Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been making a conscious effort to record the books I read. It’s not something I’ve really done before, despite having a Goodreads account, which I actually use very little.
But keeping track of my reading has been an interesting exercise and it’s made me think carefully about the books I choose to read. For a while, I’ve been wondering about the quality of my reading material, and whether I should make the effort to select more literary fiction.
Recently there has been some discussion online about the idea that reading should be challenging rather than simply entertaining. People have strong views either way.
In the past I read a lot more literary and classic fiction, whereas now my reading time tends to be dominated by genre fiction. This hasn’t always been a conscious choice: since I’ve been reviewing novels online I’ve become focused on reading as much as possible, so I tend to lean towards books that will engage my attention and allow me to read quickly.
In August, I read a bumper 16 novels, mostly because I reread the entire Southern Vampire series. I’d never have read as many books if I’d gone for something heavier.
But I’d like to spend more time on classics and modern classics, as there are so many fantastic books that I’ve never read. There’s always that small element of shame when you have to admit that you’ve never read a particular book or author, despite being a keen literary type.
I enjoy having the balance of something that makes me think on a deeper level, with something that is purely entertaining. Often the more ‘literary’ fiction can be a slower read, as it doesn’t use plot in the same way a crime thriller or YA supernatural novel might. And many books are more concerned with style over substance: just because a reviewer has praised them doesn’t mean they will be an enjoyable read.
Of course, you should be able to read whatever it is that you want without worrying about other people’s reactions. As a former literature student, I’m happy to try difficult or highbrow novels sometimes, but if every book had to have some kind of literary merit I would be transported back to my academic days where every book had to be analysed and interpreted on a deeper level. Sometimes I just want to lose myself in a book, regardless of whether it makes it onto a ‘top 100 books to read before you die’ list.
What’s your approach – do you like a challenge when it comes to your reading material, or do you go purely for an engaging story?
Chris Everest says
I’ve kept a record of “Wot I’ve Red” for a long time now and I have figured out a few angles. I get trapped into Genre reading (quite happily but with a soupcon of guilt) from dirty vampire stories (Feehan) to noir mean-streeting, from Regency romance to feisty chick lit toughies, from Classic detective fiction to Natural History (H is for Hawk) and I move between them. I see the patterns. Feeling depressed : Read David Gemmell. Feeling Happy : Read Robert B Parker. The point is occasionally I read a great book (Time-Traveler’s Wife) or find a new writer or series that moves me forward. I like the idea of reading Cervantes and Dostoevsky but settle for buying the books and letting them look at me. The exception is James Joyce’s Ulysses – I have started and failed so many times I am now WRITING IT OUT bit by bit in my journal – a line at a time. I read what I want and everything I read is balanced by that June 16th in Dublin which haunts me – My reading is a journey, a voyage and I love every minute of it.
Amy Lord says
I’m just getting into recording what I’ve read and it does help to highlight the genres I read most. But I like the idea of reading mostly for enjoyment, with the odd challenge thrown in. I’ve never attempted Ulysses, but I have a similar battle with Moby Dick, reading it bit by bit when I have chance. Sadly I don’t always feel like I’m absorbing the story, so writing out notes is a good idea – it always worked well for me when studying literature at university!
Fanny Crispin says
(I found your blog from the Goins Writer, My 500 Word challenge)
Your blog post actually segways nicely into how I found your blog. Haha. I browsed the titles looking for something that would be whimsical (Ten Penny Dreams fits the bill). I’m an easy read book lover. Have I read The Lord of the Rings (twice)? Have I read Jane Austin? Yes. And I loved them. And it took a LONG time to finish them. But these days I work too much to enjoy reading. When I have a few free minutes, I don’t want to think too hard. So Young Adult fantasy fiction remains my go-to favorite.
I have a lot of friends who enjoy the classics, the oldies, and the tough books. Good for them. I feel there are so many good books in the world that I’ll never read them all. I’m okay with that. =]
Amy Lord says
Very true, there are too many books to get through them all (sadly)! But as long as your reading method works for you, that’s the important thing!
Sara Strauss says
It’s an interesting challenge to record all of the books you read. I use Goodreads, but I haven’t thought too much about the books I read until now. I’m definitely in the read-books-for-entertainment category. Yes, I like to be challenged now and then, but I read to escape, so I want the books I read to be entertaining and fun to an extent.
Great post!
~Sara
Amy Lord says
Thanks Sara! Nothing wrong with reading for entertainment, it’s how it should be – but I think the odd challenge keeps things fresh too. 🙂