Well, the easy answer to this is, what’s not to love about being a reader and a blogger? Being a reader is one of the best gifts I’ve received in my life (after my kid, of course – though sharing a love of reading has been magical so far). I think it has irrevocably shaped who I am as a person. It has taught me how to use my imagination to the full, it has allowed me to escape when things are tough, it has showed me what other people’s lives are like from the inside and helped me develop a strong sense of morality and empathy. Reading has made me someone who loves to learn, who looks for the background to any situation, and who wants to understand as much as I can about other experiences. It has opened up worlds to me – both real and imagined – and allowed me to visit countries and cultures I’ll never be able to in real life. Books I’ve read over and over are among my closest friends, and reading can be a way of feeling connection when you’re alone (by choice or not – it was wonderful during quarantine). I have found validation and recognition in books for things that I haven’t found anyone who shares them in real life. And it’s calming when my mind is racing or when I’m feeling stressed. Audiobooks in particular have allowed me to keep my mind occupied while doing the mundane daily tasks that accompany being a stay at home parent, and that has been so valuable to me. Reading isn’t just an activity or a hobby – it’s a piece of myself and something that enriches my life. So, back to what I said at the beginning, what’s not to like?
Blogging is something that can feel a bit like a chore sometimes, and I don’t have the time to grow my audience or visit other blogs these days like I used to, but I don’t have many people in my real life to talk books with, so this has been a wonderful opportunity to find some amazing bookish folks who share my love of books. Some of you have been visiting my blog for years, even though I don’t visit in return as much as I should, and that means so much to me. Every time I get a comment it feels like such an important thing, and I never cease to be amazed that I can ramble here and people out there in the wide world want to read it. So, what’s great about being a blogger is all of you. Thank you.
What about you guys? What do you love the most about reading? About blogging?
Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is a blog hop hosted every Wednesday by Long and Short Reviews. The weekly prompts range widely, including both book-related and non-book-related topics. The idea is to get bloggers to interact, share a bit about their lives and connect with other bloggers. Click here for the list of upcoming topics, and visit here to join in the fun!
Love that you are sharing the love of reading. My daughter is a reader and I love it when she asks to go look at books, or can you buy me new books.
I understand what you mean about blogging feeling like a chore at times. But then there are days that I can sit and write for hours. I have so many things in “drafts” that I just need to hit publish on as well.
That is wonderful! Mine hasn’t gotten to that point yet, but I am looking forward to it. Yes, it can be both a delight and a bit of a challenge, depending on what’s happening in life and how inspired I am. But I always feel it is worth the time and effort regardless!
I am constantly “reviewing” my books now that I am a blogger even if I don’t even write them down. Whenever I get discouraged blogging, someone mentions my blog or the books I recommend and I am energized again.
Aw, that is such a lovely thing to read about! I love that!
I agree, reading is one of the best things in life in regard to learning how to use our imagination. 🙂🙂
Completely! I don’t know who I’d be without it.
I agree with you whole heartedly.
Thank you!