How I Read (a miniseries)

Seems like every week I hear about an amazing book.  Maybe someone's doing a blog tour for a new release.  Someone else is posting a review.  And everyone is always talking about the books they've been reading as they post their Monthly Updates.

 

So it's not hard to believe that my "reading process" starts here:

I Hear About an Amazing Book

After reading a review that consists of "ASDKJFHSDKLJFH MY POOR HEART EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!" I think, "Okay, sounds like a good read."  I type my comment "Cool!  This seems like my kind of book.  I should go check it out."

I Forget About the Book

Yup.  I go to the next post on my blogger list and my memory shelves the book somewhere in the deepest pits of my brain - likely that leaky room with the key that doesn't always fit in the keyhole.

I Hear About the Book Again

Someone else has an amazing review.  The cover sparks something in my memory, and I remember - yes, I wanted to look into this book!

I Forget About the Book Again

Apparently I managed to get into that leaky room only to pull the book off my brain shelf, wipe the cover clean, and put it right back.  The sticky note on which I scribbled "look up book" gets stuffed into my pocket and ends up going through the washing machine with my pants.

I Hear About the Book a Third Time

And this time I have the sense to pull it up on Goodreads.  I read some reviews, shrug, and add it to my "To Read" bookshelf.

 

I Forget About the Book a Third Time

I know you're waving your hands in the air and shouting "Again?!?!?!"

Trust me, I'm doing the same thing.

Discover the Book is On Sale

Maybe I've found yet another blogging review.  Perhaps someone mentions it on FaceBook.  Maybe I finally remembered about it and went to look it up on Amazon.  But in any case, I suddenly find myself at the Amazon page, where the price is marked down.

Buy an eBook Copy

"Why not?" I say, as I click the purchase button.  "It's on sale.  If I don't like it, I haven't spent a ton of money on a paper copy.  And if I do like it, I can buy a hard copy and support the author."

Forget I Bought the Book

I'm currently unable to laugh at this anymore.  Now I just feel embarrassed.  But I won't lie and say I immediately read the book.  This is the cold, hard truth.

Remember I Bought the Book

I keep lists of books in my Bullet Journal.

I try to update my BJ once a week or so, and while I'm taking inventory, I come across the book I purchased.  "Oh, I did buy it!" I say, adding it to the appropriate BJ list.  "I should read that soon."

Forget I Bought the Book Again

*nods miserably*

Finish Current Read and Scour Shelves for Next Book

And look what's been sitting around patiently in my kindle library??  You guessed it!

Slowly Start Book

I'm always slow getting into books.  Perhaps because I'm getting back to reading fiction after a break of almost two years of not reading much but Christian Non-Fiction (and some re-reads of old favorites).

But I keep at it.  The MC might not be up my alley.  Maybe the plot doesn't draw me in.  Maybe the world confuses me a little.  But it's not that bad, really...

Fall in Love

Usually around halfway through, I tumble head-over-heels into the book and devour the rest in one final sitting.  The characters bring smiles to my face.  I want to dive into the storyworld.  The plot is amazing.

My Brain Dies

After I read the last line of the book, I turn my timer off and just stare at nothing.  I am a puddle of emotions.  I feel like crying, running a marathon, writing my own book, and taking a nap.

 

Rant and Rave About the Book

 

I somehow manage to write a review.  I cross it off my list.  I fangirl in an email to Sarah, who understands.  I babble mindlessly to Evan, who nods patiently.

 

I Discover Another Book

 

And like a hyper-active child I'm off on my next journey.

 

Anyone else take forever to look into, buy, and read their next book?