J's Musings

Throughout my time of 12 months, as a blogger. I have discovered that there are many people who like to read. Though, there are many more who want to read, but don’t know where to start. If you are one of them, today I’m going to try to answer the most common doubts that arise when the image of you reading comes to your mind.

It is a popular belief that the first step is to find a book you like. That in itself is a large task that should be broken down. Otherwise, you are in for biting off more than you can chew.

The first step is to find a genre. But what is a genre? Genre, is a wide-umbrella term for multiple elements. The element, that we want to first look at is the pacing. Will the book be slow or fast? A good way to decide is by looking at other activities you enjoy. Do they require patience or are they quick too? Then let’s consider the excitement. Do you want something that makes you turn the page at the speed of light? Or something calmer? Again, look around you, what do you believe you will enjoy more? Lastly choose a category. Action, Horror, Drama, Sci Fi or something else.

Once you know what type of book you are looking for, it is a good idea to explore authors. Based on their genre, what age they write for, how popular they are, find a few that fit your description of ideal. My personal advice is to start off with an author who has many works that you find interesting and are viewed as easily likable. Avoid those that are highly subjective because they are a hit or miss and can de motivate you before you even start.

Finding books is so easy these days because there are plenty of blogs and channels that put up reviews. They can help you discover books. Goodreads also has great reviews and many options to discover. Google itself can give recommendations if you specify well enough.            

 Now, you’re going to want to know what to do about time, or the lack thereof. Well, books don’t come in only one format. Don’t have the time to read a paper back? AUDIO BOOKS! Can’t carry all those books? Audio books and kindle [I have a post about kindles up on the blog]. Audio books can be bought and listened to while working or relaxing after a long day.

Buying books is another story. Buying from Amazon, Crossword, Barnes and Nobles, or another trusted site is the best option. Avoid dodgy deals, sellers with no reviews and products with a high level of complaints. If you can, try to buy from a local store, so you can actually look at what you are going to buy. And if you plan to read a bit before buying, don’t read over 20 pages. Keep it to 10 if the book is short. Employees are not going to entertain someone they think is trying to read without paying first. Audio Books are available on audible. There are podcasts that read out for free, but avoid them. You never know what is and isn’t legal.

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that reading is like any other hobby and cannot be forced. And like any other activity, it can take time to find your footing in it. There are many blogs and channels that review and recommend books. It is vital to keep exploring and experimenting, and also giving up if it doesn’t work out for you at that moment.

RECOMENDATIONS:

• BOOKS  
• Under 10 – Thea stilton, Geronimo Stilton series are fun and easy to read. They have colourful illustrations and large print. The books promote values and good behaviour. It is an easy place to help kids get to get into reading.
• The Wimpy Kid is a fun series, but Greg’s character promotes bullying and certain ill-mannered behaviours, which parents may wish to avoid for their children.
• Teens/YA: A Good Girls Guide to Murder [series by Holly Jackson]                  Before the Coffee gets Cold [Series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi]           Inheritance Games [Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes]. [The reviews for A good girl’s guide to murder and before the coffee gets cold are up on the blog].
• 18+ : And Then There Were None [Agatha Christie]
• 5. Someone [Chetan Bhagat/ I have not read this title, but a friend has]
• Classics: The Picture of Dorian Gray [The review is up on my blog]

• AUTHORS
• Under 10: Elisabetta Dami, Jeff Kinney, Roald Dahl.
• Teens/YA: Tahereh Mafi, Holly Jackson, Lyn Painter, Jenniffer Lynn Barnes.
• 18+ : Colleen Hoover, Chetan Bhagat, Virginia Woolfe, Sylvia Plath, Riley Sager
• BOOKTUBERS
• Haley Pham: haleyphamvlogs
• Destiny Sidwell: whatsdesreading
• KK: whereismylibrarycard
• Dakota Warren: dakotawarren

Best Wishes for your next read,

Janx