SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

Hi, everyone!

I used to read 50 books or more a year without problem. I know that's still not a lot for some readers, but compared to what I do now, it was massive.

Basically, when I quit my job and went full-time self-employed, my reading time suffered. I thought I'd read more, but I feel more compelled to walk on my lunch breaks (which is good--I *need* to move more), whereas before, I spent every lunch break reading.

I read 26 books last year, two more than I set out to read. I know it's not terrible, but I see some people read 5 books a week and that just seems impossible XD

I'd love to read faster to fit in more books, but I've always been a slow reader and I'm not sure how to speed up.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated <3

Edit: Thank you so much for the suggestions, everyone! I've decided to give audio books another try, and so far so good :)

If you are walking on your lunch hour, you should definitely try audio books! In fact, I listen to at least one, maybe 2 (depending on the length) extra books per month by listening to audio books while walking to and fro and doing mundane tasks (like housework). Others listen on their commute to work (won’t work for you, but maybe when you drive to the store?) or are otherwise always plugged into an audiobook. See what works for you.

Also, I bring a book with me wherever I go. And I read of pulling out my phone when I’m waiting, I pull out my book. You could also do that with Kjndle (or whatever) on your phone.

Good luck!!

Diane wrote: "If you are walking on your lunch hour, you should definitely try audio books! In fact, I listen to at least one, maybe 2 (depending on the length) extra books per month by listening to audio books ..."

Thank you!!

I tried audiobooks a while ago but they didn't work for me. Maybe that's because I tried listening while running? I hate running (the most boring form of exercise, if you ask me), so maybe that was to blame. I do like the idea of listening while I do household chores. I might just tidy more often if I can think of it as reading time :P Aren't audiobooks really pricey though? What do you use?

I always take a book with me too. I have a hospital appointment in a few weeks and was warned that I might be waiting for three hours or more, so naturally I got excited for all that reading time XD

I second Diane's audiobook suggestion. Walking and listening is great. I listen to roughly 4 audiobooks/month and would do more if it wasn't so expensive. I'm on audible in Germany and unfortunately they don't do sales here. My budget is € 30 per month there.

Sarina wrote: "Diane wrote: "If you are walking on your lunch hour, you should definitely try audio books! In fact, I listen to at least one, maybe 2 (depending on the length) extra books per month by listening t..."

Audio books can be expensive but you don't need to buy them. I borrow audio books from my local libraries, plus one out of state one where I pay for membership. They can be downloaded or streamed.

Sarina wrote: "Diane wrote: "If you are walking on your lunch hour, you should definitely try audio books! In fact, I listen to at least one, maybe 2 (depending on the length) extra books per month by listening t..."

4 extra books every month would be a dream! I think when I tried Audible before I got 1 or 2 books for free every month, but I might be remembering that wrong. I wasn't on there for long.

Faith wrote: Audio books can be expensive but you don't need to buy them. I borrow audio books from my local libraries, plus one out of state one where I pay for membership. They can be downloaded or streamed.

I'll have to look into that. We don't have many libraries where I am (I can think of one local one, plus the university libraries), but it's a small one and I don't know what they offer. I used to work in one of the uni libraries and don't believe we had audiobooks.

Sarina wrote: "Faith wrote: Audio books can be expensive but you don't need to buy them. I borrow audio books from my local libraries, plus one out of state one where I pay for membership. They can be downloaded ..."

If you join one library in your state you may have free borrowing rights for other libraries in your state. Fairfax County library costs $27 for an annual out of state membership and the Brooklyn Public Library costs $50. They have extensive collections.

Faith wrote: "If you join one library in your state you may have free borrowing rights for other libraries in your state. Fairfax County library costs $27 for an annual out of state membership and the Brooklyn Public Library costs $50. They have extensive collections."

I'm not in the States, but I'll see how it works in the UK :)

Sarina I don’t know if the UK has this- but my library system used Libby and Overdrive. They are online sites for ebooks and audiobooks. Typically you can join with your library card number. You might check them out and see if the selection is bigger or if you have access to other libraries that way. (My state allows us to access any other library in the state also, and they share their online ebook/audiobook resources).

@Sarah, yeah the UK has Libby. It's what I use for audiobooks.

You may not need a library card according to this (though as library cards are free in the UK and don't require any ID to obtain why wouldn't you have one?!)

https://help.libbyapp.com/6125.htm

Sarah wrote: "Sarina I don’t know if the UK has this- but my library system used Libby and Overdrive. They are online sites for ebooks and audiobooks. Typically you can join with your library card number. You mi..."

We do have Libby! I looked at it earlier actually. I'll have to stop off my local library at some point and get a card. *sigh* This was much easier when I worked in one and my staff ID doubled as a library card! Those were the days.

Corinne wrote: "If you have an iphone or spotify there are a lot of free short stories from the major sff magazines. They are professionally narrated podcasts. And endless supply IMO"

I have neither, but this sounds really interesting! I'll look into it.

Sarina wrote: "Corinne wrote: "If you have an iphone or spotify there are a lot of free short stories from the major sff magazines. They are professionally narrated podcasts. And endless supply IMO"

I have neith..."

You can listen to the audio narrations from the SF magazines on your desktop or with android as well. The short stories often play on my android tablet while I'm doing visual work on the pc.

This is the one I'm listening to mostly at the time:
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/pod...

Sarina, yes, the library system in the UK gives access to audiobooks and Libby. I’m in the UK too. I haven’t just browsed what’s available, but the books this group reads are never there. But you can make requests.

Also, there are many podcasts that do short fiction. For SFF there’s StarShipSofa, EscapePod, PodCastle, and more. For fiction try Levar Burton Reads.

Diane wrote: "Sarina, yes, the library system in the UK gives access to audiobooks and Libby. I’m in the UK too. I haven’t just browsed what’s available, but the books this group reads are never there. But you c..."

Woah, I had no idea there were so many! Thanks for the info.

Agreed that audio while doing chores or other mindless things where you're not intending to practice mindfulness is the way to go! Easily doubled my reading for the year. We have a thread about best and worst narrators, because the performance does end up mattering quite a bit. So maybe try a few of the folks people have found to really add to the ambiance of the story first, and then determine if it's for you!

Otherwise, agreed about bringing a book wherever you go, and if it's a priority for you, schedule it like any other part of your routine! I always read for about an hour before bed, it helps me get to sleep. Committing to things with social elements, like buddy reads, in person book clubs, or even our books of the month also encourages me to read more, since I want to be part of the conversation.

Thank you so much for the suggestions, everyone! I've decided to give audio books another try, and so far so good :) Thanks again!

Sarina wrote: "Thank you so much for the suggestions, everyone! I've decided to give audio books another try, and so far so good :) Thanks again!"

I, too, was down on audiobooks until last year, but now I suspect it was because I just got bad samples back when the idea was new. While your library and Libby might not have current reads, I do find that they mostly have a decent sampling of books on the group shelf.

Another Libby hack I use is piggybacking on my mom’s library card, so I have the use of two library systems. Since Ohio is much larger than New Hampshire, they often have a larger variety of books. The downside being that there’s usually a longer wait time for Ohio books. Which isn’t a big deal, since I always have something going.

As for running, I would actually recommend walking instead. Some people mistakenly believe that they burn a lot of calories and receive huge cardiac benefits from running, but you get 60%+ of the benefits from walking, with less chance of injury. Running a 5k burns about 400-450 calories, while walking briskly for 20 minutes burns about 300.

I got a puppy to force me to walk every day. No excuses for being lazy because the dog has to go out and she loves to walk. Four years later it’s worked like a charm. I listen to podcasts and audiobooks when we go for our strolls.

Trike wrote: "Sarina wrote: "Thank you so much for the suggestions, everyone! I've decided to give audio books another try, and so far so good :) Thanks again!"

I, too, was down on audiobooks until last year, b..."

Oh, I absolutely prefer walking! I don't mind working out, but running couldn't be more boring. And now I have audio books to make it even more interesting! I did consider getting a dog next because that would force me to go outside, but I'm a cat person at heart <3

I found that my reading speed and number of books read increased significantly when I went to reading via a Kindle.

I read almost exclusively on my phone (with the Kindle app). That way it's always with me.

However … why are you in such a hurry? I suspect that people who read 5 books a week are mostly reading books that are very formulaic (Romance readers are notoriously gobblers of massive numbers of books) and I doubt they'd be able to tell you the specifics of any book they read more than a few weeks ago.

I took speed reading classes in High School and found that while I'd understand the plot of what I read, I had no experience of the book's flavor. It's kind of like reading a Wikipedia plot summary where you know what happened but miss out on the whole emotional journey.

I'm super slow when I read. I hear and see it all acted out as if in a movie. I take it at that kind of pace. Slow isn't bad, it's just … thorough!

Micah wrote: "However … why are you in such a hurry? I suspect that people who read 5 books a week are mostly reading books that are very formulaic (Romance readers are notoriously gobblers of massive numbers of books) and I doubt they'd be able to tell you the specifics of any book they read more than a few weeks ago"

You know what they say about assuming, right?

Seriously, what is it with people on Goodreads lately making all sorts of judgements about people who read differently than they do? This is like the 3rd thread I've seen this week where "You're doing it differently and that's wrong" seems to be the theme.

You read slow and that works for you. Other people read faster and that works for them. There are millions of books out there, so wanting to read more of them isn't wrong, just like wanting to fully immerse yourself info the one story you're reading isn't wrong. Let's let people read how they read and not worry about everyone else's goals.

I am sure everyone here means to be affirming or supportive rather than judgmental, but it is a good reminder, Becky, that how we offer support is important. Sarina's exercise regimen and goals are completely valid, as are anyone else's for themselves!

Exactly! It's super frustrating to keep seeing these kinds of comments, as though people who read a lot, or a different way, are somehow not reading "right". I think it's because it's the beginning of the year, and all the goals are being set, so it brings out the validity questions about goals that don't make sense to others.

But... why should it matter? If it encourages us to read, isn't that why we're all here? Because we're readers?

I read at my own pace - not trying to break records or impress anyone - I want a good book to last forever - If I read 5 or 50 books a year it make no difference to me

Trike wrote: "As for running, I would actually recommend walking instead. Some people mistakenly believe that they burn a lot of calories and receive huge cardiac benefits from running, but you get 60%+ of the benefits from walking, with less chance of injury. Running a 5k burns about 400-450 calories, while walking briskly for 20 minutes burns about 300...."

BIG APOLOGY for going off topic and as Allison says individuals' exercise regimen should be tailored to each individuals' circumstances. However, as a physical therapist, I just can't let that statement stand: it is just not true. For further reference please see the recommendations by the WHO here


To be more on topic. I agree that sometimes it is nice to go slow and to digest the novel. I often have problems with that though, because I just can't wait for the ending. To find more time for reading, I also take a book wherever I go and always read in bed before sleep because it helps me to let go of the days' stress. I sometimes listen to an Audiobook too, but only for very repetitive staff, where I don't have to think - I get too easily distracted.

Hugs, Becky! Try to read it charitably in this instance, but I appreciate your defense of Sarina and that you vocalized this frustration!

There's no wrong way to read as long as you're enjoying it. If you're not enjoying it, try sommat else!

Thanks everyone for being helpful! Sounds like we've converted Sarina to audiobooks, mwahahahha!

Sarina wrote: "Diane wrote: "If you are walking on your lunch hour, you should definitely try audio books! In fact, I listen to at least one, maybe 2 (depending on the length) extra books per month by listening t..."

Hi!
Audiobooks are pricey indeed. I'm subscribed to Scribd. You can listen and read as many books/audiobooks you want and you get a 30 day free trial period! :) I love their service

Allison wrote: "Hugs, Becky! Try to read it charitably in this instance, but I appreciate your defense of Sarina and that you vocalized this frustration!

There's no wrong way to read as long as you're enjoying it. If you're not enjoying it, try sommat else!

Thanks everyone for being helpful! Sounds like we've converted Sarina to audiobooks, mwahahahha!"

Fair point. Apologies for the snippiness, Micah.

Back on topic, I second the suggestion of using Libby for audiobooks (and ebooks of course). For people in the US, a friend of mine found this list of libraries that allow paid non-resident (or free for state residents) memberships. https://weightywords.net/best-non-res...

I started using Libby back in September and have borrowed 13 different audiobooks since then.

Also, just throwing this out in case anyone isn't aware, but Audible has different tiers of membership. If you can pay up front for the highest tier, it's $229.50 up front, but includes 24 credits, which means that each credit is $9.56, rather than the $14.95 per credit monthly plan.

Also, Audible memberships are giftable. I know it's too late for this holiday season, but birthdays and anniversaries are perfect opportunities to have other people pay for your audiobooks. :D

Happy listening!

OH! And, the RBDigital app also works with library cards, and you can get still more ebooks and audiobooks through that app.

I use the Google Rewards surveys app and randomly answer a couple of questions every four days or so to help fund my ebook addiction. It's given me £27.18 in just under two years. It takes awhile but with the other deals that Google offers on occasion (like '£3 off your next ebook purchase') I manage to buy a book or three for this and my offline book club reads that aren't available through my library.

Becky wrote: "This is like the 3rd thread I've seen this week where "You're doing it differently and that's wrong..."

Sorry, that wasn't my intent at all. Nothing's wrong with reading fast, and I don't think I actually said that, did I? If that's how it was taken, then please rest assured it wasn't meant that way.

When I see threads like "How Many Books Will You Read This Year" I wonder if we make reading a competition. And then I reflect upon how I like to savor books.

Micah wrote: "Becky wrote: "This is like the 3rd thread I've seen this week where "You're doing it differently and that's wrong..."

Sorry, that wasn't my intent at all. Nothing's wrong with reading fast, and I ..."

You did not actually say that, no. It's been a touchy topic for me this week. Sorry about that.

I sometimes feel like I should be apologizing because I read so fast, especially in the TBR contest threads, but I'm a natural speed reader (no classes, I just see and process data fast for some reason). I can remember taking tests back in my school days, finishing, and then having to pretend to still be taking it until someone else took theirs up first. I was teased enough for being a "brain" (I wore glasses too which made it worse) and I didn't want to make the situation worse.

Anyway, the Kindle seems to allow me to process books even faster

Another source for inexpensive audio books is Chirp. They are part of bookbub and you can get daily emails about the current discounts.

https://www.chirpbooks.com/home

Micah wrote: "I read almost exclusively on my phone (with the Kindle app). That way it's always with me.

However … why are you in such a hurry? I suspect that people who read 5 books a week are mostly reading b..."

Sorry, but I feel a bit touched. I can read 5 books or more a week and although I love romance I can do that with any sort of book that strikes my fancy. What book do you want me to tell you about? I don't think you should be so judgmental of other people's reading habits.

edit: I answered before seeing the rest of the thread, but I feel like deleting it would be worse, so I am sorry for jumping the gun

CBRetriever wrote: "I sometimes feel like I should be apologizing because I read so fast, especially in the TBR contest threads, but I'm a natural speed reader (no classes, I just see and process data fast for some re..."

A great source for audiobooks I've found is Librivox, if you like classics they have a pretty extensive catalog and it's free and performed by volunteers. I personally really enjoyed Austen's works, Dracula and Frakenstein.

Give your attempt at audiobooks some time. It took me at least a dozen books before I could process them through ears instead of eyes, and I still won't do non-fiction or other tough books that way. And yes, mind the narrator.

Poetry would be great in audio.

Librivox can be great, but not many of the volunteer narrators that I've encountered speak clearly enough if there are competing noises like walking in town or driving.

Also I agree with the suggestion to schedule in time to read, if that's what you really want. Consider taking off your schedule some magazines, TV, negative energy friends, hobbies you've gotten tired of....

Also take the time to *review* the books you read/ listen to. It may seem counter-intuitive, but reviewing on goodreads has done wonders for me. I actively engage myself into the book, entering it with the thought that I'm going to want to say something about it when I'm done. So I pay attention to everything more, and don't slow down or drift away.

If I do find that I'm not engaged, I usually DNF. Do not waste time on books that aren't working for you.

I always tell people: Struggling through a book that you're not enjoying, and that your GR friends haven't said will reward you if you keep going, will frustrate you and slow you down a lot!

Cheryl wrote: "Also take the time to *review* the books you read/ listen to. It may seem counter-intuitive, but reviewing on goodreads has done wonders for me. I actively engage myself into the book, entering it ..."

Completely agree with this. I review every book I read, and it makes me think about them differently than I did before I started reviewing. It really does make a huge difference.

Also agree on DNFing. Life is too short to push through books I'm not enjoying.

I love nonfiction on audio though. It's my preferred format for nonfiction these days. I'm listening to one now: How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States

Sabrina wrote: "Trike wrote: "As for running, I would actually recommend walking instead. Some people mistakenly believe that they burn a lot of calories and receive huge cardiac benefits from running, but you get 60%+ of the benefits from walking, with less chance of injury. Running a 5k burns about 400-450 calories, while walking briskly for 20 minutes burns about 300....

BIG APOLOGY for going off topic and as Allison says individuals' exercise regimen should be tailored to each individuals' circumstances. However, as a physical therapist, I just can't let that statement stand: it is just not true. For further reference please see the recommendations by the WHO here"

It’s not super off-topic because Sarina brought it up, so it’s related, but I don’t know what relevance that site has to what I said. WHO is just saying what everyone says: we need to get more exercise.

https://www.ukfitnessevents.co.uk/eve...

On average a 5K run will burn between 300 and 400 calories (around 100 calories per mile)

https://www.healthline.com/health/cal...

Weight 2.0 mph 2.5 mph 3.0 mph
205 lbs. 233 cal. 279 cal. 307 cal.

So I guess it’s nice to know I’m not misremembering what I was told by my nutritionist and trainer.

Please, let's not. We know that walking and running don't have comparable effects, but it's great for many people and I don't want to feel guilty reading instead of doing either haha

turning pages is work! some of these books are huge! which is why I like electronic books of all kinds :)

Best workout I reckon....lifting a heavy book lol And walking around the bookshop.

I read fast when I’m in the mood and reading a physical book. I actually read slower on an ereader. 2018 I read 9 in a week. This last year I’ve been struggling to do 9 in 6 months. Managed 37 for the whole year. I’ve finished one already this year so I’m ahead of the game. Well Goodreads challenge anyway. I decided on 52 again.

I listen to audiobooks while I’m driving. Usually. There’s none in the car at the moment though. I’m driving again Friday so I better find my thumb drive. I also like listening when I’m doing a big meal prep day when I am at home with Hubby. I cook enough meals for a month when I’m home before I’ve got to come back to the coast to his father again. Also when I vacuum and clean. I have a heap loaded onto my old iPod nano. I’m intending on making some more me time this year so hopefully I can surpass my GR challenge expectations. And luckily the dog has grown out of his idea that I have to take notice of him all the time. He’d jump on me whenever I picked a book up. Apparently ignoring him and reading wasn’t allowed.

I don’t take a physical book with me lately but I do have some on my phone that I’ve downloaded for free from Tor every month or sometimes I take my iPad with me wherever I go. Tomorrow I’m taking myself for lunch so I shall take a book with me to the pub by the beach. If I eat by myself at a cafe or pub or wherever I always have a book with me.

I'd add a simple and very unspecific tip: use your commute (unless you're driving, don't read and drive for your own sake).

I don't read fast, but I cut on extra things like tv, social media or gaming. I also hear audiobooks often.

Goodness, this has somewhat blown up since I went to bed last night! XD

Thank you so much for all your suggestions <3 You have indeed converted me to audio books :D

(and just to clarify - I'm not trying to compete with anyone or up my numbers for numbers' sake. I genuinely want to read more for myself because I enjoy it!)

For audio books I don't think anyone's mentioned Scribd yet. It's a subscription service of audio and ebooks for about 9USD/ month unless you prepay for the year then I think mine worked out to 7/month. It will say "unlimited" access which is not really true (except during the free trail month lol) , but I've gotten 3-4 audio books a month so far.

And those who are lucky enough to have truly unlimited audio subscription services like Storytel, BookBeat, etc. should try them out with the (usually) two week free trial. I am constantly running into free trial months though, so if you wait for one of those, it'll give a good idea of whether it's something you want to pay for.

BookBeat seems to have a UK site. It's not the best service for SFF, but I did love having the free month anyway! Definitely give it a go with the free trial, and then be on the lookout for great offers. I currently pay 7,50€ ($8 USD, £6 GBP) per month for Storytel, and in my best month I've listened to 27 things. My spreadsheet tells me that I paid 0,44€ per book on Storytel in 2019, and I'd say it's worth it :)