July topic: Why do you read the books you read? Explore why you gravitate towards certain genres and/or authors. How do you pick the next book you will read?
I was putting lots of thought into this month's topic, mulling over why I read what I do and how I pick books when I realized the answer is really very simple: I am a complete and total, 100% without a doubt, mood reader. There's really nothing more that goes into what I read and when I read it other than my mood at any given moment.
I never make a monthly TBR list because I never know what I'm going to feel like reading (which is a shame because I do love any excuse to make another list). I love giving myself the freedom to pick and choose anything I want based on how I feel at the time. I never like feeling locked in to picking up a certain book. Sometimes I finish a book that's part of a series and I enjoyed it so much that all I want to do is dive right into the next book. Sometimes I want a break and I'll pick up something completely different.
When it comes to genres I'm typically reaching for contemporary romance - young adult, new adult, or adult. I'm a sucker for romance - bring on the swoon, bring on the angst, bring on All The Feels! Once in a great while I'll feel like mixing things up and I might go for something paranormal or maybe historical. But it's always something I decide on in the moment. Do I want something light and fluffy? Something angsty? Something dark and edgy? Maybe a tearjerker? The options are limitless... but it's always, always based on my mood.
How about you? How do you decide what to read? Do you have a strict TBR? Just grab whatever? Go for the newest releases? Let's chat about it.
The #ShelfLove Challenge is hosted by Julie and Lynn at Chapter Break, Terri at Second Run Reviews, and Brandee at Bookworm Brandee.
OMG I love that gif. Yes, that is how I feel. All the pretties, which one to pick? AHHH. Also, sometimes I don't know what a book is going to be like and it surprises me.
ReplyDeleteLOL That's always a problem, too, Julie. Sooo many options! And I want to read them all! :)
DeleteI have been on a Danielle Steele kick-probably because I haven't read her in a long time-but mainly because I love her writing style! And I usually have another book going and right now its Harlan Coben's No Second Chance which is an excellent action book.
ReplyDeletehttp://thebestbasicblogger.blogspot.com/2016/07/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_25.html
That GIF is 100% perfect. I'm a mood reader and this I'm reading books that are oddly related to each other...like a did a spat of time travel novels. I just finished one book that was set in London (an alternate version of it) and I'm listening to one that is set in London as well. It is all so very weird!
ReplyDeleteI do that too, Terri! I find myself going through phases where I'll read several paranormals back to back, or WW II historicals... once I get in the mood for something I just go with it.
DeleteThe mood thing is so real. But in my case it affects the writing a lot more than the reading. This was a great, and fun to read post.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see where mood could impact writing as well!
DeleteSAME! I am a total mood reader! Admittedly though, I am trying to get through my TBR right now, so I've been forcing myself to pick up a few books that I didn't necessarily want to read right then and there, but if it's not working for me I just set it aside momentarily and pick up another book that I want to read based on my mood. Like a while back when I was REALLY into fantasy/paranormal romance and nothing else would do!
ReplyDeleteI love your comment about the perfect excuse for making another list. I am a huge list maker myself! Especially this summer! I make a daily to do list (work I have to get done from home (YAY for getting paid to work from home for a change!), blogging stuff, cleaning, and petsitting stuff) and I LOVE getting to cross stuff off of it. I feel so much more accomplished when I do!
Great post Tanya!
I have tried that before - forcing myself to read from a TBR - and it so did not work for me. I wouldn't want to read whatever was up next, so I'd read super slow or not at all, I'd lose interest... it was just defeating the whole point and taking the fun out of my reading. So, goodbye TBRs! :)
DeleteA fellow list-maker - I love it! Don't they just make you feel so accomplished? I even add stuff I've already done just to have the joy of crossing it off the list. LOL And hooray for working from home... what a dream!
I am a mood reader, I also tend to favor certain genres and authors that I have previously read.
ReplyDeleteIn saying that, I do try to tackle my review pile first.
A wonderful post! Sharon - Obsession with Books
Ah yes, there's always the review pile. :) It's nice when what I feel like reading coincides with something in the review stack. LOL
DeleteHmmm, I'm kind of the same as you, T! I think I pick up a book based on if I'm in the mood for it or if it gives me the feels. I was on this Fantasy kicks so I bought a bunch of books that had to do with all things fantasy and now I'm on a NA kick so....we'll see which one is next I guess. teehee!♡♡
ReplyDeleteGlad to see I'm not alone on the whole mood reading thing. :) And that's one fun thing... instead of reading from a set list or stack of books, I never know what might be next! :)
DeleteThis is a great topic. I have a kind of TBR going into a month. I have ARCs I want to get to and books I own I wan tot get to. Still I don't want to be so rigid I can't read something I feel like. I am with you on genres though!
ReplyDeleteSounds like we aren't too far off with how we choose our books, Grace. I always allow myself the flexibility to choose what I want. And I love it when what I'm in the mood for coincides with an ARC. LOL
DeleteI am right with you. I love romance in pretty much all genres. Paranormal, contemporary--whatever. If there is a solid love story involved I'm pretty much all over. Mostly because I'm secretly a sap.
ReplyDeleteLOL Secret saps unite! :) It's rare that I pick up a book that doesn't at least have a hint a hint of romance. I mean, really, otherwise why bother? :)
Delete♥! So, I have always considered myself a mood reader. And I still think I am but this year I have made a conscious effort to make a TBR list every month. I have mostly followed it but allowed room for re-read and/or if I really get in the mood for something not on it. I think the structure has helped a bit but I'm not sure I will be able to do this forever. I'm so used to picking my next book based on mood and I miss it!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting that you're kind of straddling both, Eva! Mood reader who is now going by a monthly TBR. I love the idea of the structure but when it comes down to reading from a pre-set list... I just can't get myself there. I love that you're trying it out... even if it doesn't become a permanent thing.
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