It’s a new week, and I was thinking about how little we really know about each other here on the internet, so I thought I would share some book related facts about me in an attempt to feel more transparent. I’d love to learn some bookish facts about you as well; if you feel comfortable sharing, what’s one little known fact about yourself? It doesn’t even have to be book related, but with the rapid growth over the past couple of months here on the blog I’m really excited to get to know all of you as well! Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite blogger in the comments below. ❤
I STRONGLY PREFER PHSYCIAL BOOKS TO E-BOOKS
I know most readers have made the switch to consuming all of their reading materials via e-reader, and I do have one that I use for NetGalley arcs and any books that are just stupidly cheap compared to their physical format, but given the choice I am all about holding paper in my hands. I keep hearing how many people read so much faster on their kindle device, so I guess I’m the oddball out as the opposite is true for me. Maybe it’s something about the backlight on the screen or the fact that it’s a tiny computer, but I find myself treating it like my phone and becoming distracted quickly with the need to check the kindle store, check all my social media on there, etc. With an old fashioned book, I get the full experience (i.e. smelling the book, flipping through the pages, etc) while also getting to display the titles I own on my bookshelves! 🙂 Honestly I have nothing against e-books, as I read them quite often, but I will always prefer to hold a paper book in my hands. Now if I could only figure out how to store them as easily as e-books; perhaps a Mary Poppins bag?
MR. HUMPHREY IS THE STAR BEHIND MY BLOG
It’s true! This blog wouldn’t exist without my hubby; that man is the most patient saint alive and I’m so grateful for him. He is the one who initially set up my website, and he has done everything from being sounding board, punching bag, design professional, and proofreader. The man even takes the kids on outings so that I have alone time to work on my blogging and reviews so that I’m not up all night after the kids go to bed. I know, I told you he was a saint! Some of my most popular ideas have come from his inspiration and I would be lost without him; for someone who doesn’t enjoy reading or books in any way, shape, or form, he sure has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of The Suspense Is Thrilling Me and is crucial to it’s day to day happenings.
I HAVE TO READ MULTIPLE BOOKS AT ONCE
You read that correctly; I am a book polygamist. Most people ask how I get through books so quickly, and while part of it is due to the ability to read quickly and just about anywhere, it’s also because I typically read 2-4 books at one time. The brain My brain is a funny thing, man; I’ve found if I try to focus on just one book at a time, it really slows my reading down. I find myself getting distracted and starting to lag after about 100 pages, so when this first started happening I decided to just put the book down and pick up another for a change of pace. I also prefer for the books I’m reading at the same time to be of varying genres, as this helps me keep each story straight since they hopefully aren’t too similar. What kind of reader are you? Do you like to keep your options open, or are you loyal to one at a time?
I’M ADDICTED TO GOODREADS
Most people know that I got my start reviewing books via Goodreads and that I actually built my initial following there as opposed to through a traditional blog. I think this is why Goodreads will always have a special place in my heart; I love the discussions, the comparison of books, and how most times people treat each other with respect regardless of difference in genre preference. I have so many close friends whom I have never met in “real life”, friends whom I talk to on a daily basis (I’m looking at you Laura, Sam, Bentley, and Amy) and share all aspects of my life with. You could almost say that Goodreads was my first bookish love, and because of that it will likely continue to be the first social media I check in on daily and most frequently. ❤
BLOGGING STILL TERRIFIES ME
Even though I started my blog over a year ago and have been reviewing on Goodreads for 2 years in September, I still feel incredibly new to this world and constantly worry about screwing up. Obviously we all feel like this from time to time, but there are still itty bitty butterflies in my tummy every single time I post a review, or a new discussion post, or share a weekly wrap up. Why? Who knows! I guess it all comes down to perspective and how none of us can see ourselves as clearly as through the eyes of others. I’m so grateful for such a supportive community that shares each other’s posts, gives uplifting comments and advice, and treats each other as companions rather than competition.
Hopefully this let you in on a few of my secrets traits and what fuels my bookish opinions. I would love to hear if any of these felt familiar for you as well as if you do things differently! Cheers to you all; I cherish each and every one of my bookish friends, whether you are an author, publisher, blogger, or reader. ❤
I’m addicted to Goodreads and prefer to physical books to e-books also. However, if a book’s on a digital arc or a good deal’s made via Kindle, I’ll snatch an e-book in a heartbeat. But, I won’t read more than two e-books monthly as I find reading them takes longer as my eyes grow irritated by the light.
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You and I have a lot of book facts that are the very same! 1) I don’t care for ebooks. I want to hold, smell, and look at my book while I read it. Then it goes in my Library where I can a tally see all of my books on the shelves! 2) I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and am in bed or in my Library most of the time. So I read all day long on most days, and into the night, also. I read about six books at a time; and mostly they are from different genres. Most people don’t understand how I can do that. I tell them it’s like watching different TV shows. This book addict doesn’t have time for TV. 3) I have about 50 books that I own that are waiting to be read. I ran out of anything I wanted to read a few years ago, and I said, “Never again will that happen to me!” 4) Anywhere I go I take several books in the car with me! I mean, what if I got stuck somewhere and didn’t have anything to read? 5) Car trips, vacations, etc.. I take at least 15 – 20 books for a week. THE WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO A BOOK ADDICT, LIKE ME, IS TO RUN OUT OF BOOKS TO READ. WHAT WOULD I DO? 6) My husband doesn’t read! I’ll never understand. But thank goodness he tolerates my habit extremely well! 7) I always have the maximum number of books on hold at the library – it’s 30 books. Not enough for me! 8) I worked as a Librarian until I had to retire because I got sick. LOVED MY JOB SO MUCH.💟 SO NOW YOU KNOW ME A LITTLE BETTER!! Debbi the Literary Lady
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I loved this post! Thank you for sharing it with us! I love physical books too although my kindle is handier, you just can’t beat the smell of a freshly opened book.
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Ah thank you! 🤗😍
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Oooh what a fun post! I found myself nodding along to basically everything you said here, haha!
1) 100% same on preferring physical books over ebooks. Like you, I’ll read ebooks when they’re ARCs or were super cheap (love those $1.99 sales), but otherwise, NOPE, give me a physical copy and let me curl up on the couch with it.
2) My blog would never have seen the light of day without my fiance’s support, so I feel you girl, I FEEL YOU.
3) Also a shameless book polygamist. I usually like to have one ebook and one physical book going at the same time, if possible. I think the most books I’ve ever read at once was eight, earlier this summer? That was a little too much for me, so I try to stick to four or less now.
4) Goodreads devours so much of my time that it’s a little bit sad.
5) I’ve been blogging about six months, give or take, and it still scares me shitless, so it’s such a relief to hear that you still get freaked out after so much longer! It lets me know I’m not alone, haha.
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Ah Destiny I ❤️ you so much friend!!
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That Mr. Humphrey sounds swell. If only I could get Mr. Bastion to care about my blog. Proofread my posts? Ha! I can’t even get him to read the published ones. XD
I’m with you on physical books over ebooks. I did find that it helped to switch to a Kindle Paperwhite though. When I had my Fire I was constantly getting distracted by all the apps!
I think you and I are twin souls tbh. I have to read multiple books at the same time. Every time I finish one I say I’m going to hold off on starting another, but I have zero self control.
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This makes me so happy; I’ve felt from the moment we “met” that we were kindred spirits and basically the same person in two bodies. 😍❤️😘 Thankful for you!!!
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I like you more than my RL twin, if that helps! XD
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Haha IT DOES. 😂❤️
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Lovely post, and you’ve put your finger on exactly why I love the blogging community – supportive rather than competitive. I started out reviewing on Amazon which is hideously, toxically competitive and often nasty, and the blogosphere saved me from giving up on online life altogether!
PS Could we please clone Mr Humphrey? 😉
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Love this post! I’m with you on all of these things! It’s funny how scary blogging/vlogging can really be sometimes. It’s definitely putting yourself out there to the world, and that is really intimidating, but your biog is absolutely wonderful! ❤
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Aw thanks my dear; I feel the same way about your blog as well gorgeous!
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Well, thanks! 😘
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ah love this!!! goodreads = my life
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What a fun post, Chelsea!! I love physical books the best too, but I have gotten addicted to my e-reader, I admit!! I just buy so many books that I have no other place to put them unless we build a new room…which is my plan one day to have a room just for my books!! Nothing beats the smell and feel of a book, which non-readers think is so bizarre when I say that, lol!
I’m so glad I’m not the only multiple book reader! I have to read 2-5 books at a time or I get antsy! I read so quickly that it doesn’t really matter that I’m reading that many, and I like to switch things up. I don’t get bored since I tend to read one book in a sitting if it’s enthralling enough, but I like options…like cookie choices, lol!!
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Ah Steph I knew we were meant to be besties! 😍
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Lol!! You’re a sweetie ❤❤
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Um, I don’t even know how I wasn’t following your personal book blog!? But I loved all these facts, especially the one about your hubby! You seriously have the cutest little fam, Chelsea! Happy reading, love! 💗xx
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Aw thanks Mel!!! 🤗 Much love to you and thanks for stopping by! 😘😘
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And apparently I wasn’t following yours either?! #embarrassing 🙈
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1. I too read slower on my iPad but I still do most of my reading via that medium. I travel for my job and it’s just too easy to carry along reading material on my iPad. I prefer the black background with white print. That said, I do love the real thing.
2. I can read one fiction and one non-fiction at the same time. No more or it’s like a bowl of spaghetti in my brain.
3. I track my reading on my Instagram account. I’ve failed at every other attempt to do so.
4. I keep favorite lines from books in the notes app on my iPad.
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Ah that’s genius Christine; thanks for sharing!!
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I much prefer physical books and wouldn’t even have a Kindle except that’s the only to read e-galleys so I broke down and bought one. I like physical books so much more not only because I’m a huge bookworm and love the touch, smell, etc. of books but because I like to page back and forth in the book a lot, especially when it comes to writing reviews. I’ll recall something, like a possible clue, and want to go back to see what was actually said or unveiled but with a Kindle that’s almost impossible. I remember things visually so I’ll think, oh, it’s about 1/4 through the book and I’ll remember exactly what side of the page it’s on. With a Kindle, forget it. Thanks for your awesome blog and totally relatable posts!
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I feel exactly the same way Sarah! 🤗
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This is a great feature – I love finding out about other people’s bookish habits 🙂 I’m very much a book monogamist – i don’t know why, but I think that I just prefer to give a single book all my attention, before putting it down and moving on to the next!
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I completely understand that Jo!
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Physical *book.* Lol…that’s what happens when I write before 8am!
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Fun post!
I’m more into physical books as well, even though I do read some ebooks using the Kindle app on my iPad.
I wish I could read multiple fiction books at a time! I can read fiction, non-fiction, and magazines together. Oh, I can read a novel and a short story collection together, though. 🙂
And yeh for wonderful husbands! Mine will be picking up the new Tess Gerritsen book for me. 🙂
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I love this feature! I try really hard to read multiple books at once, but then I get confused and mix up my stories. I will get really into one book and then just focus on finishing it. I’m addicted to Goodreads, too!!
I keep my WiFi turned off on my Kindle so that I don’t get distracted by the internet aspect of it. Plus it saves battery life. 😉 I feel like the Paperwhite is so much like looking at book page that I don’t feel like I’m not reading a real book, except I can hold it in one hand and multitask. I fell in love with my Kindle a few months after I had my daughter. I was finding it so hard to hold a physical book and hold her and multitask, so my hubby got me a Kindle for Christmas and that was all it took for me to fall in love with it! I was able to take care of her and still get some reading in because I could hold it in one hand. Since then I never leave home without it. It’s definitely one of my prized possessions!
I think it’s so awesome that your hubby supports your reading and your blog. My hubby hates to read and doesn’t really know much about my book blog. Lol.
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Sounds like I need to look into the paper white! It’s a shame I literally just bought my fire in April 😂😂😂😂
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Oh no! I would never ever read on my Fire!! I have one, but you’re correct – it’s like reading on a phone or computer screen. That hurts my eyes – I’d never be able to read as much as I do if I read on my Fire or my iPad. I can’t do the glare all day – bad enough being on a computer all day! You definitely need to try the Paperwhite. It is exactly like reading on a book. The screen is designed to read like a book page. It does have a backlight that adjusts to the lighting in the room you’re in, so it’ll allow you to read in bed, but it’s like having a booklight. The page still looks like you’re reading an actual book.
It definitely makes it easier to read ARC’s from Netgalley and when I go somewhere and can’t decide what books to take – I always have a ton of them on my Paperwhite. 🙂
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Ah I definitely need to look into that then; thanks Brandie! 😘
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AH I have a paperwhite as well! They made it so you can read it in full sun, there’s no glare or anything. The screen is actually almost matte. I still prefer my physical books though
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I love this post — your personality really shines through, and I really feel as though I’m getting to know you with each blog post of yours I read! (Mr. Humphrey also sounds like such a sweet man — your home life sounds adorable!) I’m so happy I found your page on Goodreads and got the chance to connect with you! 🙂
And to answer your question, I actually can NOT read more than one book at a time…I never have been able to! I actually sometimes feel frustrated by this, especially if I’m not particularly enjoying my current read, but I’ve never been able to stay focused if I pick a second one up. It’s amazing how every reader has a different process, and that’s what makes reading and literature so wonderful!
❤
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Aw thank you Janille! I appreciate that and am so glad I was able to connect with you as well. ❤️
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Wow!! Your husband is most definitely a saint! Mine is also quite understanding and will keep the kids busy if I have an especially busy blogging day. I also most definitely prefer physical to ebooks. I just can’t make the switch!
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Ah that makes me so happy! 😍😍😍
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This is a fun post Chelsea! I’m reading about 85% of the time on my kindle voyage (I can’t read on my Fire) due to the fact that I had to get reading glasses last year and it slows my print reading down quite a bit. That doesn’t slow me down from going to the library weekly though and picking up books that I INTEND to read but don’t really usually get to:) Like Amy, I really can only read 1 fiction book at a time but I usually do have 1 audiobook going along with another read and they’re usually different genres. Your husband sounds awesome! I to have a non-reading non book interested husband who’s very supportive of my blogging:)
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Ah thank you so much for commenting Renee! I’m so glad your hubby is supportive too. 🤗
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This is a lovely post! 🙂
I always say I prefer physical books to ebooks, but in truth I think it’s the idea of them that I really like (and having pretty books filling up my bookshelves). I actually find it easier to read on my kindle nowadays – especially compared to thick hardback books!
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I completely understand where you’re coming from!
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I have a book question. Does someone like yourself that reviews so much ever get declined on Netgalley. I’m so sad when my requests are denied! 😦
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I do actually; I’d say it happens at least once for every 10 books I request! 😂
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What a great post – thanks for sharing! I also always have several books on the go: one audiobook for my daily commute; one or two ARCs I am reviewing (number depends on how much I am enjoying them – some need several attempts and breaks in between if I don’t find them gripping enough but still feel I need to finish reading them); one comfort book purely for pleasure; one book that is always in my car in case I get stranded somewhere, forgot my phone and my kindle and need to read something in a hurry; and usually a textbook for work that I look into every now and then to make an effort in improving my knowledge. I love my kindle because it allows me to do all that with only 1 device, though I agree that there is nothing as good as holding and actual book in your hands.
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I completely understand all those feelings Heidi! 🤗
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Great post, Chelsea. I love my Kindle but it’s one of the old keyboard ones so not one I can use as a computer. I’d be the same as you, busy checking social media etc when I should be reading.
No way can I read two books at once. I need to concentrate on one at a time.
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Hahaha thanks dear!
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I am also a physical board fan. This makes any move we do a pain, but I feel like I read more carefully when I have a book in hand.
I also read several books at a time. I am still trying to finish a few books from last year!
Really enjoyed this post!
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Ah thanks Stacey! 😍❤️
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I wish I had the ability to read more than one book at a time!
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It’s definitely taken me time to adjust to it! 😂
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What a post! I loved reading these facts and learning more about you. I can 100% relate to pretty much all of them which is a little scary (we would make the best of friends). I would always choose a physical book over an e book if they were all free. My husband is pretty supportive of my reading and blogger (However your man sounds like he has gone above and beyond which is so lovely to hear). I read at least 2 books at a time and totally agree that it keeps me interested. I am 100% addicted to Goodreads. I could spend all day chatting and discussing with you and others I have met on the site. Lastly yes blogging scares the hell out of me. I am till pretty new and always feel like whatever I have to say has either been said, or wont be worth reading. I have a long way to go before I am anywhere near a talented as you, but until then I will continue to read and enjoy “The Suspense Is Thrilling Me”.
A final point is a bookish fact about me… I have a huge problem DNF-ing books. I know I should do it, once given it a chance, but I just cant cope with not finishing it. This is definitely something I need to work on.
Thanks for a great post Chelsea!
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Ah what a fantastic addition to those facts; I too struggle with DNF books! I have gotten better about it, as I used to force myself to finish any book I started. So glad to hear how alike we are and thank you for your kind words; I’m truly humbled! ❤️😘
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Bwahahahaha addicted to Goodreads!😂 I struggle to remember to update what I’m reading and post my reviews on there!😂
I prefer physical books too. Before I had a blog I was a massive fan of the Kindle but since I was lucky enough to get physical ARC’s it’s rekindled my love of real books, there’s just something about them.
Blogging terrifies me too! I think it does most bloggers to some extent but I always question what I post and what response I’ll get to it especially discussion posts as I’m less than eloquent and gobby!😂😂😂
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Ah I’m so glad it’s not just me Drew!
I love Goodreads because I can be “social” without being social. 😂 I really only like talking about books; otherwise I’d rather not talk bahahahah
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I’m on my third ereader now and I have to confess I haven’t read a real book in over 7 years. I used to stress about crinkling my pages too much for my sanity. Lol
P.s I love your blog and book reviews. Everytime I find a new book to read I always have to check to see what you’ve read it!!!
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Aw thank you so much Michelle! That means the world!! ❤️❤️❤️
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I prefer reading physical books to e-books too. The latter slows me down. Ugh! Also, I’ve started reading more than one book to vary my reading experiences. Hopefully, it adds and not hinders.
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Ah I can’t wait to hear how the multiple book reading goes Latanya! Keep me posted!
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Fab post & so lovely to find out more about you sweetie xx
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Thank you Kate! 😘❤️
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Great post and enjoyed learning more about you! Interested in your use of Goodreads- I use it to record my reading but hadn’t though about being more interactive on it!
Anyway, I really enjoy your blog always – you have great features and reviews!
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Thank you so much Katherine; I feel the same about you and your blog! 😍❤️
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Aw this was an awesome post! I, too, prefer physical books to ebooks. I was super against Kindles when they first came out but now I understand how useful they are. I don’t mind them so much now. I often read multiple books at once. Sometimes the book I read gets to be stagnant and I need a change of scenery so reading a different book helps. My friends are always like “How do you read so many different books at once?!” lol.
My boyfriend encourages my reading and reviewing as well. It’s so awesome to find someone that encourages you in something, even if they don’t do it themselves.
I’m glad to have learned a little bit about you! 🙂
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Thank you friend! I’m glad I got to learn a little bit about you as well!
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I love my kindle for the sheer amount of books it stores but I get more pleasure reading a real book and yes, a Mary Poppins bag’ would be useful here too. Unlike you I can’t read more than one book at a time, occasionally I’ll have two on the go if one is non-fiction but I struggle to flip backwards and forwards.
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So true; it’s really hard to beat the convenience of a kindle! ❤️
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Girl I could’ve basically written most of this myself!! Except for the reading more than one book at a time, my tiny little pea brain can’t handle that 😂 I’ve actually been using my Kindle more since I switched to a paper white, what kind do you use? I didn’t really like my fire as much.
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BAHAHAHA I bet you could, but I totally understand the preference of not wanting to read more than one at a time! I do have a fire so maybe it would help if I had a paper white instead. But I still think I could never give up my physical books. 😂 I still love flipping actual pages and that book smell, but perhaps someone can make the book smell come off of the kindle? 🤔🤣
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That’s what we need the smell 😂😂
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