Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Changes In My Reading Life, with the explanation maybe you like different genres or topics, maybe you read faster than you used to, maybe you only like standalones now.
Here are some ways my reading preferences and habits have changed over the years:
1. I read on my Kindle much more frequently than I use to. Probably because it’s so easy and portable (especially since it syncs with my phone app, so I never have to wonder where I left off). Also, my husband is strictly a Kindle reader, and I end up purchasing the Kindle format more often for our shared library.
2. I think I’ve burned out when it comes to reading historical fiction set during the World Wars. I’ve read some amazing novels set during these times, but for right now, other time periods and settings are much more appealing to me.
3. Not so much a fan of high fantasy these days. I can’t be bothered learning entirely new systems of magic or the rules of new kingdoms.
4. I have less patience for books that don’t grab me within the first chapter or so. I have the power to DNF, and I’m not afraid to use it!
5. I’m trying to be much more cautious about requesting ARCs — I need to preserve time for me to read on a whim, and not based on publication date or other commitments.
And here are some things about me as a reader that have not changed at all:
1. I never, ever, ever leave the house without a book — or at the very least, without access to my Kindle app.
2. I continue to buy more books than I can possibly read in a year… or a lifetime.
3. I’m a complete mood reader. Having to stick to a reading plan makes me grumpy.
4. If you want to make friends with me, ask me what I’ve read recently.
5. I skip from genre to genre whenever possible — if I read too many of any one type of book, I can feel myself losing interest and have to switch it up.
How about you? Have you changed as a reader?
If you did a TTT post this week, please share your link!
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I have the same reaction to historical fiction set during either of the World Wars these days. You’re not alone there.
My TTT.
I think I’ve just read way too many books set during those periods — I’ve got book burn-out.
Great list! I read so much on my Kindle now too – it’s especially handy for me considering I do so much reading on my commute to and from work – and you’re not alone when it comes to historical fiction set during the World Wars. I did my first year of my A Level in English Literature on War Literature and while I did find it really interesting, I’ve never really gravitated towards books set during that time period since.
I’m so attached to my Kindle! I love how easy it is to flip back and forth between books, and it feels like carrying a library in my pocket. 🙂 My only complaint is not being able to see illustrations, maps, etc clearly. Sometimes, a physical book is still the best option.
Loved reading this!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thanks!
awesome list!
Thanks so much!
I definitely read far less historical fiction than I used to!
My TTT:
http://megabunnyreads.home.blog/2019/11/19/top-ten-tuesday-changes-in-my-reading-life-11-19/
It was one of my main go-to genres for a while, but then I got to a point where so much started feeling the same. I always do better when I mix things up anyway.
It’s cool that you have included both things that changed and things that stayed the same. I relate to a lot of what your saying, like having to switch genres all the time and being a complete mood reader. This makes it so hard to ever stick to a tbr! I should be more like you on the dnfing. My reading often slows down because I’m trying to get through some book. Great list! 🙂
It took me a while to get over my compulsion to finish every book I started. 🙂 Trust me, it feels really freeing to be able to just say no.
I do most of my reading on my kindle now too! It’s been amazing
Here is mine
https://diaryofablackcitygirl.wordpress.com/2019/11/19/teaser-top-ten-tuesday-19-11-19/
And so helpful too when it comes to looking up obscure words or finding a particular character last mentioned 400 pages earlier. 🙂
Yes, yes, I so sick of WWII. I dropped the History book club because that’s all they offered. There’s more to history or historical fiction than this war. Got me on a rant. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/
Ha, rant away! There are definitely more than enough WWII books to choose from — I just feel like I’ve had my fill for now, or at least need to limit my intake to no more than 2 – 3 per year.
Great list! I like that you included the things that haven’t changed! I always take a book with me too ❤
I mean, it’s the only civilized thing to do. 🙂
Nice list! I also still buy books which adds up to overwhelming bookpile or TBR.
My TTT
But there’s something so warm and cozy by being surrounded by all those books, isn’t there? 🙂
yup, that is the big difference and the smell of books too 🙂
Ummm are we the same person?
I read an epic fantasy book recentlh and remembered aboit 150 pages in why I don’t activelynseek out epic fantasy novels.
Also, I find my threshold diminishing constantly for books that don’t immedoately grab me. How many pages do you usuallh give a book before you DNF it?
It really varies. Sometimes all it takes is a few pages for me to know that the writing doesn’t appeal to me or that I’m just not interested at all. I’ve gone as far as 40 – 50% of a book and then put it down. It may just get to the point where I can’t see putting in any more time on something I’m not enjoying. How about you? Do you have a standard threshold?
Depending on the length of a book I usually give it about 50-100 pages. I have a really hard time DNFing some thing if I’m over 30%. I really should learn to do that though. 😂
I know what you mean — it’s definitely harder to walk away when I’ve put that much time in already… but I usually hit a point where I just know it’s time to say good-bye.
Me too, I keep buying books even if I may never read them. It’s a curse, but one I wouldn’t change😁
Ha ha, me either! It doesn’t matter that I’ll likely never read every book I own — I still need more!
Eek, I like to think I am more discernible when it comes to picking up books, but I haven’t yet mastered that aspect when it comes to buying books. Maybe I will be better next year, haha.
Well, I do pledge to be more restrained every year… can’t say it ever actually happens. 🙂
I can totally relate to all the 5 you mentioned in your second list, especially #s 2 and 3. So, what are you currently reading? 😉
I’m reading The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss — totally fun! How about you?
I’ve been trying to be better about DNFing and only requesting ARCs I’m sure I will enjoy too. It’s definitely been a learning process. Great post!
Here’s my TTT for this week!
Thanks so much! I’ve also cut back on how many ARCs I request. It’s too easy to get caught up in reading nothing but ARCs, and then I end up frustrated by not reading my own books.
I went through a period of world war burnout too. Taking a break is a good idea. It comes back around, and when you next find one in the setting that seems like it’s really worth it, you’ll probably enjoy it more.
Great points. I’m sure I’ll return to these settings at some point, but it’s worth changing things up meanwhile.