On Blogging, Reading and Changes
It’s already Day 4 of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Today we’re discussing how blogging has changed our reading habits.
New Authors, New Books
I’ve always been an eclectic reader and that hasn’t changed. I still enjoy a wide range of genres. I can read scifi one week and chicklit the next. What has changed are the authors I read. Occasionally I would discover a new author but often I’d stick with my old favorites.
When I discovered the book blogging community I became exposed to new authors, publishers, publicists and media reps. I subscribe to many newsletters and am constantly tempted by the multitude of new books. And then there’s the stack of to-be-read books that keeps growing taller.
Audiobooks
I found audiobooks. Yes, I’ve always known about them but I never really gave them a chance until last year. How did it happen? There were so many good books I wanted to read and I just didn’t have the time to sit down and read them. So I made an effort to listen to a few of those books and I am so glad I did. I can ‘read’ an additional two or three books per month with audiobooks. And if I pick the right ones, they are just as good or better than print. Now that time spent walking to work, cleaning the house or in my garden doesn’t go to waste.
Community
I have finally discovered people with whom I can discuss a great book. Real life friends and family would humor me when I’d start raving about a book I loved. They would nod and say oh, ok. They read but they aren’t passionate about their books.
How do I fit in all this reading, blogging, working, family, etc? I’m not too sure but I know I’ve been yawning a lot more lately and devoting less time to sleep!
Under My Apple Tree 
I would consider myself an eclectic reader too. The blogging world has definitely given me a lot more options though!
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I keep saying I will get into audio books for when I am ironing. I must make that a goal for the near future. So much wasted time ironing when I could be ironing and listening.
carol
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Isn’t it great to find people to discuss books with!
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Excellent post, Leslie. I have only listened to a few audio books. I’m not sure why I’m reluctant, but I am.
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I had to try a few times before it worked for me. In a way I had to learn how to focus a portion of my brain so it wouldn’t wander. I would listen while doing something routine like gardening and that did the trick.
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I always thought I was an eclectic reader until I started blogging and saw some genres that I didn’t even realize were out there — steampunk is one that comes to mind 🙂
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I found some new genres too. I finally read a graphic novel. Until blogging I didn’t realize graphic novels were illustrated books. I thought they were, well, graphic!
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I discovered audiobooks since I started my blog too!
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I still don’t really do audiobooks. I need to remedy that…
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I know what you mean about family and friends listening but not being really excited about the books you want to talk about. Thank God for bloggers who share our love of reading!
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I discovered audiobooks this year too. I’m still slow at actually listening to them but I really like them. I’m hating myself for not getting into them sooner.
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I’m really happy you’ve found and now enjoy audiobooks! I’m a huge fan and am so pleased that they’re catching on. They’ve nearly doubled the number of books I can get through, plus they make boring things like cleaning fun!
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I am yet to get into Audiobooks!
As our blogs are reflect our personality, we all look out for different blogging tools. One should go for that wchich suits her/his blog. One should always keep the reasder in mind. Afterall, we all want readers on our blog. And comments!
Here is my post:
BBAW 2011: Readers
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