My rules in reading (you have my permission to steal this list)

I’m not sure if I’ve already said it or if you already heard from my vlog (yes I have a YT channel you may want to subscribe to! haha) but I just got back from my ~decade~ of reading slump. I got there (the slump) because of all possible things such as budget (yeah), time (oh yes), inspiration (maybe?) and many more I could tell just to justify my non-reading years. It was looong enough that I honestly forgot how much I love reading and sitting comfy and cozy and just enjoy coffee and books. Until I started reading again. And what got me out of that awful slump? COVID and a book by Matt Haig.

Honestly, if I didn’t test positive, and was not isolated for two weeks, I probably still the lazy cat that is “a little” allergic with books. Thank God my COVID was mild and I got the luxury of boredom (I was so bored I started my Youtube channel with my COVID isolation facility experience) so I scrolled through my social media feeds and discovered The Midnight Library which was apparently the top choice for fiction on Goodreads. I downloaded the Kindle app, purchased the ebook and slowly fell back in love with reading.

Then came this one comment from a friend requesting to share how I concentrate on reading. I said “okay, I’ll try”, but never got to do it. Because girl, even I cannot concentrate on my readings that much.

It’s been a month already since I started vlogging about books and I somehow managed to build a not-so-tough system for my reading process (yes, there is such in my world) from researching up to reviewing each book. I now have some unwritten (now written, thanks to this blog which I will be vlogging as well by the way. Link will be shared below.) ruled in reading – how I pick, how I start, how I focus, how I review, etc. And I feel this intro is getting too long and boring alweady so let’s just get into it.

Rule #1: f*ck rules

You know I just put this on the preview photo to make this article sound and look cool, but what I actually mean is do not listen to people who list down rules. Including me. But since you’re here I assume you’re interested on what I have to say… so whatever.

Rules for me are personal. Or at least rules in reading that is. Unless you’re in a group or organization or a club, or a formal/official reading class, don’t put so much pressure on yourself about the “rules”. My rules, if you will notice are my guide to manage my time, my expectations, the information I lear, the fun I experience, the feeling and thoughts I gather. The rules you adapt in should align to your personal needs and wants. Why are your reading? What is your objective, your purpose in reading? What do you expect when you finish a book? Join clubs if you must, follow a reading prompt if you need to. But do not ever force yourself into following a rule you personally don’t fit in or you find to strict. Leisure reading should be pleasurable to you as THE reader. Something you should personally enjoy, not being forced to. Got into a club that has loooong list of dos and don’ts? If you feel it’s too much and toxic, leave the group, bes.

Rule #2: always carry a book

Since I got back to reading, I never go anywhere without a book on my hand (or my bag) either a paperback or my Kindle. If you see my current collection, they’re (almost) all paperbacks because I go out a lot and I don’t think there’s anyone who would like to carry a hardbound book along the streets. I also bought a Kindle because ebooks are precious gifts from the Gods and Sciences of art and technology and the real God who gave these people big brains.

Having a book with yo anywhere will give you a chance to move forward to another chapter during your idle times. See, I am a busy woman (lol so funny but true wth), but I have time reading while eating, or reading while waiting for my sundo.

Rule #3: find your cozy place

Except for if you are a mom of a clingy and very demanding but cute yet annoying toddler, find a quiet place within your home or wherever you’re reading. A comfy chair or couch would be nice (but I can only dream about it now). My trick is when my baby’s busy with her iPad (which is only a short time, thank God for limited screen time) or when she’s sleeping, I try to finish more chapters and take notes.

Dear friend, this is tip #1 on how to concentrate on your readings.

Rule #4: track your readings

I had my Goodreads since forever, but I never used it so much. Until now that I am blogging and vlogging about my readings. I realized keeping track helps me remember more about the book and even the author. It also gives me time to think deeper and understand more about the plot, the symbols, the characters, the emotions. Currently, I use Goodreads and Notion and my tracking and review system seem to work for me at least as of now, and I’m not really sure if I will be changing my practice as I also am seeing better tools within the reading community. Tracking basics: TBR (to be read), reading, read, BDF (did not finish).

When it comes to reviews, I currently use the CAWPILE system. I saw it from one booktuber one day, and I loooooved it right then and there. CAWPILE stand for characters, atmosphere, writing, plot, intrigue, logic, and enjoyment which are basically what I look at/for when reading a book.

Dear friend, this is tip #2 on how to concentrate on your readings.

Rule #5: read to your kid (or at least let them see you reading)

I tried it once (or five times) and the fun thing is she listens. She’s three, so those exciting parts are the only ones that interest her. There’s also one time she borrowed my Kindle because she wanted to read (she still couldn’t read at that time), and acted as if she’s actually reading, “isang araw,” (“one day,”) Sharing your reading experience is one effective way to somehow make people interested in reading as well.

Rule #6: make it fun, dnf what you gotta dnf

Find books that are really interesting for your taste. I, for example, love fiction books – historical, horror, thriller, fantasy, magical. Non fiction books, I don’t really find entertaining. And I want to be entertained. I want to develop my soft skills on understanding and feeling. Plus nah, non fiction for me is just boring. I don’t also like romance. I feel like they’re too cheesy and super cliche. They’re all ending the same way and that doesn’t interest me.

Although I am pretty much confident I already got back “there” where I can already explore more genres and authors I am diving into challenges (which I am super excited to share with you! I want this article to be evergreen as much as possible so maybe head over to my YT for the most recent challenges I am taking!)

Dear friend, this is tip #3 on how to concentrate on your readings.

Rule #7: go thrifting

This is, yes, a rule (at least for me) because I am trying to limit my expenses and yet I still want to grow my collection (or maybe dispose them until I get decent spot for a shelf, I don’t know yet, really).

But there’s another benefit from thrifting. Most of the time, when you buy pre-loved books, you’ll notice they’re not exactly in the list of titles that are on trend. They’re not famous. Because big books are often collected by your fellow readers who are your competitor when it comes to thrifting or buying books from anywhere. So now, you get to broaden your familiarity of books that are never on TikTok of Youtube or Instagram. And them not being #popreads, doesn’t mean they’re not good. Most of my thrifted books are in fact rated 4 stars and above on Goodreads, and I don’t know but I trust GR reviewers.

Rule #8: share it, talk about it, recommend it

I am not afraid of (or angry about) spoilers but remember not all people want spoilers. So don’t forget to put a disclaimer somewhere before sharing. When I was younger, I didn’t care if I have no one to talk to about a book I finished reading. Now that I have an avenue to share my thoughts only I realized it feels sooo much better when you talk and discuss your thoughts.

I am certain my blogging and vlogging about books are one big factor how I maintain my hobby despite my busy schedule. So I hope to have the inspiration and courage to continue my channel and improve myself as well as not just a content creator but a reader and a reviewer.

Other tips:

Set times. They say this is effective and I think it might work, just not for me. My work schedule is mostly unpredictable since I am supporting different functions and so I need to be on call at least between office hours. Plus, #momduties and #housecooksduties. If possible, I try to listen to audiobooks and so far I’m still getting used to it.
Reduce screentime. Both from tv, and phone or tablet. I know there are people who are visual and there’s nothing wrong about that. I am one of you, I love movies and series and YT. But if you really want to read more or focus on your readings, spend less time with your screens. They’re your number one distraction. One main reason why I invested on a Kindle.

I’m not sure if this list a.k.a. rules could help my friend or you, but I’m leaving this here anyways.