I’ve always been an avid reader but I’ve found that, through the years, my reading habits have changed. When I was a little girl and a teenager, I used to start a book and, if it drew me in, I’d read every spare minute until I’d finished it – day and/or night. I haven’t done that for many years because some things changed.
I became an adult with lots of other responsibilities. There was housework, job, family; you know what I’m talking about. But I loved to read so I had to figure out a way to get my reading time into every day. Now, I read in bed each night before I go to sleep. As a matter-of-fact, I can’t go to sleep until I’ve read for at least an hour or so. Believe me, there are many nights when I don’t want to close the book I’m reading but, when I find myself reading the same sentence three times, I know I have no choice. That’s the kind of reader I am.
But, there are different kinds of readers. Several people have told me that they don’t normally have time to read; they’re too busy. Others have said they suffer from eyestrain by the end of the day because their jobs require spending extensive time on the computer and reading business related material. They say the only time they read is when they go on vacation. They read on planes and/or by the pool, which is something all readers seem to have in common. We wouldn’t dream of going away without a book; it’s as important to us as bringing our toothbrushes!
Well, vacation time is drawing near. Soon, people will head for various destinations for the three R’s: rest, relaxation and reading and they’re going to want to have a good book to take with them. Each month, I post at least one “Getting to know you” interview with a published author. I try to provide the readers of my blog with a wide assortment of books to choose from. Mostly, I feature mystery authors because that’s what this blog is mainly about and that’s my genre of choice but I occasionally interview authors in other genres too.
This week, I’m offering a free copy of Mixed Messages, the first novel in my Malone mystery series, to someone who leaves a comment answering the question, “What kind of reader are you?” I’ll put all the names in a hat (or a Tupperware bowl) and pick one at random. Then, I’ll list the winner’s name as a comment on Saturday, May 26th, the last day for this post. Please check back to see if your name is chosen and, if so, email me with your mailing address. Even if you don’t win, I hope you’ll take my book on vacation with you. :)
When I was little I would only read if I had to I wasn't much for books. But now that I have kids I'm reading everyday and night! I am a very impatient reader sometimes... If I'm very interested in the story I cannot put it down untill it's finished. I read my dad's copy of Mixed Messages in less then 2 days even with two small children!
ReplyDeleteAngie,
DeleteYou just put a big smile on my face! Thank you!
Voracious. No other word for it. I can't imagine not reading. I read constantly and still can't get to all the books I want to read.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, John. I have a stack of books on my nightstand just waiting to be read and I have a TBR list of books to order which is about a mile long.
DeleteI've read two of your novels ("Fallen from Grace" and "The Limping Dog") and loved them both!
My Kindle has more than 400 books on it, and I love the portability of taking my own library with me wherever I go. Reading time, however, is at a premium, and like you, Patricia, I read in bed each night. Lately, I'm so exhausted by the time I get there, I can only keep my eyes open for a chapter. Btw, I already have Mixed Messages and it is on my TBR list. I can't wait to get started!
ReplyDeleteAnne,
DeleteMy brother laughs at me. He thinks I'm "too structured" because I have a rule: I turn off my TV and get ready for bed at 10 each night. That's the only way I can keep my eyes open long enough to have ample reading time - as if there's ever enough time to read, right?
I hope you enjoy reading Mixed Messages!
I think I read the way I watch series TV - a whole bunch at a time. I've been working recently on a character who is a Korean War vet, and since I didn't know a thing in the world about the Korean war, I figured I should read about it. Now, four books into it in the last two weeks, I'm cresting my Korean War binge. Then I'll move onto something else.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Doonan
www.themummiesofblogspace9.com
That's interesting, William, because, before I wrote "Mixed Messages," I attempted to write two other novels. One took place during the Korean War. The reason I was interested in the era was because, thanks to my birth, my father avoided having to serve in that war. (At the time, if you were married with one child, you were exempt.) So I did some research and started the novel. I'm not sure why but it just didn't hold my interest and I gave up on it.
DeleteBy the way, I finished reading "American Caliphate" last night. I enjoyed your novel and I learned a lot about archaeology - from an archaeologist!
I still read hard copy books because I like knowing a tree died for my entertainment. I'm kidding, of course, but I just haven't made the jump to an e-reader. Also, I read in great chunks. With a wife and daughter and job and writing on my own, I can't sit for hours to read (like I would if I could), but whenever I do have a couple of hours, you can bet my nose is buried in the corpse of that noble tree.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Bill! I probably should get a Kindle because I order a lot of books, which gets expensive. But, I love the feeling of holding a book in my hands. We'll see, I guess.
DeleteI don't have the opportunity to read nearly as much as I used to, but any spare moment I can find goes into reading a book. And I've discovered some wonderful new authors lately, so my reading world is expanding from a small list of authors whose work I really enjoy to a much longer list.
ReplyDelete(Don't enter me into the contest because I already have Mixed Messages, and guess who's now on my list of preferred authors.)
Marja,
DeleteFirst of all, thank you for the compliment. It means a lot to me, coming from you, because you're on my list of "preferred authors." I've told you before but I'll say it again - I LOVED "Old Murders Never Die"!
I know what you mean about expanding your reading list. Like you, I had a small list of favorites but I've discovered so many more wonderful authors this past year. How great is that?
I'm a bedtime reader like you, Patricia. But I'm also a meal time reader, an easy chair reader in the evening before bed. I love music but don't turn on the radio at home; I listen when I'm driving. I don't watch TV. It's reading, writing, thinking -- besides the usual million chores and distractions of the day. I'm backlogged on books to read, and on The New Yorker but (sigh) I do the best I can. Good question and one I often tie in to a question to students: what are you reading right now?
ReplyDeleteEileen,
DeleteI don't watch a lot of TV but I do have a few shows I enjoy. However, if I had to chose between my television set and my books, well, take the TV away! No contest!
Read at least 3 books at a time because I like variety. Magazines, internet sites are additional reading sources. Never go anywhere without at least 1 book in hand. Yes carry extras in car just in case I am captured by a band of marauding bandits. Have recently discovered an entire new source of authors from Goodreads. When worked only time for related reading and vowed on retirement to catch up. Still trying but like ant have high hopes.
ReplyDeleteJake,
DeleteYour attempt to "catch up" is admirable but, like that ant, you may have an impossible task. There are so many new books being published every month. I like your optimism though, "high in the sky, apple pie hopes!"
My day job is in a call center, taking inbound calls. There are times during the day when I have two to ten minutes between calls. I read during this time. My Kindle has been a wonderful thing for this purpose!
ReplyDeleteJeffrey,
DeleteThat's what I call making the most of your time. We all spend so much time waiting - waiting in the dentist's office, waiting when our cars are serviced . . . all good opportunities to read!
Thanks for stopping by!
I read my fellow writers' critique pages first. Okay, that doesn't count. Right now I am reading middle-grade chapter books because that is what I am writing. Amazing variety in this field. Some of the vocabulary seems to fit a much older reader, and others use simpler language. Interesting. When I go on vacation this summer I look forward to reading something a tad more adult. "Mixed Messages" maybe?
ReplyDeleteWell, Terry, I have to say that taking "Mixed Messages" on vacation with you is an excellent idea! :)
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
I'm pleased to announce that Jeffrey Allen Davis is the winner.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, please email me at pgligor@zoomtown.com with your mailing address so I can send you a copy of "Mixed Messages." Congratulations!