, whether it was on my TBR pile, something I came across at the library, or something someone loans me. My only “goal” is to read 100 books this year — I’m at 41, so it’s a totally manageable number. Happy reading!
Cori´s last [type] ..30 Days of Books – Day 17
Well, with so many booksd and so little time, all of us “suck at” reading as much as we may want. That said, here is how I manage my reading time:
1. I set up my reading on a wekly schedule, write my reading goals down in a special section of my weekly to-do list, and share and discuss the entire list with my wife in our weekly family goal and plans meeting – every Sunday at 4PM.
2. I read for an hour every nmight before going to bed.
3. Like Bethany, I treat myself to book dates – usually on weekends after visiting library sales or garage sales to find great books.
4. I never watch TV. This is not because there is nothing ood on the tube. Its because there is almost always something good — think book TV.
5. Like Mickey and Vasily and others, I read on public transport. I used to do this every day on my commute to and from work. Now I’m retired, so this reading management tool is less useful to me.
6. I read on long drives when someone else is driving. We have a place in Florida, and the drive gives me plenty of reading time. When I am driving I listen to books on tape. Recently ‘read’ Madame Bovary that way and it was great.
7. I don’t have a TBR pile, but I have a large set of ‘aspirational’ book shelves. Used books are very cheap and make wonderful wall decorations. My aspirational books help me define myself and my future goals.
8.I organize reading projects that support other life activities. For example, I drae with watercolors with a drawing group every Wednesday evening, and I read seriously about the history and techniques of watercolor.
9. I read the New Yorker ands the New York Review of Books as soon as they arrive in the mail. I put this ptactice on my lifetime goal and to-do list more than thirty years ago.
10. Like Anita, I am a writer. Writing makes it very hard to find the time or mental energy to read. The great developmental psychologist Jean Piaget was once asked what he made of Jung’s theory of development. he said that he had never read Jung. “There are two kinds of psychologists,” he said, “those who read and those who write.” Also reading to support my writing takes up a lot of my reading time. This is why it is very important for me to plan recreational reading and stick to my plan.
Since I take mass transit to and from work, I will usually be reading and it allows me to read a good portion of a book, depending on the book and if I am able to get into the story. I also sometimes just spend an evening or two reading, depending on my mood. But mostly I just make sure that I set aside some time each day to get some reading done. Also as the weather gets nicer, I tend to read more. I suppose it also helps that the majority of my reads come from the library, thereby forcing me to read what I have signed out.
Melissa W.´s last [type] ..Blog Hop
I’m sort-of the other way round – I get quite a lot of reading done but I don’t tend to know what books are coming soon despite following all sorts of publishing types on Twitter and listening to book podcasts. I just find that too much like work! I make time for reading by choosing it over TV, by going to bed early, by taking long baths with a book, by rewarding myself with reading time when I’ve done my weekend chores… I rarely get more than an hour at a time but it all adds up.