When my Dad picks up a book he typically turns to the last page to see how it all turns out. Does the couple live happily ever after, does the cold case get solved, does the underdog win the trophy, does the nuclear bomb get disarmed in time?
At this point you’re either recoiling in horror or nodding along in agreement, thinking to yourself – “Doesn’t everyone do that?”
It’s interesting that among the many devout readers I’ve met over the years, we tend to spend most of our time talking about what books we read without discussing the nuances of how we read.
Do you dog-ear pages, make notes in the margin, and crack the binding? Do you smell your books, buy or borrow your reading material, and skip to the ending first (like my father)? Do you have multiple books going at once? Do you read in your bed, in the bathtub, or in a specific corner armchair (or all of the above)? Do you read books in paper format or on a screen? Do you re-read? Do you belong to a book club? Do you read the acknowledgements section and endnotes?
I thought it would be fun to run through some of these questions again on my new site – little quirks that make individual readers…individual. Our answers to these questions (and many more!) allow us to add a unique flair to the content we consume.
Feel free to chime in via the comments section below with your own take on any (or all) of the questions posed! I’m genuinely fascinated by this stuff…
1. DO YOU READ THE LAST CHAPTER FIRST?
I try, largely, to resist this urge, but have definitely been known to do this on occasion.
Usually I give in to temptation if I need to return a book to the library and can’t renew it or if I desperately need a good sleep and I’m in the middle of a cliffhanger.
My dad does this regularly. My mom would never dream of doing anything of the sort.
2. DO YOU SKIM OR READ EVERY WORD?
I am a skimmer. I will read every word of certain sections (and often return to read parts of a book in more detail when I can tell I’ve missed something critical) but tend to read a paragraph at a time.
Do I retain less information than people who read more slowly and digest every word? Probably, but that’s just the sort of reader I am.
Also, I take notes from almost every book I read – key phrases, favourite quotations, and even book suggestions the author might make. So I think I likely retain more this way than I would by reading every word…?
3. DO YOU SMELL YOUR BOOKS?
Some of the time. This question might seem highly unusual to some of you reading and then, for others, this might seem like a no-brainer. Books all smell different and the variety of papers, inks, and binding adhesives all contribute to a unique scent profile. My Anne of Green Gables books smell strongly of glue (think Elmer’s); my One Line A Day journal smells like magazine paper but is decidedly thick and non-glossy.
I ALWAYS smell old books; that musty smell of a book that has been sitting in an attic for 25 years is an experience I just can’t pass up – though it can set off my allergies. (It’s a risk worth taking; #IfYouKnowYouKnow.)
I’d say I smell about 25% of the books I read, but when I was younger that percentage was much higher. And you can all now conclude that I am officially crazy…or you can go off and start smelling all your books and thank me for recommending that added sensory layer to round out your reading experience.
4. DO YOU RE-READ BOOKS?
Yes, yes, yes. I love to re-read books. Classic fiction and favourite works of non-fiction – but only my absolute favourites.
I really appreciate something James Clear said: “A recipe for getting more out of what you read: Start more books. Quit most of them. Read the great ones twice.” (I know the middle bit is tough to swallow if you’re not a fan of DNFing.)
5. DO YOU BUY OR BORROW?
I almost exclusively borrow. I’m a minimalist at heart and just don’t have any desire to own large quantities of books; this also applies to picture/chapter books for the kids (of which we have borrowed thousands over the years from our local library system).
I do browse the stacks, but about 75% of the books we get from the library I order through their holds system.
I have started asking for favourite books for Christmas or I’ll use gift cards from my birthday to buy the occasional gem I want to have on my bookshelf (mostly so I can re-read whenever the urge strikes) – so I have a small, but happy, stash of books.
6. DO YOU READ MULTIPLE BOOKS SIMULTANEOUSLY?
Yes. I can’t imagine reading one book at a time!? I typically have 2-3 books on the go. Sometimes one is “denser” and I am working through it slowly and want a faster read to help compensate for the mental headspace being consumed by the heavier material.
More generally, I just like having different books to suit different moods! Some days I’ll read from only a single book; other days I’ll read sections from all three.
7. PAPER, AUDIO, OR E-READER?
I am 75% Team Paper. I have listened to a handful of books in audiobook form and have read about a dozen on my Kobo. I will say the Kobo is perfect for travel, and I’m so glad I have one, but I keep reverting to paper every chance I get.
8. WHERE DO YOU READ?
Hmmm. This has changed over the years. When I was younger, I read everywhere. Most times now I read at night and so this happens in bed. Though I try to always have a book with me in the vehicle when I pick the kids up from school; some days I can fit in a chapter of reading before they come out.
While I love the thought of lounging on the couch all Saturday morning reading a book, that just isn’t feasible – both the timing and the fact that if I am on the couch, a child will smell my availability and come running.
My reading with the kids has realllly tapered off so it’s almost nonexistent now *sob*. It used to total 30-60 minutes a day and predominantly happened around the table and at bedtime. I would read while they ate breakfast, or I’d read to them after we finished our supper meal.
9. DO YOU READ THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SECTION?
Yes! I love reading the acknowledgements.
I put a quote in my quotes book from the acknowledgments section of Hillbilly Elegy: “Last, but certainly not least, is my darling wife, Usha, who read every single word of my manuscript literally dozens of times, offered needed feedback (even when I didn’t want it), supported me when I felt like quitting, and celebrated with me during times of progress. So much of the credit for both this book and the happy life I lead belongs to her. Though it is one of the great regrets of my life that Mamaw and Papaw never met her, it is the source of my greatest joy that I did.”
I love that last part.
Of everything I wrote in my entire Master’s thesis, the acknowledgments section was my favourite. Fun fact: I ended up sharing my thesis with a student a few years later so they could get a sense for formatting requirements (our topics were quite different); when I read over their thesis prior to submission they had PLAGARIZED my acknowledgements section almost verbatim. I gently explained how these things work and made sure they wrote their own acknowledgments section, but it did make me feel slightly elated that they thought my acknowledgements were so good they wanted to use every word.
Though let’s be honest…the more likely explanation is they were just being lazy and they hadn’t even paid attention to what I wrote?
10. WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS WEEK?
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Damour and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer (the latter is a re-read).
Your turn. Any fun reading “quirks” you want to mention or any surprising answers to the questions above? Anyone else a fellow skimmer and smeller? I know there are a lot of die-hard Kindle fans out there!
In case you want to copy, paste, and answer all the questions, here they are:
- Do you read the last chapter first?
- Do you skim or read every word?
- Do you smell your books?
- Do you re-read books?
- Do you buy or borrow?
- Do you read multiple books simultaneously?
- Paper, audio, or e-book?
- Where do you read?
- Do you read the acknowledgment section?
- What are you reading this week?
mbmom11
If I have trouble getting into a book, I’ll read the last chapter to see if I find it interesting enough to continue.
I skim sometimes, and other times I’m going over sentences carefully.
I might smell books – esp older books as it transports me back to the library of my childhood.
I reread favorite or ones I read a long time ago. ( I did Jane Austen during every pregnancy – always something nee to notice in her books.) Right now I’m rereading a few series because I’m having trouble finding a new book to keep my attention.
I do mostly borrow, though there are some authors I’ll buy the new release and give it to a friend when done. ( Louise Penny, eg). I do have kindle unlimited, which allows me to borrow many books- including textbooks.
I sometimes have multiple books. Especially if one is a non fiction one which needs more careful attention.
I love paper books but do read some books on kindle.
I’ll read anywhere in the house or in the car. I’ve never enjoyed reading outside.
I do read acknowledgements- it’s interesting to see who supported the a uthor, and they can be fun/profound.
I just finished “Murder in Protocol”, “The Lucky Few”, tried and put down “A Killer in the Family”, and will reread the Murderbot Diaries today as there is a new one coming out in a few weeks. And some Patricia Wrede books as I’m trying to get one son to try the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. It’s nice to be able to pick up a reread when I have just a few minutes here or there, so I don’t lose track of anything important.
Elisabeth
When I walk by one of the buildings on a local university campus and catch a whiff it reminds me of the EXACT smell of my undergraduate university library. It’s a very happy scent for me and absolutely drenched in nostalgia.
Like you, I’m NOT a fan of reading outside. By the pool or beach? Hard pass for me. I find it hard to concentrate and it’s too sunny/hot/windy/sandy etc. Plus, I find it hard to get comfortable outside for a “reading” pose.
I LOVE acknowledgements sections.
Katie
I am also MOSTLY team paper.. although I listen to some non-fiction audiobooks.
I borrow 95% of the time, but I do enjoy buying books at thrift stores- but only if I’ve read it before and really enjoyed it! I have a personal library of my very favorite books and I enjoy re-reading them from time to time. One favorite I own is “Commonwealth” by Ann Patchett.. I read it about a month before I met my husband, and whenever I see the cover, it reminds me of my time as a young, free, single girl living the big city life (I married a farmer, so my life took a sharp turn after reading that book!).
This week I am reading “Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six” by Lisa Unger, “Matilda” by Roald Dahl, and listening to “Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD” by Susan Pinsky (I don’t have ADHD, but the advice is really helpful!).
Elisabeth
I just cannot get into audiobooks. My mind starts to wander immediately.
It’s amazing how books can transport us back to a moment in time – like you with the Ann P book.
Ohhh. I love organizing books; I’ll have to look up the Pinsky book. I really liked How to Keep House While Drowning – even though a lot of the challenges weren’t applicable to me, I found it to be a great and inspiring read.
sarah
LOVE! I am going to just blatantly steal this whole post and answer the questions during NaBloPoMo, but the tl;dr is that we are VERY SIMILAR readers.
Elisabeth
Do it!
I am gobsmacked with how many books you read/listen to. GOBSMACKED, Sarah. Gobsmacked…
Nicole MacPherson
Do you read the last chapter first? No, but if it’s an intense book I will sometimes peek a few pages ahead to see if the characters are still alive.
Do you skim or read every word? I read every word!
Do you smell your books? Sometimes, just the old books. Not the library ones!
Do you re-read books? YES. All the time! Some books I’ve read probably 50 times. Comfort reading!
Do you buy or borrow? Both!
Do you read multiple books simultaneously? No, not really, unless you count morning poetry.
Paper, audio, or e-book? Paper or e-book, but not audio.
Where do you read? Mostly in a chair, but I will take a book with me if I know I have to wait somewhere.
Do you read the acknowledgment section? It depends on the book and author. Sometimes, but not often.
What are you reading this week? I just finished Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett!
Elisabeth
Ooohhh – I do that too; a quick peak just to make sure X,Y,Z survives.
I’m trying to think if I’ve read any book 50 times. Don’t think so. I’ve read The Trolley Car Family maybe 15-20 times, though.
Suzanne
I LOVE talking about books and reading! So fun to read your responses. I am not surprised at all that you are more a fan of borrowing than buying, and I love your “small but happy stash”! I am the opposite. I want all the books. I want to live in a library or a bookstore, with books all around me. I have gotten a little more judicious in my buying habits over the years, though. I used to buy any and all books, but now I (mostly) buy books by authors I know I love and will want to revisit. And I am a BIG rereader. Which is sometimes a hard character trait to possess when there are so many books in the world and there is no way I will ever get to them all.
I love physical books and once thought of myself as a hard-copy purist, but these days I love my kindle (perfect for reading in the dark before bed; perfect for hauling a dozen or more books with me on vacation) and have come around to loving audiobooks. These past few months, I have read a total of two hard-copy books and have done almost all my reading through audiobooks. What a gift, to be able to drive to and from school or to be doing laundry or walking around my neighborhood or scrubbing floors all while listening to a great book.
Like you, I cannot imagine reading only one book at a time. I always have a kindle book I’m reading before bed, I (now) always have an audiobook going, and back when I had more time to devote to reading, I usually had a hard-copy book as well.
Skimming is such a great skill to have, but I’m not good at it. Sometimes a book won’t quite be doing it for me, but I can’t DNF for some reason (a friend recommended it, for instance, and I feel duty bound to see it through), and I sometimes get away with skimming then. But I find that books I skim never stay with me. It could be as if I didn’t read it at all.
I just started listening to The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner this morning, after trolling Nicole’s book recommendations for something good. (I had been listening to Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan, but that wasn’t doing it for me… so I switched to The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon, but that was doing it for me even less.) I am reading an Agatha Christie on kindle. And I finished The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith a little over a week ago; I bought a hard copy of that one. I have just been unpacking my books, and that makes me really itch to reread some Tana French, so I may do that. And I have a friend’s manuscript that I was unable to beta read due to timing that I am really eager to read anyway, so I want to dive into that one as soon as I have some more time.
Sorry for the incredibly long comment!!! I could talk about books and reading all day.
Elisabeth
I love long comments! No apologies needed. And books and reading is such a gift so who wouldn’t want to discuss that (my husband who does NOT like reading, that’s who – hence me turning to the blog for reader discussions :))
I get overwhelmed with books all around me now; I grew up with a giant wall of bookshelves in our basement, though. Now I like having a very curated and small stash.
It does feel overwhelming sometimes just how many books are out there…and so little time. Yet, I persist in re-reading because I feel like in my favourite stories I learn something new each time. And it’s highly comforting to me. I will say that I re-read less and less the older I get, though. It doesn’t matter how I read a book; if it’s a novel, I will forget 90% of the plot in the week. Ditto for movies. I’ve just had to accept this shortcoming in my mind/memory.
Jenny
NEVER!!! I would never read the last chapter first. I guess I can see why people do it- it relieves anxiety so they can just enjoy the book. But for me, reading is all about being absorbed in the story and wondering how it’s going to turn out (which is why I don’t love character-driven books.) For that reason, I also rarely read more than one book at a time. As I go through my day, there’s always a small part of my brain that’s involved in the ongoing story of my book- I don’t think I have enough bandwidth to pay attention to life AND more than one other story.
I get most of my books from the library, but I will buy if there’s something I really want right away, or if the library doesn’t have it. I’m obviously hopelessly old-fashioned, because I only read paper books.
Right now I’m reading How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny. I’m slowly working my way through her books and it’s been a while since I’ve read one. And, thanks to you I always read the acknowledgements! I agree- great books tend to have great acknowledgments. Louise Penny has some good ones.
Kat
I’m pretty similar to you, Jenny. I definitely had the recoil in horror reaction when I read the first part about reading the last chapter first! I also almost exclusively borrow books and cannot really imagine having more than one book going at a time.
Elisabeth
Borrowing books is my jam. It’s such a low commitment too – I’d feel like it was such a waste to DNF a purchased book, but I just put it in my returns book for the library with nary a twinge of guilt. I almost never buy a book I haven’t already read!
Elisabeth
I don’t read a TON of fiction these days so it’s a bit moot for me. I can see why it’s horrifying for some people to consider skipping to the end. I’ve never done that to movies, so why for books? But occasionally I just can’t help myself!
I’m so glad you read the acknowledgements. Sometime there are some “hidden gems” inside…
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I also am hit and miss on character driven books because of that! I need a plot, so I can wonder how it is going to turn out, but if it just wanders, it doesn’t grip me in the same way!
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie
Let’s do this!
– Eek no I’ve never ever read the last chapter first. However, there are cases where I feel that I’ve benefited from having spoilers in advance of reading.
– Team Skim 4 Life!!!! Reading is an important but relatively small part of my life so yes I take shortcuts.
– I’ve been known to take a sniff here and there.
– I have a collection of All Time Favorites that I re-read. Nevil Shute, Joyce Porter, and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None come to mind.
– Borrow>buy but I’m not opposed to buying if I really want something and I can’t get it from the library in a timely fashion.
– Right now I pretty much only read a single book at a time. That’s because I’m only reading for 20-30 minutes a day, and not 7 days a week.
– Team e-book! If I had to pick up every book that I read from the library that would cut into my reading time. I also listen to audio books here and there. Generally if it’s fiction I read it and if it’s non fiction I listen to it.
– My #1 reading location is in bed, right before lights out.
– I usually skim the acknowledgments for interesting tidbits.
– Currently I’m not reading anything. I’m expecting a Libby hold for a book that I’m dying to read to come in the next few days, so I’m taking a pause until then. The book that I’m so hot about is Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb.
Elisabeth
Good point about spoilers; I have mixed feelings about that. I’m the same with movies. Sometimes – especially if it’s scary – I really do enjoy it more if I know a few details; other times, it ruins the fun.
YAY TEAM SKIM! I’m glad I’m not the only one.
NGS
How fun!
– Do you read the last chapter first? Absolutely not! This seems absolutely sacrilegious to me. I read ahead once when there was an elderly dog and if that dog died, I couldn’t have taken it. But that was an unusual circumstance.
– Do you skim or read every word? Skim. I don’t have time for endless descriptions of what people look like. It’s the least interesting thing about someone in real life and absolutely in fiction, too.
– Do you smell your books? I try not to.
– Do you re-read books? Yes. I definitely have comfort reads.
– Do you buy or borrow? Borrow. The library is my favorite community resource! I think I’ve only bought three or four books all year.
– Do you read multiple books simultaneously? Yes! I tend to have one I’m reading downstairs and one I’m reading upstairs in bed.
– Paper, audio, or e-book? All three. I would read exclusively via my Kindle if our library had a more robust collection, but I probably still read more paper books because of borrowing limits. I listen to audiobooks occasionally when my podcast queue is low.
-Where do you read? Everywhere. On the couch, in bed, waiting in line, in the car. Any chance I get, I’ll read.
– Do you read the acknowledgment section? Yes! I have definitely even cried at acknowledgment sections before.
– What are you reading this week? I’m reading a romance novel called “Kiss Her Once for Me” (so far, very funny and delightful) on my Kindle and a paper book called “Days at the Morisaki Bookshop.”
Elisabeth
Yay for skimming! I feel like I’m a pseudo-reader for skimming, so it makes me feel good to know that you and Birchie are with me on this one.
Michelle G.
This is such a great post, Elisabeth!!
Paper, audio, or e-book? I LOVE audiobooks! I have trouble with my eyes, so I expend my “eye energy” on sewing, drawing, and reading blogs. Listening to books is a Godsend for me. And audiobooks are a whole thing: fans get “voice crushes” on certain narrators, there are narration awards (The Audies), and I even used to work as a reviewer for Audiofile Magazine!
Do you read the last chapter first? No, that’s not easy to do with audiobooks, but I do love reading reviews that contain spoilers – I like to know what I’m getting into!
Do you skim or read every word? Audiobooks mean you hear every word, which I love.
Do you smell your books? Ha! Ha! I do love the smell of brand-new paper books. (And the sound of cracking open a new spine!)
Do you re-read books? Yes! I re-listen to everything by Jane Austen, narrated by Allison Larkin.
Do you buy or borrow? Both. I have an Audible subscription, and our library has Libby, which has audiobooks.
Do you read multiple books simultaneously? No, I like one at a time.
Where do you read? Everywhere! I listen while cleaning the house, doing yard work, going for a walk, or exercising. I don’t usually sit and listen because if I’m sitting, I’m drawing or sewing. I can’t listen when I’m creating stuff!
Do you read the acknowledgment section? Yes, I enjoy listening to that section.
What are you reading this week? I just finished Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn and I loved it.
Elisabeth
Great point about audiobooks being great for someone who needs a break from using their eyes!
I like the sound of the spine cracking open too, though I’m always scared it’s going to break (I’ve had that happen a few times). So it’s a scary satisfaction for me 🙂
Ernie
I would NEVER read the last chapter of a book. It’s honestly never occurred to me. I’m a rule follower at heart, I guess. Not that there is a rule about reading the book through or book police to make you stop if you try it.
I don’t usually smell my books, but I do like the smell of an old book.
I borrow my books from the library most of the time unless I can’t get it in time for book club.
I would re-read a book that I love, but usually there are so many books that I want to read – I don’t end up re-reading.
I read in bed, but in the summer I love to read by the pool or at the beach. I read more when I travel, like on an airplane. I tend to have more time to read when I’m on vacation.
I do not skim out of fear of missing something.
I read paper 95% of the time, but I’ve discovered audio books helpe me cope with sleepiness on long drives.
I’m shocked about a student copying your acknowledgement section. I tend to read acknowledgements, particularly when I’ve really liked the book.
I’m reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. What a gem! I really like memoirs and I steer clear of sci-fi.
Elisabeth
I think there are lots of rule police who would have some choice words for my father – ha!
There are so many good books and I definitely re-read a lot less than I used to!
I loved, loved, loved The Dutch House. I should re-read it one of these days…
Daria
Ahhh, another great post!
Do you read the last chapter first? Nope!
Do you skim or read every word? It depends: non-fiction- skim, fiction- read everything.
Do you smell your books? OMG, yes! The more old/moldy t smells, the better. Or, the opposite: brand new.
Do you re-read books? No.
Do you buy or borrow? I rarely buy. Almost always borrow from Libby.
Do you read multiple books simultaneously? Yes- usually I have a fiction and a non-fiction going.
Paper, audio, or e-book? Kindle and audio!
Where do you read? In my bed 🙂
Do you read the acknowledgment section? No.
What are you reading this week? “What Happened to You?” on audio by Oprah, “Breasts and Eggs” on Kindle.
Elisabeth
I think I’m the opposite with skimming; I’m far more likely to read every word of a non-fiction and skim fiction! That’s funny. I’d never really thought about it before, but I definitely skim fiction all the time, but if I’m skimming non-fiction it must mean I don’t really like it so I’m more likely to DNF it!
Elinoora
I used to love reading in the bath on Sunday morning. Sadly, the house we live in now has a tiny bathroom 🙁 Our house in England had a massive bath (got them to put it in special) so you could soak with your knees and your shoulders in water at the same time!
I prefer paper for baths 😉 but I’ve also had a Kobo for ages as I don’t have the storage for all the books I want to read. And I agree, it’s easier for travelling 😆 I used to fill half my suitcase with books when we went on 2-week holidays.
I also smell my books, and if the writing style didn’t draw me in but I do want to know how it ends I definitely skim.
And another rereader here! I think I’ve read most of the books I own at least twice. What’s the point otherwise 😉 Plus, of course, a healthy ‘to read’ pile.
Elisabeth
A bath reader! (You may be horrified to know that I HATE baths and can’t imagine a place I’d want to read less.)
Definitely agree – no point owning a book if I don’t want to read it more than once!
Yay – another “smeller.”
San
You’re right – it’s so interesting to talk about not just what we read, but HOW we read. That was definitely a very interesting questionnaire!
Do you read the last chapter first? – Usually not, but I have on occasion.
Do you skim or read every word? – I read every word.
Do you smell your books? – Sometimes, but I read 95% digitally these days, so there’s nothing to smell.
Do you re-read books? – Yes. Not every book, but some.
Do you buy or borrow? -Borrow mostly. I will make few exceptions.
Do you read multiple books simultaneously? Usually not, and at most two. I cannot imagine jumping between books (interesting that you feel the opposite!).
Paper, audio, or e-book? E-book, paper, but never audio. I have no patience for listening to audiobooks. I am a fast reader and I rather read at my own speed. I know some people speed up their audiobooks, but that’s just weird LOL
Where do you read? – Anywhere.
Do you read the acknowledgment section? – Always. I find it so interesting to learn more about the process and who was involved in the making of a book.
What are you reading this week? – Outlander, book 7.
Elisabeth
Okay – I laughed when you said you rarely smell your books because you mostly read on an e-reader. GREAT POINT and for some reason I found this absolutely hilarious; imagining people sniffing their Kobo’s and Kindle’s.
Glad to know you’re with me with OCCASIONALLY reading the last chapter first (my dad does this regularly, but I only do it once in a while).
I’ll admit, I didn’t take you as someone that would read every word – fascinating – though it sounds like you’re a really fast reader anyway; and I would have seen you as someone who read multiple books at once!
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I really enjoyed this post and also I went through and read all the comments too and it is so fun to see what everyone else answered! I was tempted to take this and use it as a (lazy) blog post, but I am just going to answer here and will have to post about something else!
Do you read the last chapter first? I would NEVER. That is just weird (Sorry Mr. Frost!) I am a rule follower and I always read in order. I do agree though that sometimes I am late to the game and have accidentally heard spoilers, but that doesn’t really bother me.
Do you skim or read every word? Once again. rule follower…I read every word 99% of the time. Sometimes if it is non-fiction and it is dull, I will skim a few pages, and if it is still dull, I will DNF it. However when listening on audio, I do sometimes zone out; is that considered skimming!?
Do you smell your books? I LOVE the smell of books. I still have books that my grandmother gave me and they smell like books with a side of grandma, a little dusty with some lavender hints. I love it. I also like the smell of a new book too.
Do you re-read books? Yes, but not as often as I used to as a kid.
Do you buy or borrow? I have not bought a book in years. I borrow, or from time to time I have picked one up at a little free library or on the sidewalk in front of someone’s house.
Do you read multiple books simultaneously? Yes, I have a paperback for the BART, my Kindle for reading in bed, and an audiobook for all of the times I am doing something else at the same time (driving, running, cleaning the house etc.)
Paper, audio, or e-book? See above.
Where do you read? See above. 🙂
Do you read the acknowledgment section? Sometimes, but I am more likely to read the authors notes than the acknowledgment, as I like hearing the side story of how the book came about.
What are you reading this week? I am reading All Together Now in paperback, All That Is Mine I Carry With Me on eBook and All The Dangerous Things on audio.
I have a question for you! Do you use Goodreads? If not, how do you keep track of your books?
Elisabeth
Feel free to use this as a blog post on your site!
Your mention of audiobooks and zoning out is why I can’t do them (at least right now when my mind is so busy all the time). I have a hard time staying focused and miss things.
I’m a big fan of the little free libraries. My dad is a VORACIOUS reader so I always pick up books for his stocking at Christmas; when he’s done with them (doesn’t take long), I can just take them back to the little free libraries!
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me came in for me this week at the library. But my to-read stack is getting tall. Gah – the trials and tribulations of a reader, eh?
And I love that bit about smelling hints of lavender that remind you of your grandmother <3
Elisabeth
Oh! And yes, I use Goodreads. I’ve dabbled with keeping a spreadsheet off and on (title, date finished, rating out of 5, and one sentence about my general thoughts) and have given it up again. It’s just too much effort to track books in TWO places (three now that I typically write about them on my blog).
Shelly
Do you read the last chapter first? Yes. I do sometimes. I really try hard not too but if it is a thriller or story that I start agonizing over, reading the ending helps me to sleep.
Do you skim or read every word? I usually read very word.
Do you smell your books? Never. I did not know this was a think until your first post on this!
Do you re-read books? Very rarely.
Do you buy or borrow? Usually borrow.
Do you read multiple books simultaneously? Yes.
Paper, audio, or e-book? I prefer paper. I do sometimes read on my phone but much prefer “real” books.
Where do you read? Usually in bed. But know that my kids are a tween/teen, I can actually sit on the couch and read sometimes!
Right now I’m reading Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier. I also have a book from a medium that is not something I would normally read but the great thing about a library book is I don’t feel guilty about not finishing.
Do you read the acknowledgment section?
Elisabeth
Like you, I definitely prefer paper. I read Wuthering Heights on my phone this year and it’s an admittedly awful book, but it was even worse reading it on a tiny screen!
Alison
I am a smeller, ha! Like you, I used to smell books much more when I was younger. In high school I would go to Barnes and Noble and smell every book I picked up – I had a theory that if it smelled good it must be a good book. Now I rarely smell books, maybe because I often read library books or used books and it’s the new books that smell the best to me. Thank you for making me laugh, and making me feel less like a crazy person!
Elisabeth
YES! I smell books at bookstores, too. I love smelling new books, too. And they really DO all smell different. It’s rather incredible. I mean it’s paper and ink – but my dad used to insist he could tell some publishers by the smell.
Lisa’s Yarns
There is only one book I can think of where I read the last couple of pages. The book was about the kidnapping of a baby and it was so anguishing for me to not know what happened so I had to read the ending before I could go on. But otherwise I would NEVER read the ending! I nearly exclusively borrow ebooks from the library. I buy books for my kids but rarely buy something for me myself since I am not a re-reader so it feels like a waste to buy books as awful as that sounds!
Elisabeth
I feel a bit guilty about not buying books, but I use the library system so frequently and I know that how many books are borrowed impacts the amount of money they have available to order more – so using the system a lot helps IMPROVE the system.
Also, I’m cheap…
Tobia | craftaliciousme
Loving this post very much (I feel I’ve read it before which could be).
I used to read the last sentences first but I stopped doing it. Every once in a while when a book cant hold my attention I skip ahead and read that last sentences. Sometimes I am intrigued and I keep going.
Smelling books is also a nice thing. But I prefer the small of new books compared to old once I found in a SML or have swapped.
I did write a whole post about 25 facts of me as a reader previously https://www.craftaliciousme.com/25-things-about-me-as-a-reader/ and few of the questions I answered too.
Elisabeth
New books are a great smell, too!