It was SO much fun to read the comment section on my last bookish question post, so I thought I’d conjure up some more questions for my fellow readers!
Here goes!
DO YOU “HAVE” TO STOP AT THE END OF A CHAPTER?
I know I’m legally permitted to close a book whenever I please.
And yet…
Stopping in the middle of a chapter feels WRONG. I like reaching a natural break before turning off the light, which is all well and good until I discover the next chapter is 50 pages long. (That’s one thing I really like about using my Kobo since I know at a glance how far I have to go.)
Short chapters make me so happy!
Every once in a while I am just too exhausted to keep going (or I’m reading and get interrupted and have to put the book down), but as much as I’m able I am FINISHING THAT CHAPTER!
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT TO READ NEXT?
Usually, the library decides for me!
Whatever hold arrives at the library tends to jump to the top of my TBR pile.
Other times, I pick whichever book seems most compelling in the moment. (Or the shortest if I’m low on time.) And other times I just feel specifically like reading fiction or non-fiction, so that automatically narrows down my options depending on what’s available on my holds list from those two categories
DO YOU PREFER STAND-ALONE BOOKS OR A SERIES?
Generally, I prefer stand-alone books.
On the other hand, when I genuinely love a set of characters, it’s pretty awesome to return to their world. There was something comforting about starting a new Harry Potter book and knowing I was going back to Hogwarts with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I’m currently working through the Percy Jackson series with my son.
Speaking of kids’ series, we LOVED the Boxcar Children books and while it was a series… each book stood alone, which I really appreciated.
DO READING GOALS MOTIVATE YOU?
I keep track of what I read (via Goodreads) because I write monthly reading recaps, but I’m not especially motivated by reaching a specific numerical target.
And I don’t have any set number of fiction/non-fiction quota’s for the year!
Your turn! Answer one question or tackle all four:
- Do you have to stop at the end of a chapter?
- How do you choose what to read next?
- Do you prefer stand-alone books or a series?
- Do reading goals motivate you—or stress you out?
Clearly, there is still plenty of water left in this particular well…
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Such interesting questions. I read mostly literary fiction, some historical, very little nonfiction b/c I read it as a job.
Do you have to stop at the end of a chapter? – Yes, whenever possible. I think of it as reading it the way the author intended.
How do you choose what to read next? – A mix of the library hold lottery, what I’ve purchased, and sometimes whim.
Do you prefer stand-alone books or a series? – Standalone although I’m anxiously awaiting the 5th Calculation of Volume, and am working through a Scottish historical series (but waiting for kindle sale b/c the print text is so tiny). I love Louise Penny’s series. T and I LOVED Percy Jackson, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Do reading goals motivate you—or stress you out? I reliably read 100-150 books a year so I’m never stressed. I am trying to read more backlist this year, and am doing alright – 35% pre-2010 according to Storygraph. I am vulnerable to the new and shiny though, and love the book zeitgeist.