At the end of 2022, I had to admit to myself I had not been really reading. As someone who writes and speaks publicly, I realized how much of a problem this truly was. How can you speak into the world? How can you stay informed if you are not constantly engaging with new material?
Recently, I discovered a Tiktok revealing reading statistics for the US in 2023. Spoiler alert: Our reading statistics are abysmal. Apparently my reading habits 2022 and prior were not unique. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8qppVMk/
I could easily create an excuse for myself based on academic burnout. Personally, I think it is completely normal after graduating (from high school or college or graduate work, etc) to have a reading burnout time.
Considering I graduated from graduate school in 2017… it was time to get back in the proverbial saddle. I used the Goodreads app to set a goal of 15 books in 2023. Surely I can read a little over one book a month right?
I’m proud to say that my reading soared in 2023.
Three revelations lead to my reading increase: the Libby app, identifying my learning disabilities, and releasing the stigma behind audiobooks.
I, too, am a reader even if it looks different.
I have pictures showing my reading log from 2023. You’re welcome to judge me, I judge myself. My goal was to balance genres, interests, interests, nonfiction and fiction, etc. AND I tried out some new things! I’m proud of this list.
(Disclaimer: a reading list doesn’t mean I endorse any of the books or authors or ideologies represented. Talk to me about the book, that’s the only way you’ll really know what I think)
Ultimately, I cannot stop praising my library for using the Libby app by overdrive. I can get ebooks or audiobooks through this app and have a constant stream of something to read.
As a way of appreciating my library, keep reading:
There is a Tiktok trend to go to Barnes & Noble with your book lover and give them 5 minutes to scope out the store and then 3 minutes to grab anything they can carry in their arms. At the end of 3 minutes, you will purchase whatever books they have picked up.
I love the passion for reading but I also wonder about the cost and the waste. How many of us have giant TBRs?
What these trends don’t identify is how many books are purchased by Book Lovers and forever stay in our TBR pile. Are we being good to the environment by mindlessly purchasing?
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8qsNtGA/
The tiktok above is a perfect example of us Book Lovers gone wild in a bookstore. I think we believe we are immortal based on the number of books in our TBR.
No judgment or shame on this woman and the fact that her books read is 1/4 the amount of her books puarchased in the same year. All of this keeps me turning back to the need to support our local libraries.
Because of the book buying challenge on Tiktok, I decided to tally up the cost of every book I read in 2023.
Thank you Kokomo-Howard County Public Library for providing for all my book lover needs.
Meriah J Tigner 