How Do You Read Your Book?

I am a reader but I can't call myself an avid reader. I don't read a book everyday. I read articles and interesting researches from time to time. But to constantly read books, shifting from one book to another, is something I rarely do. Especially with such little time to do so. Sadly, I would usually watch some TV series on Netflix instead of reading. Unhealthy? I think so too.

But I do read books occasionally, I go for book fairs and I would step into a book store EVERY TIME I am at the mall. If I can buy all the books on my wish-list right now, I definitely would but well, there's money issue and there's a tonne-pile of books in my house awaiting to be read. A mantra I keep telling myself every time I want to stop myself from instantly buying a book is 'I will buy you once I've cleared my 'To-read' library. Which I never do and I break constantly. Sometimes I have no sense of self-control for really really good books.

Also, I'm getting side-tracked cause the song that's playing right now as I am updating this blog is horrible. Like it's bad. So bad. Even the name of the band is ridiculous.

Sorry.

I do that a lot.

Anyway, as I was saying, as a reader, I realized that I picked up some reading habits that I do or habits I have with books. I'm gonna share some of it. I'm pretty sure it's quite common for other readers as well.

1. Listening to a specific set of playlist

Some people enjoy a quiet read, some people likes a bit of tune to accompany you for reading. I'm more of a person who prefers to read with some music. I understand some people listens to Lo-Fi music or orchestra, film soundtracks to listen to white they read. As for me, I prefer listening to 70's music. This is a newfound habit. I realised what joy it brought me when I listened to 70's music while reading.

2. Marking Quotes/Useful information

I used to read continuously, liking few lines and taking pictures of it. In the end I never really revisit the pictures or the quotes. Which is upsetting, so I started either putting bookmarks, or highlighting the book (MAJOR SHOCK, I do highlight some of my books). I also use sticky notes at times. For example, the current book I'm reading is a science book, so I really needed the sticky notes because I don't understand a lot of scientific terminology and processes so I need to Google them and jot them down so I don't forget.

3. Wrapping My Books

So usually, I will buy paperbacks because it's way cheaper. Although if I have extra cash, I would definitely go for hardback. I have a thing for hardback. Love em, but hate to store them. They're physically bigger and bulkier than paperbacks. My shelves are full as it is and sometimes I have no other options to store them. But, anyway with paperback books, I would usually read like a chapter or two first before deciding if the book is really good. If it's really good, I would wrap them with the clear plastic book wrapper. I love to do this cause I hate it when my books have wrinkles, especially when I am reading them at the moment. If, the book wasn't any good, I wouldn't usually wrap them.

4. Outdoors are off-limits

I treasure my book a lot. I don't bring them outdoors. I do that rarely. Usually, my reading time is only when I'm at home, in the living room or in my room. I'm usually afraid of having stains on my books. I'm guessing you can imagine how much I would care for a stain since I tend to wrap my books but I don't even like it when it wrinkles from the water vapour outdoors. I understand it's natural that it happens but it usually saddens me. So, I read only at home. I have to admit I started bringing it out only recently but even I do, I only read them on my way back home on the bus or on the train. Dining table and restaurants are also a major no-no for my books.

5. Sitting when reading

Honestly, I can't read while lying down or it would put me right to sleep. I know, I don't sound like I actually read but I do get sleepy being in the best condition to sleep. Chill music, lying on the bed and then a book? Of course I'll set my course for dreamland straight away. I usually read sitting down at my desk or I read on the couch at my living room. I can lay back a bit but not lie down completely. Also, it is really my dream to have the inclining chair that is perfect for reading. That is the perfect chair for me.

These are my comfy ways to read my books. Of course it's different for everyone. Some loves to read in the library, cafes or in the company of others. Some might like reading while lying down. But whatever your reading habits are, if it keeps you reading then, KEEP DOING IT. It doesn't matter. We all have our ways of reading our book, or how we like our books kept. It doesn't matter as long as it's yours. It's understandable, some people prefers to read and handle their books with care as it might be something they truly believe in. Some people prefers to get the full reading experience by... well I'm not sure how they do it. But it's safe to say I am more of the handle books with care type.