Bookish Confessions #1

These are my confessions…

Bookish Confession #1: I miss writing reviews.

I never thought I’d admit that, because for a while, blogging felt like this pressure to produce all the time. I just wanted to read a book and not think about how to I was going to frame a review, how many stars I would give, who would read my review – all before I’d even finished a book. I’ve done this for over a year, and it felt GREAT. Like breathe of fresh air.

During this time, I’ve read a lot of really good books, ones I wanted to sing praises for or just complain about. And that’s when I began to miss blogging. So I’m back for now.

Bookish Confession #2: Reading is a solitary act for me.
Despite what I just wrote above – wanting to share my thoughts on the books I read, which is true – it reinforced that reading, for me, is a solitary activity. I enjoy jumping in a book without reading the synopsis or consulting Goodreads first, and I love when I find a title nobody has read but me – and then putting people on to it afterward. I think that’s why group reads never work for me…and why I never read the assigned reading in high school. 

Bookish Confession #3: I’m a monogamous reader.
That’s right. I said it. I can only read one book at a time. When I try to juggle more than one, I never finish reading any of them, and I typically gravitate to one over the rest. When I read, I have to be singularly focused. Shoot me.

Bookish Confession #4: I’ve become a book snob – slightly.
I’ve never been one to knock people on what genres they prefer. That’s not my bag. Read what you want. Yet I noticed my reading tastes have changed slightly. For example, urban fiction or straight-up erotica just doesn’t do for me anymore. I still read it occasionally, but now I’m drawn more to historical fiction.

Bookish Confession #5: I like big books and I cannot lie. (I’m sorry – I couldn’t resist 😞)
In another turn of events, big books are garnering my attention. Normally the books I read are between 300-400 pages, but lately I’ve been craving massive books, ones with longer story arcs that I can immerse myself in. The next one I want to dive into is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I’m scared, though – not because of its size, but the heavy subject matter.

Bookish Confession #6: I can’t leave the bookstore empty handed.
So, like most bibliophiles, the bookstore is my happy place. It’s where I go when I have a bad day, or just want to chill out and relax for a few hours. And I seldom leave without purchasing something – even if it’s just a coffee or bookmark (I love bookmarks). When I leave sans purchase I feel odd.

Bookish Confession #7: I don’t do Booktube because I’m plus-sized.
This a personal one. I totally would have a Booktube channel if I wasn’t so insecure about my chubby face. Yes, I am aware there are plus-sized Booktubers, but I’m just not in the headspace to be on camera. Maybe I’ll get there one day (and I’m slowly working on my fitness, as well).