Find Time To Read: Reading A Good Book Is Never A Waste Of Time!
Reading is necessary for anyone who aspires to become a better writer. But, reading allows us to digest another perspective, build our vocabulary, and broaden our imaginations.
Storytelling is a skill used in both the visual medium and the written word. Storytelling is a vital part of marketing campaigns and advertisements. Some of my favorite commercials are by Geico and LetGo. Humor and storytelling are used by both brands with great success, so much so that, as the viewer, you actually look forward to watching the commercials.
I love to read and have been doing my best to read more blogger posts and to comment. But I must admit, I follow a ton of blogs and often I can’t get to read all of them like I’d hope. Also, with the WordPress reader feed not all of the blog posts pop up. Sometimes they do, but then posts get buried in my e-mail. So, if I haven’t read or commented on your blog, just comment on mine as that’s the fastest way to catch my attention.
Anyway, I’ve been reading a lot lately whether it’s news, books, or blog posts. I am always trying to stay up on the latest tech trends, movie trends, social trends, and of course book trending on the top sellers list. I love to diversify my reading, as I’ve mentioned before I read a diverse array of bloggers. I also read different types of books and genres; I’m the same with movies and TV shows.
Aside from The Book Thief, that one took me longer to read, generally, I read a book a week. I’ve always thought I was a slow reader, but my husband says I’m not. It’s all perspective; there is always someone else out there that can read faster than you. I’m not a speed-reader, but I do love to digest the book and thoroughly understand the complexity of the characters and story line.
Every single one of the following books are fantastic and if you haven’t read one or two or more, I highly suggest these books below. They are all page-turners! I’ve linked the books to goodreads, so you can take a look at reviews and ratings.
- The Rosie Project, By Graeme Simsion (Adult contemporary fiction, with some dark comedy)
- The Woman In Cabin 10, By Ruth Ware (Adult contemporary fiction, suspense)
- Love May Fail, By Matthew Quick (Adult contemporary fiction, with some dark comedy)
- This Is Where I Leave You, By Jonathan Tropper (Adult contemporary fiction, with some dark comedy)
- The Silent Girls, By Eric Rickstad (Adult contemporary fiction, thriller/detective)
- The Book Thief, By Markus Zusak (YA, historical)
- Plan B, By Jonathan Tropper (Adult contemporary fiction, with some dark comedy)
- The Skin Collector, By Jeffery Deaver (Adult contemporary fiction, thriller/detective/horror)
- The Girl On The Train, By Paula Hawkins (Adult contemporary fiction, thriller/suspense)
I should complete The Shack, by William P. Young by the end of this week. It’s adult contemporary with some magical realism and religion. I would say, Christian and in some parts it’s a little preachy. But, it’s written well and it is now a major motion picture with mixed ratings. I’d still be willing to watch the movie, especially after reading the book.
I do read a lot of non-fiction books as well. Chuck, a blogger at thereluctantpoet, suggested The Psychology of Romantic Love: Romantic Love in an Anti-Romantic Age. I plan on getting that book via Amazon (love Amazon) and reading that soon along with Think Better, Live Better, by Joel Osteen, a book I received as a gift and have been meaning to read but have been on a fiction-binge as of late. I’m not hyper religious but I find non-fiction books that are spiritual in nature to be fantastic mood lifters. One such book that I didn’t list, but I’ve read and is non-fiction is The Ultimate Happiness Prescription: 7 Keys to Joy and Enlightenment, by Deepak Chopra.
The Bottom Line:
You can never go wrong when taking some time in the day to read up on the news, read your favorite tech online sites, entertainment trends, and check in on a few blogger posts. Better yet, if you can crack open a good book and get engrossed, it’s not time wasted. Like you, I enjoy watching some of my favorite TV shows. The best way to fit in time for reading, DVR your favorite shows and watch them at times that won’t interfere with your reading. It’s my opinion that we should all read every day. But, it seems we’re reading less and becoming more visual. Striking a balance in life is always tricky with careers, kids, pets, and etc.
It’s not easy and we can make the excuse that we don’t have time to read. But, trust me, it’s possible. It’s all about time management. So, tell me, what’s the last book you’ve read? I’d love suggestions; I’m always looking to read a good book.
Writing With Hope 
April 7, 2017 at 11:46 AM
I love this. I have so many books but I never read them anymore. In college I became a little obsessed with literature and bought books off of amazon all of the time. This reminded me why I loved doing that so much! Thank you 🙂
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April 7, 2017 at 1:21 PM
Yeah, I got back into reading more lately. I’ve got momentum behind me, so I’d like to continue to read a book a week for as long as I can stand it. I can’t promise myself that I will read a book a week for the whole year, but I’m going to try to get close. Thanks for reading!!! Happy blogging and feel free to suggest a good book and I’ll try checking it out! 🙂
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April 7, 2017 at 1:01 PM
I agree, and can completely relate on keeping up with followed blogs. I have one book I read and stay caught up on blogs
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April 7, 2017 at 1:22 PM
That’s good that you’re reading. Keeping up on blogger posts can be a challenge, but I like a challenge. So, I love to try and read as many as I can. 🙂
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April 7, 2017 at 3:22 PM
Hi Sonyo, Thank you for the mention. That book really helped me. Was not quite the same title when I read it 25 years ago. Sure it is updated and even better now. I think I may have to go and get the new version.
This was a really great post!! I am a very strong advocate of reading and being informed. We raised our two girls to love to learn. Can’t tell you how much easier it was when they got into school to have them reading ahead in textbooks etc. My Youngest is a professor in San Diego teaching Communications at several of the Community Colleges so she spends time on the road and uses her commute to listen to audio books. A couple of years ago she read 150 books in a year!! If you find little ways to recapture time it is amazing what you can get done.
Your suggestion to DVR TV shows is a great one. If you DVR a one hour show you recapture 20 minutes by not watching commercials. 3 hours of TV on DVR recaptures an hour of your time.
Another great book that I gave both my girls to help them be financially independent is “Your Money Or Your Life”. Check this out on Amazon. Kudos!!
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April 7, 2017 at 4:37 PM
Yeah, my daughter is going to be 2 years old next month (May 12) and she loves to read!!! I am so glad that she does, as it is likely a good sign. Reading is such a big part of a child’s life and being able to become a successful adult in college and beyond. Hopefully, she is off to a good start. It sounds like you raised your girls well!!! 🙂
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April 8, 2017 at 11:44 AM
Thanks so much for the kind words! Yes, you are absolutely on the right track with creating a love to read and for books. If you can give your child a love for learning you have done the most important thing to guarantee success in school and in life! Encourage curiosity and wanting to know “Why?” and how things work. Check out “Your Money Or Your Life”. I think you will find it interesting and helpful especially for young adults.
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April 7, 2017 at 9:19 PM
l loved reading your post its amazing ……
check out my new Diy blog and let me know what you thnik about it
http://www.innovativediyideas.wordpress.com
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April 8, 2017 at 10:22 AM
I’m glad you liked this post, I will definitely check out your blog! 😊
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April 8, 2017 at 6:54 PM
Thankss
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April 8, 2017 at 2:42 AM
I love Jeffrey Deaver’s books. Clive Cussler is another writer who’s stories I enjoy. He writes for the adventure genre, which isn’t my favourite, but his books are an exception. When I was a teen, I used to take out 6 books from the library a week, and finish them that same week. I did that for years. Now, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to slow down and prefer to read only one book a week. Firstly due to time constrains, and secondly because I tend to get deeper into the story if I take it slow.
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April 8, 2017 at 8:48 AM
Wow, 6 books a week is awesome & super fast!!! Yeah, I find a book a week a managable pace for me. 😊 I’ll check out Clive Cussler! Thanks for the recommendation. ❤
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April 8, 2017 at 9:58 AM
❤
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April 8, 2017 at 9:17 AM
I like to read books but I never find enough time. I just started writing. Here is the link if u find time to read. Comment if u like it or not
https://loveursoulsite.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/love-yourelf/
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April 8, 2017 at 9:25 AM
Thanks for providing the link, I will visit your blog. I carve out time to read books in the evening. 😉
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April 8, 2017 at 9:30 AM
I read lot of books about history. I also like to read novels. I will make it a habit from now. Thank you sonyo
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April 11, 2017 at 9:59 AM
Heyyyy Sonyo, how are you? I finally got some time to blog (and thankfully create) this morning. Yeah!
” I’m not hyper religious but I find non-fiction books that are spiritual in nature to be fantastic mood lifters. One such book that I didn’t list”
–I totally agree with you. In fact, these are the types of books I mostly read. Stuff that addresses sociological issues, world view, post-modernism and it’s effects of society and all. You know, the light stuff. Hahaha.
I have never read The Shack, and I heard that it came out. I don’t think they have showed it in the movie theatres here in Brazil yet. I never read it, mainly because of the fact that the man loses his child. Ever since having children I have difficulty with stuff like that.
Anyhow, please do have a lovely day. I will be around again soon to catch up a bit more on your posts.
🙂 ❤
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April 11, 2017 at 11:47 AM
Hey Staci, so glad you were able to get a blog out today. I will check it out now. I’ve been good, thanks for asking. I know what you mean, the part where he loses his daughter and the way that he does is pretty heart-breaking. However, the rest of the book gets a bit hard to believe. I’m hoping the movie does it justice. This is the first time that I think a movie might actually be better than the book. 🙂 Anyway, thanks for commenting and for reading. I’ll check out your blog now. 🙂
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April 13, 2017 at 11:41 AM
Our book shelves are ever growing so it’s hard to keep up. I read a lot at work as a function of my job so it’s too easy to come home and want to veg. Trying to fight that urge, and even get ready for bed a bit early so I can read for a bit, even if only for 30 minutes, to help catch up on a new book, an old book or even read something work/career related. Reading is so important to only for knowledge but also for relaxation and mind expansion, to ground ourselves in the moment, forcing us to unplug and temporarily visit another world.
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April 13, 2017 at 2:05 PM
Definitely, reading has helped me to expand my knowledge and grow as a person and as a writer. It also helps me to relax before bed. 🙂
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April 15, 2017 at 2:06 AM
I love reading and I loved your blog 🙂 ❤
Do check out my blog when you get time and do let me know what u think 🙂 x
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April 27, 2017 at 7:42 PM
[…] via Find Time To Read: Reading A Good Book Is Never A Waste Of Time! — Writing With Hope […]
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August 31, 2017 at 4:07 AM
The tittle itself has alot of education. Our lives someday will me a reflection of the kind of friends and books that we interact with. Read good books and live good life. Thank you! See you..
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