When was the last time you ...

from JoeUser Forums

... read something just for the pleasure of reading?

No, I'm not talking about blog articles, news paper columns/articles, news on the web and the like, but instead I'm talking about a novel or other meaty printed material in book form.

I was talking with a friend today that met up with my family for a dinner/late lunch get together.  He mentioned that his spouse liked to read fiction, but in his case he reads technical materials and research materials, but otherwise doesn't do much reading outside of news (or sports news).  He said he just never really enjoyed reading fiction and doesn't find or make time to do any reading outside of his narrow window of interest.

In my case I've recently been enjoying a legal thriller that I got my hands on.  It's actually been a very enjoyable read.  If you're interested my review of same can be found at Amazon.com here.  Short version: it's similar to Steve Martini or John Grisham in style, and I love reading those types of books.

Sadly, this is the first non work related book I've sat and read in a long time.  I used to be a road warrior (past employment) and back when I was traveling frequently I read a lot of stuff.  Sitting on airplanes for several hours at a time, or sitting in airports and then sitting in airplanes for several hours at a time, tended to give me a lot of reading time.  If I didn't have to prepare for work then I'd use the time to plow through many pages of a novel, in many cases finishing one over the course of a few days.  I wish I had the opportunity now, but then again I love my job and don't really want to be anywhere else so traveling for work isn't likely going to be an option and the amount of time I get for reading isn't likely to increase too soon.  (Heck, the amount of time I've had available for writing and reading here at JU hasn't been all that great lately either ;))

In anycase I am curious about non-net-based reading habits for participants here.  What have you been reading and how much have you had time to read recently?

1,981 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

This past summer, actually.  I think I only knocked out 6 or so books...usually I can mow through a couple dozen during my summer break...wasn't up to snuff this year.  Wish I remembered some of the titles, though...I think one was called, "By the Light of the Moon"...Koontz book, I believe.

When I read for pleasure, I can finish a novel in around 2-3 days if I get sucked into the plot and have enough free time.  I love reading a good story. :D

~Zoo

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Like your friend I am not much of a reader of books either. I enjoy reading articles and short stories, but have never had any interest in reading books. I have tried but just can't bring myself to go beyond a few pages before I get bored regardless what I am reading. It's just not me I guess. Just like drinking milk, I know it's good for me but I have tried to grow a habit of drinking it and have failed time and again. I just don't like plain white milk and only drink chocolate milk and eat cereal sometimes.

I am, however, a big movie person and while the book can give better details and describe the story the way it should be, I much prefer a movie. I am of the visual type who likes to see the action rather than reading it. I have an imagination, just not the kind needed for reading.

Let me put it to you this way, I have a story in my mnd for the past 15 years that I have always wanted to make into a book or something (a sci fi) but my lack of interest for books does not allow me to write the story on paper or on a PC. I get bored very quickly and tend to have a blank mind at the moment of writing. I just cant seem to put the story in words, but have many images on my mind. Maybe someday I will, just not sure how.

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Currently:

I'm reading 1776 by David McCullough, finishing up From Hell by Alan Moore, re-reading El sonata de primavera by Valle-Inclan, and (my bathroom book) am almost done with Oh, the Things You'll Know! by Al Franken.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

and (my bathroom book) am almost done with Oh, the Things You'll Know! by Al Franken.
End of quote

Thanks, like I needed an image of a guy sitting on a john with a book in his hands. :S

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

You liked it, Charles.  You know you did.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

I read all the time.  As much as I can. 

I'm reading a book right now called "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand.  It's a fascinating read about communisim in the 1940's in Romania and what happened to the church when Russia brought this in sweet talking it all the way.  The first affected was the church and how the true church (people) were forced to go underground. 

He came to the states in 1967 after spending 14 years in a Romanian prison.  He got caught by the secret police teaching others about God.  That was his crime.  He came here to warn us and wrote this book in 3 days with tears he said for those he left behind.  He went before a Congressional hearing speaking about the atrocities many were still facing back in his homeland and other Communist countries.  He  was asked to take his shirt off to show his deformities at the hearing.    You can actually see him on Youtube if you type in his name. 

I also just read a fiction book called "The Secret" only because somebody asked me to.  I usually don't read much fiction anymore.  It was ok but really not my type of reading. 

I love to read bios and historical books.  I have one ready to read by a three star General called "Never Surrender" that I can't wait to read. 

 

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

About 2 years ago.  I really want to read the latest Dune books, but just cant find the time.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

I read a book a week. My choices might not run so deep but they are fun. I am currently reading The Irish Doctor Series. I'm about to read the third one. They are sweet character driven novels. You should check it out.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

I read constantly.  I finished the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer recently, and I've been reading lots of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (she writes stuff for teens).  Currently I have my nose in "Leaving the Saints" which is an autobiographical book on leaving the Mormon church.  Hope to finish that one soon. :)

Reading is part of my sanity.  I go stark raving mad if I don't read for pleasure.  Is that weird?  I suppose it is.  I can't wait to buy my books for my trip to Minnesota.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

You liked it, Charles. You know you did.
End of quote

XD   }:)

Heh, I thought (for a minute) you were using it for toilet paper.
End of quote

:rofl:

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Reading for pleasure is one of my daily things terp, I love a good court room book or mystery.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

When you're poor like me your library card is your best friend.  ^_^   My favorites are mysteries and I also enjoy some mindless fluffy chic lit even though they are, in general, very predictable.  The last book I finished was New Moon - number two in the Twilight series.  Before that Bubbles Unbound.  If you like Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich you will like Bubbles by Sarah Strohmeyer. 

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

I read a lot.  Usually, I read about two books a week.  That decreases if I watch TV.  I've been watching TV more because the floor in that room is heated (the only heated room in the house) and the lighting is not good in that room for reading. I read when I take the train.  Podcasts have also been taking up some free time lately.

I'm trying to read less and write more.  

Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top

I read daily--nightly actually.  I usually get into bed up to an hour before the husband and that's my reading time.  I read lots of fantasy, mysteries and just plain old fiction.  Just finished The Condition--good book.  Loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  Not so keen on the Stephanie Meyers books.  Most books are forgetable.  I have about a dozen that are keepers.  Currently I'm reading Wally Lamb's latest--The Hour I First Believed.  The first third or so was very hard to get through as it's Columbine related and that wasn't easy to read about...  Favorite author?  Guy Gavriel Kay.