A gorgeously written, beautifully reflective piece! It’s really provoked me to reflect on my own reading ebbs and flows. I think a lot of my reading habits in the last little while have been dictated by my mental bandwidth. I barely read in my pregnancy and then I just couldn’t make my brain focus when I had a newborn (lol could barely string a sentence together or read an Instagram caption) and it’s only been since the start of the year that I’ve really got back into it again. But I do definitely think there’s times where I crave the escapism of fiction and an epic story, like when I was miserable with covid I devoured the ACOTAR series. And then there’s times where I rely on the facts of non-fiction to anchor me. And sometimes I consume those as an audiobook too?! Thank you for the prompt, I’m going to think about this more! ❤️
And I absolutely agree with you regarding reading for book club. It’s switching on a different part of my brain and extra level of awareness that I don’t have when reading purely for enjoyment and escape. It’s definitely making me a better reader and critical thinker!
What you say about reading x pregnancy and post partum is so interesting - I can imagine never reading again! Or any reading feeling like my ‘train reading’ because it’s precious, finite time. Or dipping in and out in little moments/with the flow of concentration. Basically, mums are amazing.
I used to listen to audiobooks but haven’t for a few years - I reckon it’s a totally different (in a good way) experience to hard copy and kindle, and I wonder whether it might feel more accessible in tough mental patches? May have to revisit!
Thank you for setting up/running the book club, it’s so good. ❤️❤️❤️
Sep 29, 2023·edited Sep 29, 2023Liked by Brittney Rigby
This was such a wonderful read 💕
I work from home and whilst I have my own office in the house which helps separation between home/work. I still have to be diligent about carving out time to read. The hammock and the fire place are my two favorite spots to snuggle in with my reading. It really allows me to disconnect and enter into the dream world of the book. I actually get grumpy if I don’t read regularly.
Thrillers, horror, true crime, gothic fairy tales, fantasy, memoir, I read it all as long as it holds my interest.
Ooh this is such an interesting question. Thanks, Brittney!
Now I'm thinking...Recently I've been reading on a tablet first thing on a morning and last thing before I sleep. I prefer printed books but I've borrowed this one from the library. (Reminder that you can borrow ebooks and audio books for free from your library!)
I also love reading in the bath if I'm in the right vibe.
And I love reading outside on a crisp early morning.
I've never really thought about how this impacts my reading experience though...I'm going to.
I definitely relate to feeling different about reading depending on where I'm at mentally. And being drawn to different types of books.
Now subscribed to this wonderful newsletter! I do most reading in my sunny bedroom - my happy, creative place as it’s so cosy. Garden reading is also elite but bath reading is my fave as I can get really immersed in it as there are no distractions and I’ve got a nice set up so it feels very purposeful and an event - nice drink, portable snacks, candles, frenchy jazz playlist and of course a great book.
Thank you! I’ve subscribed right back! Bath reading is top tier (/Top Shelf 😉) - bubbles, a bit of bath oil, a candle, maybe a face mask! Nothing beats it.
This was a beaut, Britt! Loved reading about the ebbs and flows of your reading habits and how they’re influenced by your moods. I wholly relate. Looking forward to your thoughts on Wifedom when you get to the end xx
I agree that reading on holiday is top tier reading. I haven’t been on holiday for many years due to covid and then being diagnosed with a chronic health issue that has prevented me from leaving the house and I miss holiday reading so so much! Reading outside in general is my favourite, followed by in the living/reading room as it makes me feel like I’m channeling a late 18th/early 19th century high society woman whose sole existence is to perfect her hobbies. I spend a lot of time in bed so reading in bed has become my most common reading place not out of choice. However I still always enjoy reading before going to sleep, it’s like the perfect buffer between two kingdoms (being awake & asleep).
I love all of this! A few years ago, I got a hammock for my apartment balcony, which now lives in my little yard, and there’s something very transporting about laying in a hammock reading. You could be in any tropical location you want to be, so long as you’re in a hammock!
You’ve also articulated my new life goal: to become a “woman whose sole existence is to perfect her hobbies”.
A gorgeously written, beautifully reflective piece! It’s really provoked me to reflect on my own reading ebbs and flows. I think a lot of my reading habits in the last little while have been dictated by my mental bandwidth. I barely read in my pregnancy and then I just couldn’t make my brain focus when I had a newborn (lol could barely string a sentence together or read an Instagram caption) and it’s only been since the start of the year that I’ve really got back into it again. But I do definitely think there’s times where I crave the escapism of fiction and an epic story, like when I was miserable with covid I devoured the ACOTAR series. And then there’s times where I rely on the facts of non-fiction to anchor me. And sometimes I consume those as an audiobook too?! Thank you for the prompt, I’m going to think about this more! ❤️
And I absolutely agree with you regarding reading for book club. It’s switching on a different part of my brain and extra level of awareness that I don’t have when reading purely for enjoyment and escape. It’s definitely making me a better reader and critical thinker!
What you say about reading x pregnancy and post partum is so interesting - I can imagine never reading again! Or any reading feeling like my ‘train reading’ because it’s precious, finite time. Or dipping in and out in little moments/with the flow of concentration. Basically, mums are amazing.
I used to listen to audiobooks but haven’t for a few years - I reckon it’s a totally different (in a good way) experience to hard copy and kindle, and I wonder whether it might feel more accessible in tough mental patches? May have to revisit!
Thank you for setting up/running the book club, it’s so good. ❤️❤️❤️
This was such a wonderful read 💕
I work from home and whilst I have my own office in the house which helps separation between home/work. I still have to be diligent about carving out time to read. The hammock and the fire place are my two favorite spots to snuggle in with my reading. It really allows me to disconnect and enter into the dream world of the book. I actually get grumpy if I don’t read regularly.
Thrillers, horror, true crime, gothic fairy tales, fantasy, memoir, I read it all as long as it holds my interest.
A hammock and by a fireplace - two of the very best reading spots that could exist!!!
I love Anna Funder forever. Have you read Stasiland?
I haven’t! I’m generally not much of a history reader (/non fiction generally, outside of memoirs, actually) but I’m guessing I should give it a go?
Do you know what? Me neither. I am all about fiction. Stasiland is incredible, it’s history but written like a novel. It’s great!!!
Ooooh, that does sound good! PS. Very keen for ENTHUSIASM!
Ooh this is such an interesting question. Thanks, Brittney!
Now I'm thinking...Recently I've been reading on a tablet first thing on a morning and last thing before I sleep. I prefer printed books but I've borrowed this one from the library. (Reminder that you can borrow ebooks and audio books for free from your library!)
I also love reading in the bath if I'm in the right vibe.
And I love reading outside on a crisp early morning.
I've never really thought about how this impacts my reading experience though...I'm going to.
I definitely relate to feeling different about reading depending on where I'm at mentally. And being drawn to different types of books.
Oh I love reading on kindle before bed or in the bath because you don’t need a light on! Something very cosy about it.
Excellent reminder on the library x ebooks and audiobooks - I always forget about this!!!
You're welcome :D
Now subscribed to this wonderful newsletter! I do most reading in my sunny bedroom - my happy, creative place as it’s so cosy. Garden reading is also elite but bath reading is my fave as I can get really immersed in it as there are no distractions and I’ve got a nice set up so it feels very purposeful and an event - nice drink, portable snacks, candles, frenchy jazz playlist and of course a great book.
Thank you! I’ve subscribed right back! Bath reading is top tier (/Top Shelf 😉) - bubbles, a bit of bath oil, a candle, maybe a face mask! Nothing beats it.
Gotta try a face mask for the full experience! Thanks so much and excited to read more of your content.
This was a beaut, Britt! Loved reading about the ebbs and flows of your reading habits and how they’re influenced by your moods. I wholly relate. Looking forward to your thoughts on Wifedom when you get to the end xx
Have you read Wifedom! I will need all of the ‘reading in diff parts of Australia’ pics. And thank you ❤️🥹
I agree that reading on holiday is top tier reading. I haven’t been on holiday for many years due to covid and then being diagnosed with a chronic health issue that has prevented me from leaving the house and I miss holiday reading so so much! Reading outside in general is my favourite, followed by in the living/reading room as it makes me feel like I’m channeling a late 18th/early 19th century high society woman whose sole existence is to perfect her hobbies. I spend a lot of time in bed so reading in bed has become my most common reading place not out of choice. However I still always enjoy reading before going to sleep, it’s like the perfect buffer between two kingdoms (being awake & asleep).
I love all of this! A few years ago, I got a hammock for my apartment balcony, which now lives in my little yard, and there’s something very transporting about laying in a hammock reading. You could be in any tropical location you want to be, so long as you’re in a hammock!
You’ve also articulated my new life goal: to become a “woman whose sole existence is to perfect her hobbies”.
Hammock reading is definitively a top tier reading location! *makes note to obtain a hammock next summer*
Haha I agree completely, my life goal forevermore is to be a woman whose sole existence is to perfect her hobbies - truly nothing else matters.