Ha ha, I know- it seems like all I’ve been talking about lately is reading. But, Elisabeth and Stephany recently had interesting posts about reading, and I have THINGS TO SAY!
Growing up, I was a classic bookworm. I was shy, introverted, and I was always, always reading. My best friend also loved to read, and one of our favorite things to do was go to the library. We would stop at the drugstore first (yes, this was the 1970s and we called it a “drugstore”) where we each got a big bag of candy. Then we would go to the library, browse through the YA section, and settle down in a cozy nook to read and eat.
One time, we decided to leave the library briefly (probably to get something to eat that WASN’T CANDY). But we didn’t want to check out our books and carry them with us. We also didn’t want to leave the books there, in case someone else found them and checked them out. We had a brilliant idea, which was to “hide” our books in the bathroom.
Imagine our chagrin when we returned and our books were GONE! Imagine the librarian’s chagrin at having to re-shelve 20+ books that had been found sitting on the bathroom floor. Ha- we were terrible.
In middle school, I was constantly getting in trouble for reading a book in my lap while the teacher was talking. Special apologies to my seventh grade US History teacher. That was the year I discovered Agatha Christie, and I could not put her books down- even after I had already been yelled at for reading during class.
Moving forward to high school- I read everything. I read “dumb books” (teen romances), I read classics (like Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy) and everything in between. I didn’t like fantasy or science fiction, although I did read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to impress a boyfriend at one point.
Moving into my 20s- I read so many classics. Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Proust… Yep, I was a nerd! Over time my tastes changed. I read Harry Potter with my son (still my favorite books of all time) and that opened me up to fantasy. My son also got me interested in science fiction, and I’ll be trying out horror this summer- Stephen King’s Holly is on my TBR.
But really, I’ve come back around to my first love- mysteries. There doesn’t need to be a detective tiptoeing around with a magnifying glass- I just like a story with some mysterious aspect. Some plot point that we don’t understand, but will be revealed by the end- that’s my kind of book.
I do all my reading in print. I don’t listen to audiobooks or own a kindle. I just love having an actual book where I turn the pages and use a bookmark. And I track my reading the old fashioned way- with paper and pen. I have a page in my planner for my TBR and more pages to write down the books I’ve read.
Please answer some questions (I really want to know!)
Were you a bookworm growing up?
What’s your favorite genre?
Did you ever hide books in the bathroom of the library? – Ha ha… hopefully the answer to that is “no.”
Audio, kindle or paper books?
How do you track your reading?
Top photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
31 Responses
Omigosh–your library bathroom story is unmatchable, Jenny! That poor librarian. Those poor middle-school girls!
But like you, I used to read in class–sometimes hiding my fiction inside my textbook. And I was usually such a teacher’s pet that I didn’t get found out. But I really fell behind in math (you can’t hurry love or math, apparently) and never quite caught up.
I prefer reading paper copies, but have to switch back and forth because of my commute sometimes…
Oh boy- math, or reading. Give me a book every time!!!
I was also a major bookworm. That’s funny that you decided the best course of action was to hide the books on the bathroom floor. I used to occasionally take books from the school library and then return them after I read them. I can’t remember why I decided this was preferable to just checking them out.
I like to listen to non-fiction on audio sometimes and also read ebooks. I moved two years ago and the new library doesn’t have as many ebooks so I’ve shifted back to reading physical books which I love except when I have to pack them for a trip.
Yes, as an adult I can see several other BETTER courses of action- like maybe explaining to the librarian, and asking her to keep the books behind the counter until we got back??? And I agree- packing physical books for a trip it tricky. I haven’t been on any trips lately that were long enough to make it a huge problem.
Aww I loved reading this and seeing a glimpse into “past Jenny”! I obviously know you love to read, but I didn’t realize you had such a deep, rich history with it! So cool!!! I love all the variety and wide array of genres you’ve read. When I was younger I definitely stuck to more fluffy reads. I didn’t read as much in high school on my own, but I guess I did read a ton of classics for AP English classes and such. I had a big lapse of reading in general I’d say from high school to almost age 30. During these years I mostly just read like on vacation or something, but the kids were little and I just wasn’t doing as much day to day reading. I still am not nearly as big a reader as many of you, but for the past ~5-10 years or so, I have definitely returned to more regular reading. As in, I pretty much always have 1-2 books going, even though I may read them slowly (sometimes just a few pages a day). I envision that as the boys move on to college in a few years, I will likely have more and more time to read, which is exciting. I would like to dive into some other genres! I am also with you that I LOVE a real, old-fashioned book. I think something about it feels like one of the few “hold outs” of modern society, or one of the few ways I can actually experience something in the EXACT same way I did back in my bedroom in 1992. 🙂
Yes, that’s a great point- maybe I just want that connection with my past self. I love that. And- I definitely didn’t read as much when my kids were little. Now that I only have one teenager at home, my reading life has really gotten a second wind.
I am so jealous that you had a reading friend in middle school! I really could have used that. Other than that, my story very much resembles yours. Agatha came into my life in middle school, and I had quite a moment with Theodore Dreiser in high school. Ayn Rand was my girl in college. I can’t imagine reading Dreiser or Rand today, but I still own the books.
To answer the specific questions:
Why yes I was a bookworm growing up.
Fav genre – I’m not sure what to call it, but it would be whatever the Nevil Shute books belong to. A novel where you get deeply invested in the characters and there’s a story that keeps you guessing. Mysteries are high on the list as well.
I didn’t hide books in the bathroom at the library, but I did get into Trouble with a Capital T in middle school when I checked out an obscene number of Agatha Christie books at one time and ran up some fines.
I read mostly on my Kindle because it’s just so convenient to check books out on Libby without having to leave the house. To my credit, I read the physical book for GWTW. I listen to audio books occasionally, and that’s how I prefer to get my non fiction.
I track through my blog. For me the purpose of tracking is just an excuse to talk about books with other people.
I feel the same way about tracking- I don’t have a compelling reason to do it, other than I want to talk about the books on my blog. I’m also trying to think of how to describe the Neville Shute genre. I can’t really come up with a category- but you just reminded me, I’m pretty sure I own a Neville Shute that I haven’t read yet!
Teenage bookworms united! I was such a reader- Agatha Christie, romance novels, readers digest condensed- I read it all. I was really lucky that I could help my mom with shelving books and checking out when she worked in a library when I was a teen – a dream job for a bookworm!
Ihave some weird gaps in my reading history – there are a lot of American classics i never read in high school or college- homeschooling my high schooler has made me fill those gaps though. I do not read horror books ( with a few exceptions). I prefer mysteries and non-fiction. I don’t like modern fiction where no character is likable and everyone makes bad choices. So depressing. Nor do I like the recent trend of multiple points of view and multiple time lines. These seem to complicate the reading without adding much to the plot. Give me a linear story!
I’m mostly a paper book reader, though I do use my kindle and Libby for hard to find books or series. ( My son found a series with over 27 books in it in Kindle unlimited – the $10 I spent for 2 months reading was worth it!) I don’t track my reading, so I do occasionally reread books from a few years ago by accident. Oops.
Yes, great point- I also don’t like multiple points of view and time lines. I don’t like the feeling that I’m constantly skipping around. And- your mom worked in a library??? And you got to help!!! That is a dream job.
Were you a bookworm growing up? Yes, I was a bookworm growing up and I’m a bookworm now! I can’t remember NOT reading.
What’s your favorite genre? Literary fiction, but almost exclusively women authors. If the story centres around a guy, no thanks. I mean, I HAVE read books by men and featuring men, but they sure aren’t my favourite.
Did you ever hide books in the bathroom of the library? – Ha ha… hopefully the answer to that is “no.” Um, no. No I never did that.
Audio, kindle or paper books? Usually paper, but if I’m travelling I put a bunch of books on my Kobo for ease. I prefer paper though.
How do you track your reading? I have a spreadsheet! I also put all my book reviews on IG and the blog.
Well, I would have guessed most of your answers. Glad you didn’t hide any books in the bathroom!
I was definitely more of a reader growing up than now! It’s not that I don’t enjoy reading, I just don’t have as much time now to sit down and start a book, so I mostly read shorter articles and blogs now.
My favorite genre as a kid was realistic fiction, and now I tend to gravitate towards nonfiction, like memoirs or books on topics that interest me (like running!). I did read the Harry Potter books in elementary school because they were huge at the time but stopped during the 5th book because Harry got too moody and I didn’t enjoy the story anymore hahaha!
There is a huge shift after the 4th HP book. They get more serious and Harry definitely has some hard times! You might like it more if you went back to them now. And (looking at your comment below) I never read the Series of Unfortunate Events (I think they were after my time.) I remember seeing them in the bookstore when my kids were little though.
Oh and I forgot to mention that my favorite books growing up were the Series of Unfortunate Events! I think I would like to try rereading those now.
That library bathroom story is too much!!! Hilarious.
Were you a bookworm growing up? You know the answer to this one. YES, YES, YES!
What’s your favorite genre? Non-fiction, memoir.
Did you ever hide books in the bathroom of the library? No! But I did once forget a book in my freezer and it was missing for weeks and weeks.
Audio, kindle or paper books? Paper. If I’m travelling I will use my Kindle, but I’m always happy to be back to paper. And basically never audio.
How do you track your reading? Goodreads!
Ha ha, I like how you casually mention you “forgot” a book in your freezer. Um… it was in your… freezer… why???
Me. Introvert bookworm until college. Took out 7 books each week from the library. 7 was the limit. We even had book club night in high school. Vonnegut fan at the time.
Now. Running is my passion. But I still read before I go bed. Mysteries are my fave. No kindle for me. Still go to the library each week. No time for more than 2.
Wow, you really were a bookworm! And, two books a week is still a lot. Also- I went through a Kurt Vonnegut phase as well.
I was not a bookworm as a kid. Like, at all. My mom was a teacher, too. I was a really slow reader, and that didn’t help. My younger, pompous brother made fun of me for reading slower than him, and my mom, the teacher, allowed it. Maybe she thought that his teasing would spur me on to read faster? No such luck.
I like an audio book if I’m driving a long distance alone, because it helps me stay awake. Like you, I prefer a paper book with read pages that I can turn. I like memoirs and historical fiction the most.
Wow, that’s a way to turn someone off of reading! Your mom should have encouraged you instead of tolerating the teasing. Anyway… I’m glad you like reading now and didn’t get turned off to it for life.
I was definitely a bookworm growing up. I read a really wide range – I love mysteries, and sci fi and fantasy and horror, and literary fiction, and non-fiction. Just a friendly suggestion that if you want to start reading horror, I would suggest reading The Outsider before Holly, or even the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, which is Holly’s first appearance in the King universe. I love Holly, but Holly (lol) is really more of a thriller than straight horror, and the Outsider is superb.
Mostly library ebooks in past years, although I’m on a borrow-a-hundred-paper-library-books kick right now thanks to Sarah from Harry Times.
Goodreads.
Okay, I’ll look into The Outsider! Thanks for the advice.
As soon as I became a proficient reader, I never stopped reading. I lean towards science fiction/fantasy these days, but I read fairly widely.
I would prefer if all of my book reading was done on Kindle, but my library’s ebook collection is pretty spare, so I read both physical books and ebooks. I also listen to some audiobooks, but my interest in audiobooks depends on what my podcast queue looks like, to be honest. I’d almost always rather be listening to podcasts.
I track my reading on a spreadsheet Stephany sent me a few years back. I also track what I read every month on my blog. I should probably be better about using Goodreads or Story Graph or something, but I don’t want to have to track in a third place!
I agree- I would probably enjoy listening to non-fiction on audio, but I have so many podcasts I enjoy. i would rather listen to them.
YESSS. I’m so happy you wrote about this! The library bathroom story is SO GOOD. I’m just imagining the librarian coming across all those books in the bathroom and thinking, “What has the world come to?!?!” HAHA.
Were you a bookworm growing up? Yes! But I hide my love for reading at school, which makes me sad. 🙁
What’s your favorite genre? Romance probably, although I really love a good immersive fiction novel or a thriller.
Did you ever hide books in the bathroom of the library? I have not! But my own library stories involve way too many books getting dropped in water and having to pay a fine, oops.
Audio, kindle or paper books? All of the above! I do not discriminate.
How do you track your reading? In way too many places, lol. My blog, a spreadsheet, Goodreads, The StoryGraph, Instagram… sigh. I’m a mess!
Ha- i know you like baths. I’m envisioning you dropping books in the bathtub, is that how they get their water damage? And, I wouldn’t say you’re a “mess”- you’re actually VERY organized about tracking your reading.
I was always a book worm, too. There is a story that gets told often in my family about a time when I was ‘helping’ make ice cream but I got bored stirring the custard that was simmering on the stove so I pulled out a book – and then the custard boiled over and made a huge mess as it got in the oven vents. Yikes. It was not good.
I exclusively read on my kindle! I like the idea of physical books but my kindle is so convenient. I track my reading on goodreads and in a spreadsheet I got as a member of Sarah’s bookshelves live Patreon group. My fave genre is probably literary fiction? I am not a big genre reader, though. Like I don’t care for most sci fi, mysteries or thrillers!
Such a fun post! YES, I WAS A BOOKWORM back in the day. In the summer and on the weekends, I’d wake up in the morning, eat a bowl of cereal, and go back to bed to read. I
We lived in the country, so going to the library in town was a treat–if we could convince our mom to take us. I was like a kid in a candy shop. The library in the town where I live now is amazing. The boys and I used to take out tons of books. My youngest is still a reader. I read ebooks on my kindle. I like the convenience, the large sprint (yes, I’m there now), and the ability to request new releases from the library. My favorite genre is literary fiction and I track my reading on Goodreads.
I have always loved you, but now I love you more. That poor librarian, finding 20 (!!!) books on the bathroom floor! RIDICULOUS and yeah, total tween brain logic.
For your questions:
Were you a bookworm growing up? YES. I come from a long line of readers, and my mom always had a ton of books around, plus for a while we lived a short block from the library, which was really convenient.
What’s your favorite genre? I guess I would say literary fiction, though I like most genres to some degree.
Did you ever hide books in the bathroom of the library? – Ha ha… hopefully the answer to that is “no.” LOL, NO. I do remember well walking from point A to point B (meaning a friends house or work or whatever) and reading a book at the same time. I never tripped and fell, thankfully. My dad used to bring a pocketbook to parties and dinner at his friends’ houses, in case conversation lagged. Which is a statement both about his love of reading and about the stilted conversation at his own dinner table growing up.
Audio, kindle or paper books? Mostly audio these days. I mainly (almost exclusively) read paper books in bed, and that is slow going, because I read a page and then fall asleep. I am not a fan of kindle for whatever reason. If I’m going to hold something and read it, it might as well be a real book. I think of people who commute or travel, though, and think how wonderful kindle is for them!
How do you track your reading? If I remember, I do a book review on my blog. Full stop, that’s it. The idea of tracking it in a spreadsheet or on paper is strange to me for some reason. I do have notepads with TBR sometimes, but I never remember to note who told me about the book, which I think would be a gracious, right?
I was a massive bookworm: In fact it pretty well saved me as my upbringing wasn’t the best but I could always retreat into a book and it was a viable pastime so I could do it without worries. I was introduced to a lot of the authors I still love now by a quasi-grandma who lived round the corner and let me read whatever I wanted from her shelves as long as I talked to her about anything I was confused / bothered by. What a gift. Paper for books to keep, ebooks from NetGalley or light reads.