Like many people, I couldn’t resist today’s prompt …
Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today!
Book blogging has completely changed the way I read – not just blogging, but other bloggers too. I still remember how I actually once struggled to discover new books to read (I know, I can’t believe it any more either) and now I’m buried under an avalanche of TBR books. I used to have a stack of books as high as my bed, and now I have a bookcase full of unread books in one country and a second in another. I have over 500 books and it’s safe to say I’d be happy to be reading any of them right now.
Now, with other bloggers to guide me in new directions, I have discovered a ridiculous number of books I want to read. I’ve branched out, into sci-fi, memoirs, travelogues, urban fantasy, and so much more. With review copies in hand, particularly with Netgalley, I can read more current releases than ever, and if I try, feel part of the conversation. Before blogging, I didn’t know the conversation existed.
It’s also changed the way I actually read, in that I think about books more than I ever could before. I often start phrasing my review while actually still reading, deciding certain aspects I’ll point out that I either enjoyed or disliked. I also love that I can go back to my reviews – especially if I’m reading a series – and remember how I felt about previous books. I often forgot, except for a vague “like” or “didn’t like” vibe. Now, I never have to worry about it, as long as I’m up on my reviews that is.
I can also say that I read tons more than I used to. Even if I turn out reading less this year than last year (which is almost a certainty), I still read twice as much as I read in 2006, before I got involved in any online book communities. I read faster, and I think I read more deeply. All good, and all thanks to blogging.
Has your reading changed due to blogging?
“Before blogging, I didn’t know the conversation existed.”
I feel the same way! Even when studying English in college, I never felt like people were talking about books the way that I would want to talk about books, and reading was always such a solitary activity. Blogging has enhanced my experience tenfold.
Meg´s last post …BBAW, day four: Changing how we read (and live)
Yes, this is exactly the same for me, a fellow English major.
You brought up a lot of good points that I definitely agree with. It is amazing how much your TBR pile grows once you start a book blog!
Stephanie´s last post …BBAW Day 4
I actually used to have a hard time finding new books to read, too. I would get so overwhelmed at the bookstore! Nowadays I have way too many options…
Kailana´s last post …BBAW – Day 4: Reading and Blogging
yes, it has a lot! see here: http://wordsandpeace.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/bbaw-2011-day-4/
Emma
Emma @ Words And Peace´s last post …BBAW 2011: Day 4
Congrats on your BBAW win!
Adam´s last post …BBAW Day 4: Reading and Blogging
I often start writing my reviews in my head as I am reading too!
I have definitely branched out and I am excited to see where my blogging journey might take me next!
Marg´s last post …BBAW: Readers
Looks like you’re not alone in writing reviews internally while reading. I do that, too.
Anna´s last post …BBAW 2011: How Blogging Affects Reading
Ha! I am so glad I am not alone in thinking about how I want to write the review while reading the book. I thought I was over-thinking the whole blogging thing but I guess I’m not
Amused´s last post …BBAW: Readers
Wow, TBRs in several countries, huh? Fancy
I’m with you on all your points. Except that my whole TBR is sitting next to me as I type, patiently waiting for me to pick my next victim from its midst!
Erin´s last post …BBAW: On Reading and Blogging
Not too fancy really! I’m American and I live in the UK, but about half of my books still live in the US with my parents (including those unread ones I haven’t brought myself to haul across yet …).
I’m so glad so many of you write reviews in your head too! Clearly my internal dialogues are just normal for book bloggers.
I start writing reviews in my head, too, while reading. I wanted to congratulate you on your Historical Fiction win. Much deserved!
Trish´s last post …BBAW – Reader of…Audiobooks!
I have only been blogging little over two years now and I can’t believe how diverse my reading has become! I too can’t believe I ever used to struggle to find new books to read, I now always have a full tbr shelf, and can’t imagine how I ever managed without books at hand to move straight onto.
Haha I have at times found myself making mental notes when reading a book, like, must mention this in my review
Jessicabookworm´s last post …Other Sides – edited by Jan Oda
I write reviews in my head while I read too. It’s kind of distracting, but I also like it
Congrats on your win — it’s awesome!
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)´s last post …BBAW 2011: Blogging
My reading has changed in pretty much the same way as yours! I think a lot more about the books I read, start phrasing my reviews even before I finish a book, and even my reading has both slowed down and picked up, if that makes sense. Picked up in number of books I read per year and slowed down in how fast I read each book.
Aths´s last post …The Sunday Salon: So Not The End Of Year Other Favorites List (Part 2)