I can’t deny it. Part of what prompted me to begin this blog is quarantining during the coronavirus, so it’s only fitting that my first official post is focused around it (well around quarantine reading, that is).
My childhood self would’ve been elated at the idea of being in quarantine. Not the idea of a global pandemic that causes many deaths and economic collapse, but that I would’ve had a license to sit around my house and read as many books as my heart desired. I was 100% that kid that always had their nose stuck in a book. I wouldn’t get in trouble at school for talking too much, but I would get called out for trying to read my latest find under the table when I was supposed to be paying attention. But can you really blame me? Magic Treehouse was definitely more interesting than math!
All-in-all, kid me would’ve read at least 12 books in the month that I’ve been social-distancing at home. How many books have I read since being at home? TWO! You heard me. That may seem like a lot to some, but for me, that’s way under par considering my normal rate of reading. Pre-quarantine I had been averaging three books per month. That was along with going into the office full-time, studying for the GRE in the evenings, and dealing with other components of regular life that have since stalled. My pile of unread books stares at me every day, begging to be read, but for some reason, I can’t seem to devote my seemingly infinite time to them. This period sounds like a booklover’s dream, but for me (and I’m guessing many others) it hasn’t worked out that way. Books have always been an escape for me during stressful times, and I know that reading more could help make this period more pleasant. As time has passed, I’ve tried a few different things that have helped ease my brain back into reading mode, and I’d like to pass those on to you!
1. Listen to your needs
This is a stressful period, so the number one focus should be on your physical and mental health. I found that I was mentally berating myself for not reading as much as I felt like I “should” be. The truth is: there is no amount of reading that you SHOULD be doing. Reading is supposed to be a fun and enriching activity! It’s ok to step back from it if you aren’t feeling it as much as usual, or if it’s causing stress in your life. I was not enjoying trying to force myself to read books. Instead, I’m trying to focus on making reading fun for myself and truly enjoying the process. This is the MOST important suggestion I can make. Go easy on yourself.
2. Dedicated reading time
The first major difference I noticed about my reading habits is that I’d lost my built-in reading time. I live in NYC, so public transportation is an integral part of my life. I use my morning train ride to work as designated reading time, and I sometimes do the same on the train home. Having a scheduled, but brief, time set aside for reading allowed me to progress through books fairly quickly even if I was too busy after work to read more. Additionally, frequent reading kept me invested in the plot and itching to read more, so I was more likely to spend time reading in the evenings as well. Since I’m not train commuting every day, I’ve tried to replicate that experience from my apartment. Whenever I want to get some reading done I pick up my book and set my timer for 30 min. After that’s over I usually move on to the next task in my day, but occasionally I’ll be dying to know what happens next and keep on reading! This adds some dearly needed structure to my day and my reading. Plus, I find I’m more satisfied with reading a little bit than from staring at my pile of books and never picking one up!
3. Book clubs
To make reading more exciting and fun, I turned to a book club! I work with a sizable group of new graduates (including myself), so we decided to begin a virtual book club to stay in touch. While the first book we chose, Circe by Madeline Miller, was very good, the focus was not on the reading or even on our Zoom discussion session. The main goal was to designate time to socialize, but with the added element of reading and discussing a book. We have yet to discuss the book, but I imagine it will be 10% book focused and 90% goofing-off which is something I can definitely get behind!
4. Pick an old favorite and keep it cozy!
For some reason, dealing with the COVID-19 has brought out a lot of nostalgic feelings in many people, myself included. As a reader I rarely re-read books, but I’ve decided to reread the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series. I know, it’s a little cheesy reading middle-grade books as a 23-year-old, but I’m doing it. It is one of my favorite books series of all time, and I’m on a little bit of a mythology kick after reading Circe. So, why not. I ordered the first two books from a local bookshop and dove right in. I sped through the first book, and it definitely scratched my nostalgia itch. And nothing goes better with a good book than a cozy blanket and a cup of hot tea. I always try to make a cozy reading environment for myself! Try it out for yourself, and bring one of your old favorites along too!
I hope these tips help some of you as they’ve helped me. Nothing is one-size-fits-all especially when it comes to books, so find what works for you and run with it! The best advice I can give on how to be bookish during quarantine is to go easy on yourself and find what works for you!
Much love,
Taylor