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 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 leaving home 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. My Malone mystery, Mistaken
Identity, would love to go with you. (Although it's the fourth book in the series, each book may be read as a standalone.)
Here’s a brief synopsis and the link
where you can order it in Kindle or paper formats.
Ann feels like she’s in Paradise as she digs her toes
into the soft, white sand and gazes out at the ocean. She’s looked forward to
this trip to South Carolina for a long time and all she wants to do is bask in
the sun, resting and relaxing.
She and her two young children are enjoying their time
on Fripp Island with Ann’s sister, Marnie, and Marnie’s elderly friend and
former neighbor, Clara Brunner, a long time resident with a vast knowledge of
the island and the people who live there. At the fourth of July fireworks,
Clara introduces them to newlyweds Jenny and Mark Hall and their families.
But Ann’s plans for a peaceful vacation are shattered
the next morning. When she goes for a solitary walk on the beach, she discovers
the body of a young woman with the chain of a gold locket twisted around her
neck and she immediately recognizes the locket as the one Jenny Hall was
wearing the night before.
Shocked and saddened, Ann is determined to try to find
the killer and to see them brought to justice. She convinces Marnie and Clara
to join her in conducting an investigation but, in the process, she places her
own life in jeopardy.
Happy Reading!
I read whenever opportunity presents. That means I read while eating lunch and dinner (occasionally breakfast), while people are wasting brain cells on daytime TV, while the ads are running on TV (I mute them), while waiting in a doctor's office or other facility, and sometimes in bed. If you want to read, you'll find the time.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, John. If a person wants to read, they'll "make" time to read. You offered some good suggestions. Thanks!
DeleteFinding time to read can be a challenge, but one that is definitely worth overcoming. Like you, I tend to read at night when I can truly let everything else go....
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
It is true, Patricia, reading habits do change with time and circumstances--and I've also found, with changes in my eyesight! But read, we must!
ReplyDeleteMadeline,
DeleteYes we must! Once a reader, always a reader. Which is why I love to see children read. It sets the stage for a lifetime.
Reading on the Kindle has become so popular, but many people I talk to, say they still want the book in their hand, so I guess whether it is an e-book or paperback, there is still a place for us as writers. Hurray!
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Elaine. I truly hope so. :)
DeleteI make time to read every afternoon. When I was a teacher, I saved my reading time for summer vacation. I cannot read at night--my eyes are just too tired. I used to be able to read a book a day but nowadays it's more like a book a week.
ReplyDeletePat,
DeleteI average a book a week too. :)
I'm incredibly disciplined with my reading. I start the day off with a book, a biscotti and a cup of coffee. When the coffee is finished, I continue with my day. Often, I go out in the patio for some sun, a book and vegetable snack plate. In the evening it's my nighttime book, tea and 25 pages. I get twitchy if I can't read. It centers me. Oh, and my books are in alphabetical order and that's how I read them. Although now, I can totally cast one off if it doesn't grab me. Too many books to waste on a mediocore one.
ReplyDelete(Im a little OCD with my reading)
I'm very disciplined with my reading too, Sunny. I turn the TV off at 10 pm every night, brush my teeth and climb into bed to read. It's my favorite time of the day with the exception of mornings, which is when I write.
DeleteMy reading habits have changed, too. I actually read more when I worked because I read on my breaks and lunch hour, and then again at home. I miss reading as much as I did, but with a different lifestyle and doing my own writing, there just doesn't seem to be as much structured time. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
Thanks, Marja! Life does have a way of getting in the way of our reading (and sometimes our writing) but a true reader like you (and me) will always find the time to read.
DeleteI always take a book with me when I have appointments where I have to wait and also when I travel. The rest of the time I read the most on my lunch breaks at work, sitting in my car, when the weather is not too hot. I'd love to spend a lot more time reading, but I don't have it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, it sounds like you're "making" the time to read and doing a good job of it.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I read during cocktail hour and at breakfast. And when I travel, and in the doctor's and dentist's waiting rooms. And some on Saturdays and Sundays. I steal a little time out of the work day now and then, but only on days that end in Y.
ReplyDeleteThat last sentence made me laugh, John. We all have the same twenty-four hours in each day and, if we love to read, we'll use some of it for that.
DeleteThanks for commenting!
Pat, I'm sure many vacation-bound readers will pack Mistaken Identity.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading, everyone!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Maggie. From your lips to God's ears. :)
Delete