Books on the Nightstand discussion

Do you think there's a growing pressure now to finish a book, then the next one, and the next one?

Has the emphasis moved from quality reading to quantity reading?

Has the focus moved from considering the meaning of what you've just read to zipping on to another opening chapter?

Book reviews, reading challenges, data on reading habits, competitions for the number of books read per annum - all can push you to read more. That's good. But do you find yourself galloping to finish a book just so you can get along to the next one; picking short books over long ones; choosing easy reads over complicated ones?

Has the race for The End come to dominate your reading habits? What do you think?

Miriam wrote: "Do you think there's a growing pressure now to finish a book, then the next one, and the next one?
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Miriam, you certainly have given me food for thought with the questions you pose here. Many of us have huge TBR piles. This alone could cause us to try to read faster and not savor the written word, plot or imagery.

Does this pressure begin with the publisher's push for the next book, not allowing the author time for development of story or quality that could be produced?

When I worked in our library my responsibilities did put pressure on me to read more quickly, this in order to conduct book groups, recommend books to patrons, do book reviews, and in general keep up with trends. When I retired I was/am free to read what I choose with no time commitments.

Age has made me think about the TBR tower more. Never, ever, in my lifetime will I be able to read all that I think I'd like to, what's on my lists on my tablet, on my shelves. Does this drive me to skim more, reflect less? If I find myself reading too quickly, not allowing the book to encourage thought, then I know there's not enough between its pages, perhaps as you suggest, a too easy read. That encourages me to think more about the next choice.

I don't keep track of the number of books I'm reading. It's enough for me that I am reading. The only person I have to please is me. My books, my pace, my choice.

I can't wait to hear what others have to say.

I like Carol will never get through my TBR in this lifetime. (I'm counting on heaven being as described by Alice Sebold in The Lovely Bones.)
I think each book has its own pace not determined by me. I can be a fast reader, but given hefty content, I will slow down to accommodate the text.
I will admit that I listen to a lot of books and that can be a problem. If my mind isn't intent on listening, I will miss a lot and therefore have no idea what is happening. If this happens, I will turn to the printed material to ensure that I actually have read the book and understand it's premises.

Hi Linda
I love to listen to audio books when I'm walking. It seems good use of time, and often I walk much further than I planned. But sitting down, I'd much rather read a print edition or read an ebook on a screen. I guess, basically, I'm not a fan of being read to, of having someone (with, for me, what could be the wrong voice, accent, intonation) intrude between the author and me.

Linda wrote: "I like Carol will never get through my TBR in this lifetime. (I'm counting on heaven being as described by Alice Sebold in The Lovely Bones.)
I think each book has its own pace not..."

Good point and I am with you on your comments about listening vs. a physical book. It often takes me a chapter or two to "get it" with the audio edition. Sometimes, like you, I know the only way to go is to read the book.

Miriam wrote: "Hi Linda
I love to listen to audio books when I'm walking. It seems good use of time, and often I walk much further than I planned. But sitting down, I'd much rather read a print edition or read an..."

Agreed. Listening is great when walking or my favorite, cleaning the bathroom. I, too, will continue walking if I'm engrossed in the story. I don't think I ever sit and listen though sometimes I'm tempted. The narrator can make or break the book. If there is something that is annoying me in the narration and I think the book will interest me, it's back to paper or tablet.