I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I've had a few experiences that make me feel rather disconnected from others in this area. Such as the whole Twilight phenomena and other mega-sellers. I think that the sales volume of these hugely popular books goes to show that many people read for the entertainment value alone--not necessarily to think deep thoughts or appreciate the writing quality. Not that this is bad, (I'm glad people are reading something,) but it's just not why I read. I read to learn, to think new thoughts and challenge or develop my beliefs. I read to experience truth and clarity, justice and injustice. I read to absorb the beauty that materializes when words are thoughtfully put together.
So, what drives you to read? What makes you pick up a book and not want to put it back down? What makes a book a 5-star book for you?
For the Book Blog Hop this week (if you've never done this, you should! it's a great way to connect with other bibliovores!) Jennifer said: Tell us your Name, and Why you Started Blogging...so here's me:
I'm Melody, a lover of books since day 1. I started my family blog to keep all my out-of-town people up to date with the happenings around my house: it was my way of letting go of the guilt of not keeping in contact with everyone while getting to do some writing at the same time (fun!). I started my book blog so that I wouldn't have to keep boring those people with all my book thoughts. It's a great way to keep track of my book life and get all my swirling thoughts pinned down on [virtual] paper. And I'm loving being able to connect with other book blogs out there--thank you, Jennifer for hosting the Book Blog Hop!
So, what drives you to read? What makes you pick up a book and not want to put it back down? What makes a book a 5-star book for you?
For the Book Blog Hop this week (if you've never done this, you should! it's a great way to connect with other bibliovores!) Jennifer said: Tell us your Name, and Why you Started Blogging...so here's me:
I'm Melody, a lover of books since day 1. I started my family blog to keep all my out-of-town people up to date with the happenings around my house: it was my way of letting go of the guilt of not keeping in contact with everyone while getting to do some writing at the same time (fun!). I started my book blog so that I wouldn't have to keep boring those people with all my book thoughts. It's a great way to keep track of my book life and get all my swirling thoughts pinned down on [virtual] paper. And I'm loving being able to connect with other book blogs out there--thank you, Jennifer for hosting the Book Blog Hop!
I'm hopping by via the Book Blogger Hop. I liked what you said about why you read (and blog). I started my first blog two years ago, but it was only last year that I really started blogging in earnest. Then I became a bit obsessed!
ReplyDeleteI read and review on Amazon, Goodreads, and alternately on my blogs.
I signed up to follow you.
Here's my post:
http://laurel-rain-snow.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-blogger-hop-july-2.html
Well, I tried to "follow," but Google was having a technical error.
ReplyDeleteNew follower from the hop. And I agree that a great thing about book blogging is having a place to put your thoughts on books since our real life friends are tired of hearing about it. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Melody - is that your bookshelf? It's gorgeous! I love how you've done that.
ReplyDeleteLyndsey www.teadevotee.com
Thanks for the comments! I've hopped over to your blogs too.
ReplyDeleteLyndsey - yes, that's the bookshelf above my desk, thanks! I decided it was time to take the cabinet doors off and make my beautiful books shine!
Found you from Semicolon's book review links, not the Hop (although I'm participating in that, too). Just subscribed to your blog via Google Reader and look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes--I read for all of those reasons. And even, sometimes, just to be entertained.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks for coming by!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I'm wondering if my thoughts didn't properly come through in my post...I do read to be entertained--reading is a delight! Perhaps I'm just trying to sort through what it is to be entertained, and guessing that it is subjective.