I’m so happy that I was able to exceed my 2024 reading goal!
Granted, my goal was only 6 books, but the fact that I started truly enjoying reading again means a lot to me. Despite my previously voracious appetite for reading books (and not just articles in the Internet), I had completely stopped for a couple of years, so I’m glad to be back in the habit of reading. It forces me to focus and helps extend my attention span, which is admittedly fried from all my mindless screen time.
Speaking of screen time, I actually have stopped buying physical books. Even though I had decluttered most of my books and only kept those with sentimental value, I still have quite a bit and I no longer have space for more.
That is only part of the reason I now prefer ebooks, though. Ebooks are far more convenient, as I can bring my entire library on my phone. It’s also very helpful when I’m waiting for a new book release, since it takes literally one tap to buy a Kindle copy from Amazon instead of calling up bookstores to figure out what branch has it in stock.
You’ll notice I said my books are on my phone, not a dedicated e-reader. I’ve tried using Kindles before, but I always gave up. I know others love Kindles so they can be more intentional with their reading time and avoid distraction, but I actually prefer not to make a ritual out of reading. It can just be a simple, enjoyable hobby, like it was when I was a kid learning to love the written word. I can pick up my phone to start reading, and put it down when I feel like doing something else.
Happily, I’ve found that this more lighthearted approach makes me feel more engaged with reading.