How often do you read books?

[pentangles]

I love books, and tend to think that the typical human lifespan would never allow me enough time to read all of the books I'd like to.

That said, I have slipped out of the habit, thanks to the internet, and do most of my reading on there. But it isn't the same at all. I challenged myself to read a book of Virginia Woolf's short stories recently and wow did it feel different! It affected my mind, attention and thought processes in a completely different way to online reading. All positive! I ought to have known better, as a life long lover of books, but it seems the internet has taken me over a good bit.

I so want to get back into the habit, yet I still have a pile waiting, and can't quite get my head around why I don't delve in. WTF?? This used to be my most cherished pastime. I feel a sort of resentment that something scuppered it. Anyone relate?

Reading is one of the biggest loves of my life - I read every day and even though I do more than my fair share of doom-scrolling, books will always be my passion!

I do agree, OP, that it can be easy to fall out of the habit and the brain gets used to not reading, or at least, not reading books!

I always, without fail, read a book before sleep.. it helps me get drowsy and brings me such calm and peace. Perhaps set aside some regular point in the day where just for 10 minutes, you lose yourself - over your first cup of tea? Whilst brushing teeth? On your commute?

I normally have two books on the go.

1. Book to read in bed until I fall asleep - this will be something 'nice' - I love PG Wodehouse for this. Read several Eva Ibbotsons on the trot recently. Now back to Jeeves and Wooster.

1. Book to read over dinner, also sometimes in bed when I wake up if I haven't got work; also for times I'm waiting for a bus or train or appointment. This will normally be either something more literary, that requires me not to be falling asleep, or some sort of thriller/horror, which I love, but not at bedtime!

I really look forward to my 20 mins bedtime reading. I also really love waking up on a lazy morning and just reaching for my Kindle. Bliss.

Absolutely the same, OP. I'm on the internet all the time now at home, have been for decades. My attention span is shite compared with what it used to be. I don't much like reading books on a screen, but rarely pick up one of my many physical books. I've got into the habit of reading forums like MN, where even a very long OP is tl;dr.

I love reading newspapers, in particular The Times and have it delivered every day. The journalists are so good and regularly change and challenge my views and opinions. I haven't read a book all the way through for a long time, but love reading.
I prefer documentaries on telly to dramas.

I’m a prolific reader. I always have 2 to 3 books on the go. A mix of physical books and kindle.

I’m also doing the Goodreads challenge not because I want to get to a certain goal but because it keeps me accountable to myself so I pick up my book instead of my phone.

Im currently on 39/50 and have books 40, 41 and 42 on the go.

@TheMithrasDirective I’ve been using Eva Ibbotson as soothing bedtime reading, too! She’s so good.