When I was at my previous church, a book club was formed, and I joined. Most of the members of the group were women, an average of two decades older than I. Each month, we’d pick a topic, and we’d all read different books around that topic; it might be about crafts or poetry or popular culture. With that structure, I always read ten to twelve books a year, and usually lot more; reading begat more reading.
The group lasted about nine years, and I felt that I learned more about these people from hearing them speak about the books they chose to read than from any other encounters I had with them.
After that period, I would start many books. Without the stimulus of mutual responsibility to the group, though, I often failed to finish.
I’m fascinated that I’ve managed to read more books in the final three months of last year than in the previous three years, and I’m not sure why. I do know that I was tired of looking at an increasingly large pile of unread books, for I would continue to purchase them at book sales and at book signings.
Completed in the last quarter of 2012:
Governor Martin H. Glynn: Forgotten Hero
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Wicked
Vince Guaraldi at the Piano
A Reporter’s Life by Walter Cronkite
Using Content-Area Graphic Texts for Learning
After All by Mary Tyler Moore
Plus Ken Levine’s book about the 1960s that I haven’t written about yet.
They are, incidentally, physical books, not on a device such as an Amazon Nook. And my wife HAS a Nook. I like the book. I spend at least seven hours every weekday on a computer for work. I blog on a computer at home. The idea of using another device to read books is unappealing, at this juncture. Perhaps, it’s, as Dustbury notes, that e-books don’t feel like one is buying anything. Or, more broadly, maybe it’s because, as Arthur described so well, I am a digital immigrant.
Yesterday and today I cleaned a few of my bookshelves and I came across many books I don’t need anymore and I thought:”wouldn’t it be about time to get rid of those books that I never will read ever again …”! Tomorrow and the rest of the week I shall do the rest of my bookshelves downstairs and next week those upstairs.(sigh) š
I’m a book lover, too. Mindst you I have recently started reading on Kindle, too. Two reasons – eyesight ain’t what it used to be and I can select big print; and I was amazed at how cheap complete works of the great classic authors were.
I’m the same way about liking a physical book but I can see that it might be handy to have a tablet. My sister likes them so she doesn’t have to lug big books around to read on the subway on her way to work. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
I’ve collected scads of books lately and just can’t get rid of them. So I rearranged the office by putting a couple of bookshelves in the closet and neatly put the books in there – all the “series” together. I’ve been reading a lot of crime novels lately by Swedish, Norwegian and Icelandic authors. They’re addictive!
Leslie
abcw team
This is a good B. I love books, but I always like to I have more time to read..
I love books too. But I need to read more. When you are in ministry for so many years, most of my books and reading were preparing for a Women’s Bible Study, or speaking to a Women’s group. A lot of the books were of the Spiritual inspirational kind. After retirement I read more history, and novels. One of my favorite was The #1 Ladies Detective Series. I’ve read through the Bible many times over the years, and wanted to do something different this year..So I’m going to read through the Bible Alphbeticly…starting with Amos and Acts…a change of pace.
great B š
Reading is a necessity of life, and reading books for pleasure is a terrific activity. Just got a KindleFire so I’ll soon find out which form I prefer. I know that travelling will be easier with a Kindle, tho.
Having been a book designer, I love the physical book! But I can see merit in the digital versions–space-wise! I’ve begun going through all my books and re-reading some of them before I buy more!
I love to read a wide variety of book genres! But I find I go through waves of “passionate” and “eventually”!
I also lean towards non-fiction (which I like calling informational because non-fiction -at least to me- often denoted boring – which so many are not). I also prefer the feel of a ‘solid’ book and LOVE the term digital immigrant!
Love books but seem to have gotten out of the habit…perhaps a “bit” lazy….
I think I like the feel of a book in my hands but can see the value of a kindle, especially for traveling. Great post Roger.
Great choice, Roger. For day time reading I’m all for the actual physical book, but in bed I findmy Kobo easy to handle and easy to read the larger text with only a book light. I am in the midst of reading as much of Wendell Berry as I can!
Now, why would one think you’d post on Books!?? š I’ve always loved to read, but it is often times a luxury I don’t give myself. … what does that say about me??? Have a great day!
I used to love reading books but now blogging took over!
Blade
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
I’m a book-worm and can’t put a book down when I start reading it, even forgoing sleep. But nowadays I prefer to sit in front of the computer than reading a physical book, e-reading is jut not appealing to me.
I use an Amazon Kindle AND my iPad to read, and I’ve learned that it’s possible to have a big virtual pile of unread books. And magazines. And real books, too. Readers’ paradise it isn’t.
I still love books in this digital words.
Love the feel and the aroma of books too!!
I agree. When I read, I end up reading even more. I too was on a reading blitz at the end of 2012. I thought for sure I wouldn’t like an e-reader, since I love the feel of a hardbound or paperback book. Plus, I like being able to occasionally sneak a peek at the author’s photo. I received a Nook Color as a gift last winter. I didn’t open it for a month. Now, I cannot imagine my life without it. Honestly. I like the idea of a reading club. Sounds like yours was a great success.
the only one on your list i’ve read is wicked. i do love to read and hate not finishing a book. i haven’t joined the brave new world of e-reading yet. i have so many hard copy books i haven’t read yet, and that stack grows faster than i can read.
We have so many books in 4 languages, German, Italian, French and English that we could open a library ! We both love to read !
love books! I was given a Kindle for Christmas in 2011. I like it for reading in bed and when having to wait for an appointment of any kind. But I still prefer the ease of turning a physical page.
That is a super collection of books! Makes for a nice photo. I do wish I read more. I seem to read a lot of blogs and I confess that I have a Kindle. Whatever works, eh!
Wonderful photo and post on the beauty of books! Still love the physical feel of them, despite everyone around me having a Kindle. I wouldn’t mind reading the Vince Guaraldi book:) Thank you for dropping by – enjoying me first ABC Wednesday!
I’ve been bubbling with anticipation for this post all week! I love the idea of having a reading group based on topic instead of a particular book. I can see how you would learn much more about the people in your group that way and also how you would be more likely to be introduced to and read books you’d enjoy.
The Guaraldi book you mentioned sounds like it would be a great read. Did you enjoy it?
Melanie – yes, I did. Though it was a bit rigidly written, I did. The link in the post goes to my review of same!
Books, love em, I’m doing a Japanese reading month at the moment. I’ve thought about an e reader but don’t think I could pull myself away from possessing a physical book.
Haha!!! I have drawers and shelves full of books waiting to be read!!! What seemed good at the moment of purchase, sometimes loses interest for me by the time I’m looking for a new one to read!!! The only reason I like reading electronically is that I can get it on my iPhone and it’s always with me (except for when I lose my phone…)
Thanks for visiting MammothLakesDP!!!
Books are an important part of our live. My husband writes, I edit and we both read. In addition to many print books we also read Kindles. They work well for us because we can read at night with the built in lights that last for a really long time. I love to go to used book stores to buy my print books. Probably not the best thing for authors, but great on the budget. Love your books shot. – Margy
I do love books… hope you get to read more. I’ve never been part of a book club but I like the idea of having a topic of books rather than just a specific book to read each time.
There is nothing quite like holding an actual book in one’s hand, or lining a shelf with favorite classics. I am helping my daughter build up her library. She takes a special interest in Dickens and finds his stories quite intriguing.
Real books, with a cover, in your hand…can’t seem to get my arms around the electronic option, LOL! As Martha said, there is nothing like holding a book!
And thanks for the warm welcome Roger! I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to participating!
Though I don’t read nearly as much as I did in my youth (and certainly not nearly as much as I should), I also prefer books. Though I think I could be enticed into an e-reader of some sort. I have the Kindle app on my phone, and while it’s tiny, I’ve been known to sit in a doctor’s office, or whatever, and read a few pages to pass the time. It is handy.
I really like Goodreads for loggin books, seeing reviews, knowing what my friends are reading etc…
Please join, and when you do, friend me, I’m zongrik on Goodreads!