Books + reading speed

I’m currently reading 3 books. Which is probably not that smart of me, because I seem to have a hard enough time getting through 1 book in a reasonable amount of time. (Because, as outlined in this other post, I guess I just prioritize other things.)

But I do actually love to read. And I DO read almost every day; I just might only read for 10-15 minutes a day.

Here’s what I’m currently reading:

1. Outlive by Peter Attia

Kindle reading is a brand-new experience for me. It’s…. growing on me? A little different at first, and I’m apparently a bit uncoordinated with this particular touch screen (I feel like I accidentally turn the page too often? Or have a hard time getting back to the menu sometimes.). But it’s sure convenient!! And it really does feel very “book like”.

This book is not a quick and easy read for me- it’s got some “sciencey” parts which I like to slow down and think about. Fascinating though so far. I’ve listened to Peter Attia talk about the book on several podcasts, so I already know the general gist. Enjoying it though!

2. Beneath a Scarlet Sky

This was my work book club choice for last month. And, I didn’t get it in time/ finish it… so I ended up skipping the book club meeting. I still wanted to read it because it sounded good- a WWII era historical fiction. I’m maybe half-way, and it is very good!

3. The Overstory

This book is my May work book club choice. It’s THICK and also not a slow read!! It’s beautifully written but definitely reads like “literature” and is not a quick, fluffy read. Guaranteed I won’t finish this one either before the meeting…. 😩 I am a book club failure. 😩

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Reading Speed

I know there have been posts/ debates/ discussion about reader types: skimmers vs. read every word people. (I think I might have written about this before? Oh well, going to again, because it’s been on my mind.)

I am a self-proclaimed “read every word-er” (when reading for pleasure), which definitely slows me down.

This is okay with me, though. Now, this is very much a “to each their own” thing, so I’m not saying my way is the right way.

But I recently heard something about people + reading + how researchers are finding that we actually read differently on a screen. The patterns and the way that our brains interpret the text has been changing over time, with the increase of on-screen reading over the past years. And apparently this might be spilling over into all reading, and there may be some negative outcomes (according to this source). As in, I guess our brains might not get the same benefits from reading and retaining in this super quick/ skimming style that people tend to do when scanning online articles, posts, etc., as compared with old-fashioned print reading styles of the olden days.

*I can’t find where I heard this!! I think it was on a podcast… if I can remember and find it, I will link it! I think it had to do with kids + the move to so many online texts for school.*

I personally read on-screen for work all the time– and most of it is “skimming”. (I have to read a LOT of medical notes, charts, reports etc as part of my Data Analyst/ Quality nurse role.) My eyes have to flit over the page, scanning for certain things.

Maybe it’s because I grow tired of this constant disjointed scroll-reading I do for work, but when I read for pleasure, I actually usually make a point to SLOOOOOW way down and deliberately read the sentences carefully.

Yes, it takes longer. But to me, it feels delightful. Why do we need to be in such a rush all the time, that we have to race through a page of a book, or an article, or a post?? Why do we have to only read like, 1/2 the words? Presumably the author wished for us to read all of the words… that’s why he or she wrote them, no?

Whichever “team” you’re on here, I challenge you to read at least one page or one article or blog post today where you slow down and carefully read each word. Report back on how it feels. 🙂 I think it feels luxurious. And it also feels…. calming. Like a real escape from all the hurried scrolling and scanning, always rushing to get to the end of the page, the article, the post. It feels vey different, too!

I think I’d personally rather read fewer books or fewer posts and articles but in a more controlled, intentional, enjoyable manner, vs. “half” reading lots of things in a more scattered way. Quality > Quantity. But maybe this is just me!! 😉 And it’s totally okay if you think I’m nuts. 🙂

Anyone know what I mean or agree with me?? Anyone??! 😉

Daily Gratitude:

I am grateful for knowing how to play the piano. Quick side story- Gretchen Rubin posted a question on her instagram page yesterday asking, “What is the one thing you now, as an adult, wish your parents had forced you to learn when you were a kid?” There were like, hundreds of responses, and it was hilarious, because literally every other answer was “to play the piano!!” Not joking, it was at least 50% of the answers, if not much more. People were even commenting, “Lol, look how many people wish they could play the piano!! 😂” The second most common answer was “to speak Spanish”. I was like, man, I did good!! I can play the piano and I can speak Spanish. Made me also want to show Ethan, who DOES play the piano beautifully, but doesn’t seem too passionate about it or to really appreciate it and I think mostly just wishes I’d let him quit. Maybe if he sees all these responses from adults who WISH they could play, he’ll feel differently?? ha. He’s 14. Not likely…