As a self-proclaimed nerd, I have always taken pride in the stories I have consumed. I especially loved historical fiction, fantasy fiction, young adult novels, and sci-fi stories. however, I must admit that higher education can frequently kill the desire for reading for pleasure. It’s taken me a while to approach reading as a fun and engaging activity again rather than a thing with which to be productive.
On top of this, in the last few years I’ve had to come to the realization of the uniqueness of how I learn. through this discovery I have been in the process of being assessed for ADHD and autism. though I have been previously diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD.
All of these things factor into how I take in information and process that information. I wanted to learn things “right.” These realizations resulted in needing to reflect on some ableist attitudes I had been holding.
I used to judge myself for my preference to read through audiobooks and would say it didn’t count as reading which led me to pretty much not reading anything. if it wouldn’t fit into the categories I created for myself, I wasn’t going to read it.
My thoughts have since been challenged by TikTok (which was inspired by a tweet)
I had been limiting myself along with others because of preconceived ideas that I received from someone else. When I released my definitions about reading, I immediately started looking for audiobooks.
Before my revelation, I was using solely my Kindle or audible options for content. Then I saw a Facebook post by a local bookstore Chapter 2 books about an app called libro.fm– this app allows you to buy digital books and audio books through small businesses. I also updated my library card and downloaded the Libby app in order to borrow books from the library, which is a much more budget friendly option. (Occasionally I will still buy books through Google books in order to spend my Google rewards money.)
This post is all a very long way to say: I have set a goal to read 15 books this year.
I have finished six so far and have abandoned two because 1. I did not like the content (Time Traveler’s wife) and 2. i wasn’t able to emotionally handle it at the time (the body keeps the score).
I am currently in the middle of my seventh book: Lies We Believe About God. UPDATE: i finished this.
Some Books on my radar for this year:
- The Gentle Parenting Book by Ockwell-Smith
- Eragon by Paolini
- A Rhythm of Prayer by Bessey
- Leaving Church by Taylor
- The Book Thief by Zusak
- Tress of the Emerald Sea by Sanderson
- The Hate U Give by Thomas
What are you reading? What’s your preferred format?
Meriah J Tigner 