I have been reading for as long as I can remember. It is in my genes. My family, including both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, are all voracious readers. Our home library is bursting at the seams. As technology has advanced, so has my reading style. Join me as I share how my reading habits have evolved over the last decade.
Before I dive into my book reading habits, allow me to share how I consumed information over the past decade. As a business owner, I need to stay updated. Not just with the latest trends in my industry, but also those of my clients. Design, technology, fashion, beauty, retail, and more recently, food. The list goes on. I spend at least two to three hours reading each day. And then there is the reading for pleasure.
The naughts were when blogs were more or less at a nascent stage, particularly in India. The twenty-tens were when they finally came into their own. In the early years, RSS feeds were huge, and Google Reader was a favorite to create reading lists. But as is always with Google (I still miss Inbox by Google), it pulled the plug on the Reader in July 2013. I had moved to Feedly by then and was not left rudderless as were most users. Feedly had its limitations and I eventually moved to Pocket app. Social media (particularly Twitter) finally became my tool of choice to stay updated.
Coming back to the topic of books, my love for them has only grown in the twenty-tens. I was more into paperbacks at the beginning of the decade. As the decade progressed, I gradually moved to ebooks. Particularly for the accessibility and portability. I entered forties mid-decade, and ebooks were definitely easy on the eyes. I do pick paperbacks occasionally. But as a reader and reviewer, I do prefer the digital format.
I joined Goodreads in July 2016. Up until then, I never kept a record of what I was reading. A Goodreads member has great power but also an immense responsibility too. This was when I officially started rating and reviewing books. Looking up reviews, I was aware of galleys (uncorrected proofs, or ARCs as they are commonly called) but never signed up for it.
2018 was the year I came across the Juggernaut app. I had been hearing a lot about it and decided to check it out. There it was on the top of the page, Jasmine Days by Benyamin, a book that I had been waiting to pick up. I signed up and have been a subscriber ever since. Not just published books, the app also provides a platform for new and experienced writers. Some of the newbies could give established authors a run for their money. Two of my favorites, Jasmine Days and Letters from Kargil were Juggernaut reads. The app has come a long way from being author-centric to reader-friendly. And still has a long way to go.
As I launched my blog towards the end of April 2019, my reading now had a purpose. I wanted to read and promote those lesser-known books that missed all the hype and hysteria. It was more due to the fact that popular books often disappointed me. I finally signed up at NetGalley and Edelweiss, and now have an opportunity to read, promote, and create buzz around books before they are published. I don’t just review books now, but also recommend my favorites and discuss reading in general.
I have dabbled with Audible, but it never really worked for me. Only one book a month, seriously? After a lot of contemplation (and recommendation from the girls at Book Dragons India), I subscribed to Storytel in October 2019. I haven’t looked back since. A mix of both good quality audiobooks and ebooks. And a vast library at your fingertips, all in the genre I enjoy reading.
Below is a chart depicting where I stand now. As you can well see (this one is 2019 specific), the digital format makes a sizable chunk. Uncorrected proofs are ebooks too, so 78% of my reading is digital. No complaints though.
My reading tastes too have evolved. It probably has to do with maturity, although I still love feel good books. Non-fiction though has always been a constant. Earlier I read in phases. There was a time when I picked only fantasy and then only mythological fiction and then moved to only literary fiction. Now my reading is more balanced (as you can see from the chart below, again 2019 specific) where I explore different genres.
From print books to ebooks to audiobooks, my reading habits have definitely evolved in the past decade. I am curious to know what the next decade has in store. How has your reading evolved? What is your choice of format? Do you experiment with genres? Do share in the comments below.
Image by Csaba Varga from Pixabay
This post is a part of ‘DECADE Blog Hop’ #DecadeHop organized by #RRxMM Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul. The Event is sponsored by Glo and co-sponsored by Beyond The Box, Wedding Clap, The Colaba Store and Sanity Daily in association with authors Piyusha Vir and Richa S Mukherjee.
January 28, 2020 @ 3:09 pm
With the advancement of phones, tablets, and e-readers, ebooks have become a popular and easy way of reading but Still, there’s something about the feel of an old-fashioned paper book for me. I am an author of 9 ebooks and 9 paperback anthologies, but the comfort my printed books give me are beyond words. I have written non-fiction and poetry a lot and my choice of reading is mystery and thrillers, it has not changed at all.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:24 pm
Wow! That is quite an achievement. Would love to read your books. Could you please guide me where I can find them? I agree about the feel of the paper. Kind of maintaining a balance here.
January 29, 2020 @ 8:43 am
Many of the things or apps are still strange to me . Let me go and explore juggernaut and storytel . Even I tried audible but didn’t enjoy . For me I enjoy paperback more though ebook is more convenient
January 30, 2020 @ 5:45 pm
We all have our likes and dislikes, Monika. With audiobooks, it is highly dependent on the narration. Try books narrated by Stephen Fry, I am sure you would love them.
January 29, 2020 @ 9:17 pm
Thanks, your blog emparted so much knowledge about various apps for reading books. I have heard about a couple of them but never explored. Now I am doing it for sure.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:41 pm
Glad you found it useful, Ujjwal. I have just touched the tips of the iceberg when it comes to apps. There are so many to explore.
February 2, 2020 @ 10:16 am
For me, It’s always an ebook but this day I am trying audiobooks when I am working in my kitchen. Do let me know about your books , would love to read
January 28, 2020 @ 3:36 pm
I liked the way you captured how reading has evolved in the last decade. I joined juggernaut but never worked on it hard. Maybe, this time I will give it a try.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:27 pm
Thank you, Suha. Juggernaut still has a long way to go where ease of reading is concerned. Do give it another shot. I highly recommend their writer’s corner picks.
January 28, 2020 @ 3:46 pm
Hi Ritu
Somehow I knew you would talk about reading and reading…The quintessential bibliophile for sure! What a comprehensive and informative post this is. I wasn’t aware of some of these apps. So that was great. I always appreciate the fact that you have your hands so full and yet I see you in so many campaigns promoting reading and books. Personally I enjoy following your blog and this was a great read!💐💐
January 28, 2020 @ 6:32 pm
Guilty as charged 🙂 What can I say, I love talking about books. Thank you for your kind words, Sonia. The feeling is mutual. Your writings are always a treat to read. Lucky to have found a friend in you.
January 28, 2020 @ 7:03 pm
Ritu, I am simply awed by your post….speechless! I follow you on Goodreads and have loved your recommendations. Thanks for introducing me to new apps for reading through this post. I’m going to dive into it right away (after sharing your post on Twitter, of course).
Janaki (@beyond the familiar)
January 30, 2020 @ 5:40 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Janaki 😀 You have me speechless now! It is great to have found a fellow bibliophile friend in you.
January 28, 2020 @ 3:46 pm
i am in awe for your reading habit. what an evolution.. i started with paperbacks and even now i love paperbacks. Call me old school or anything, but the comfort and joy of reading a paperback is unmatched. And some of the mediums u mentioned are unheard of. thank u for introducing NetGalley and Edelweiss to me.. this is a post to bookmark and come back again for picking up the reading habit again. 🙂
January 28, 2020 @ 6:36 pm
I am glad you found the post useful, Supriti. Thank you for your kind words. There are a few more galley websites, but these two work best for me.
January 28, 2020 @ 11:08 pm
Ouch! Ritu I am feeling quite ashamed and embarrassed. Your post reminded me of how much I’m lagging in the reading sector. A voracious reader initially, these days inexplicably I am unable to focus on any book for long. I really need to rekindle my love for reading.
Loved your post and how you described your changing tastes and genres in books.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:38 pm
Nothing to be embarrassed about, Radhika. We all go through the reader’s block. Just enjoy the other sources of relaxation for a while and you would be raring to get back to reading.
January 28, 2020 @ 3:57 pm
One of my favorite topics! I’ve always been a physical book lover, but the library near my home closed two years ago. Though I used to read ebooks once in a while, they became a more regular feature. Now, I read mostly ebooks on my phone and tab (kindle). GR is a great way to keep track (though I’m used to maintaining a list of books I read). Started reviewing the same way as you did. Not into any of the apps you’ve mentioned. But going to try soon. 🙂
I’m starting to experiment with genres a bit (crime fiction is still a favorite). Non-fiction isn’t my thing. I tend to fall asleep. :/
Absolutely love how you made a pie chart of the genres you read. Makes me want to try it too.
Best wishes. 🙂
January 28, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Always nice to meet a fellow book lover, Srivalli. Great to have connected with you. I get you on non-fiction. That is something I read while working out now.
I am a “visual” person and enjoy developing charts and graphs. There are quite a few spreadsheet templates available you could check out.
January 29, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
Ritu – the book lover in me loved your post! I too read a lot of contemporary fiction – I would love to swap book recommendations with you sometime!
Will check out Juggernaut too 🙂
January 30, 2020 @ 5:34 pm
I loved your book, Sonam. We need to get together to share recommendations. Cannot wait to pick your brain 😀
January 28, 2020 @ 4:42 pm
This is so wonderful! The way you have developed this love of book and now keeping it updated is amazing. I love t read but yet to explore the digital formats much. After reading your post, I might try audio book for once.
Best Wishes!
January 28, 2020 @ 5:32 pm
I’m so inspired reading your blog. The way you have wrapped your love for books and your journey in reading around the prompt, I’m loving it.
I want to connect with you beyond this. You have added a fan
January 28, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
Thank you so much, Shivani 😀 I am overwhelmed by your kind words. I appreciate you reaching out. It is great to connect with you.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:44 pm
Thank you Piya. Best wishes to you too. I highly recommend audiobooks. Particularly Harry Potter books narrated by Stephen Fry, they are a joy to read.
January 28, 2020 @ 5:06 pm
I myself am a avid reader and love reading books since I was in school I was so engrossed in reading that sometimes I would forget about the outside world. With online reading now available I did try a few but I could never let go my obsession for reading the books. The books have a kind of magic in them. However I have never tried Juggernaut will give it a try soon.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:49 pm
Great to connect with a fellow book lover Shail. I can totally relate to being absorbed in books. I pick up a book and the hours just vanish…. often reading into the night with “just one more chapter 😀 “
January 28, 2020 @ 5:38 pm
Wow ! I’ve never before seen charts for reading. It’s amazing to see it, charts for format and charts for genre. Loved it. You’ve mentioned so many apps I need to sign up too. Amazing post! Gave me new goals for reading. Best wishes
Deepika
January 28, 2020 @ 6:52 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Deepika. Trust me, I had a difficult time limiting myself to just two charts. The reading spreasheets do that to you.
January 28, 2020 @ 5:52 pm
Wow, I am in awe of your reading habit. Well, when it comes to reading, I am still an old school and prefer smelling books and absorbing them. Though lately, I have read most of the books on Kindle as in Poland we hardly get English paperbacks plus space crunch. Thanks for introducing t other mediums too. Heard about Edelweiss but never gave it a try. Will check out now.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:55 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Vartika. Space crunch is the primary reason too for me to pick ebooks.
Edelweiss does have a bit of a learning curve, the dashboard can be a bit overwhelming. But I have found some great picks there.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
you have opened my eyes to so many new apps that I have been unaware of. I will definitely check them all out. I used the blogchatter platform to publish my first non fiction in 2019. I would love for you to read it.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:27 pm
Glad you found the post useful, Meena. Would love to read your first non-fiction.
January 31, 2020 @ 12:40 pm
Here is the link to my book, Ritu:
https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/meena-chattys-starlit-sky-a-world-to-explore/
Thanks in advance.
January 31, 2020 @ 5:46 pm
Thank you for the link, Meena. Heading there now.
January 28, 2020 @ 6:51 pm
Hello Ritu! Your blog is a treasure trove for book lovers. I loved the detailed way you have described the evolution of your book reading. The charts, datas everything. Letters from Kargil by Diksha is a book I also long to read. But I am seriously glad to know the purpose made you dive into book blogging. Ritu, pls continue to bring out the beautiful reviews of lesser known books. We need it. Best wishes.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Swarnali. I am glad to be able to bring the lesser-known books to the fore. Doing the best I can. It is heartbreaking when good authors stop writing due to a lack of readership.
January 28, 2020 @ 7:07 pm
A very different post so one thing is clear we bloggers have found purpose and passion by the e life we live. 😊
January 29, 2020 @ 6:32 pm
So true, Sivaranjini. Cannot imagine no e-life now.
January 28, 2020 @ 7:11 pm
Books are a great topic of the decade Piyusha and how our reading habits have changed. I used to swear on the feel and smell of a book in hand but now I too read a lot online. Hats of to you for creating a graph of the different genres. I just read and read and never note what I have read. Really appreciate that.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
Thank you Harjeet. I too was like that up until 2015. Now I have a detailed spreadsheet listing genre, author, year of publication, country, diversity, ….you name it.
January 28, 2020 @ 8:02 pm
Interesting way to capture how reading has evolved in the decade. Your love for books is evident. May you always be surrounded by your best friend – books!
January 29, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
Thank you for the wishes, Prerna. Glad you found the post interesting.
January 28, 2020 @ 8:13 pm
I feel unfortunate because I am not able to give enough time for my reading now. After reading your post I came to know about my embedded guilt. But I am happy for you because you are growing as a reader. And technology is also helping you to grow your reading habits. Your charts are showing your consistency and your areas of interest. Glad to know about some new apps.
Deepika Mishra
January 29, 2020 @ 6:38 pm
Sorry to hear that, Deepika. I hope you would be able to enjoy more reading time this year. Thank you for your kind words.
January 28, 2020 @ 8:33 pm
It was a very informative and interesting post..Thanks for sharing your journey about blogging and reading…Also got to know about new apps..Your growth was also well expressed through your post..
January 29, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Glad you found the post useful, Pashmeena.
January 28, 2020 @ 9:33 pm
Must say, this is the most scientific post I have ever read about books and a book lover, complete with charts and diagrams also how various apps changed how you read was interesting to read.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:43 pm
That is indeed a unique way of describing it, Pooja. Glad you found it interesting.
January 28, 2020 @ 10:03 pm
Reading habit can be evolved up to thi extent I am totally speechless by knowing these, every app is very much new for me except goodreads. I wish I could also manage my schedule smartly and get more time for reading, audio version came as a savior for me many times I will surely check these new apps too to evolve my reading habits.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:45 pm
I happen to be a queen of multi-tasking, or so my friends say 😀 Time management is the key. We need to have enough “me time” for the things we enjoy.
January 28, 2020 @ 10:04 pm
So aptly written, even the reading patrons have changed highly. But reading a book is still the best then the e books!!
January 29, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
Thank you, Jyoti. Let us agree to disagree 😀
January 28, 2020 @ 10:33 pm
You left me awestruck. I am glad I found you through this blog hop. I had heard about juggernaut but never tried. Well first thing I’m going to follow you on Goodreads to find my next goodread.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:48 pm
I am humbled by your kind words, Ruchi. It is great to connect with you.
January 28, 2020 @ 11:20 pm
Thank you for this interesting and informative post. I did not know of many of these apps. Your post is amazing for book lovers. Wishing you a great decade ahead with more and more books. 🙂
January 30, 2020 @ 4:50 pm
Glad you found the post useful, Arushi. Wishing you the best for the new decade too.
January 28, 2020 @ 11:51 pm
There are few things on God’s green earth better than a good book and a hot cup of joe. I miss those bygone years, when I trawled the streets of old Mumbai, picking up dog eared copies of Frost and Wodehouse.
I have nothing but mad adoration for fellow bibliophiles, and I’m so glad I found you! Now off to subscribe!
January 30, 2020 @ 4:56 pm
It is always great to connect with fellow bibliophiles. Glad to “meet” you too. Ditto on the bygone years.
January 28, 2020 @ 11:52 pm
Goodreads, Juggernaut, Audible, Storytel, wow you actually made me re-login on all these apps which I think i haven’t touched this year as yet, but I love all of these.
What a way to tell about books and format you like. I agree ebooks are comfort and I love it and that inspired me too for recording kids storybooks which I enjoy a lot.
How reading habits changed over the decade makes me realise again of the technology that has entered our lives.
January 30, 2020 @ 4:58 pm
I am glad to have prompted you to reconnect with the apps. Reading is to be enjoyed, the kind of book or the format does not matter. Technology is here to stay. As long as we don’t allow it to be a master of us, all is good.
January 29, 2020 @ 12:11 am
My reading habit has dwindled in the past decade, since it is inversely proportional to the number of young kids you have. I still read mostly paperbacks because I already read blogs, news, articles on the phone it gets overwhelming. That said I think ebooks are easier to read especially on the move or while lying in bed with a kid beside you.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
I totally get that, Namratha. In this day and age, we need to stay updated and reading for pleasure often takes a back seat.
January 29, 2020 @ 2:10 am
Really, you read a lot. Though I don’t read much, but yes, in the past decade I also shifted to kindle for reading. I loved the fact that government is also digitalising the archives. It is truly a positive change happened in past decade.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:02 pm
Thank you 🙂 So many books get lost to time, and we need to digitize them pronto. Thankfully, the government is waking up to it.
January 29, 2020 @ 5:23 am
I agree a lot had changed during last decade and like all aspects of life, technology created a strong impact on our reading too. previously it was only about paperback options but nowadays reading apps, kindle books and audible books..there are so many options available for book lovers. I had joined good reads few months ago but did not explored it much now. other options also sounds interesting to me, will surly check them out. it was a super informative read of the day.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:04 pm
Glad you found it useful, Surbhi. There are so many reading options available today, the mind boggles. I just listed the more popular ones.
January 29, 2020 @ 5:52 am
I am going to bookmark this post! Truly a fantastic overview of the various book related apps. I think it would be difficult to find about so many reading tools on a single page without going to unnecessary and tiring details. One of the few posts that is a record of a personal journey but at the same time is immensely helpful to others. Thanks. Regards. Rohit Verma
January 30, 2020 @ 5:31 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Rohit. I am glad you found the post useful. It is my attempt at getting more people to rekindle their love for reading.
January 29, 2020 @ 6:25 am
A personal and yet a very informative post, I never knew there were so many reading tools available online. I will definitely try a few of these! Pallavi Acharya
January 30, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
Glad you found it useful, Pallavi. Do try them out.
January 29, 2020 @ 12:12 pm
Woahhh..!!! I was totally blown away by the information I absorbed from this post. Kudos to your sincerity and hardwork !! I have bookmarked this blog because reading only once is not enough. I need it for future reference too. There is so much to learn from you. Your reading habits, the apps for reading, the graphical representation of the data, the evolution of your reading journey, etc everything is totally commendable. Way to go. My favourite post till date !!
January 30, 2020 @ 5:27 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Anjali 🙂 . I am truly humbled.
January 29, 2020 @ 2:12 pm
Ah! Finally someone writes on this topic.
Had initially planned on writing a decade in books. (athough the idea was alightly different than yours). But then thought I’d keep it for another day. Besises there would be just tooooo much to write about 🙂
Being a bibliopiile myself, I share your dying love for books…whether audio, digital, or printed versions. Nomatter what the medium, I want to live in a world that never stops reading {being a reader and writer myself, this would have a double benefit 😉 }.
I have been on Goodreads for quite some years now but was regular (at recording my reading progress there) only last year. Also, been intending to join syorytel for a while now. Thanks for the reccomendation.
To you and our mutual love for the written word.,
Cheers! 🙂
January 30, 2020 @ 5:23 pm
Great to meet a fellow bibliophile, Pri. Please do share about your decade in books. I cannot wait to read it. Ditto on Goodreads. I prefer keeping track on spreadsheets a lot more, with the charts and all.
A world that never stops reading would be perfect. Looking forward to connecting with you beyond the blog hop.
January 29, 2020 @ 2:17 pm
Wow, this was something new and interesting for me. Though I call myself a book lover I hardly ever cross reading 5-6 books in a year and I know only paperback and kindle version of books. Your love for books & knowledge of the various platforms is commendable. There’s so much to know and learn from you, this post has come as one of the most informative posts under the theme of this blog hop. Loved it and bookmarked!
January 30, 2020 @ 5:19 pm
Glad you found the post useful, Neha. I appreciate your kind comments. I have had the opportunity to explore different apps and sources as a book blogger. It is a pleasure to share the information.
January 29, 2020 @ 3:59 pm
Wow Ritu, you are actually a great reader. I totally agree that we should always promote the lesser-known authors who have great talent. I liked the pie chart telling about the ways you read.
Wish you loads books in the coming years.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:17 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Geethica. There are so many talented writers out there. Wishing you a great reading year too.
January 29, 2020 @ 4:18 pm
It is so heartening to see your love for reading too. Loved how you captured the change through the decade and how it impacted personal reading preferences.
Now I am inspired for taking a stock of my own reading too, to understand if at all, there is a pattern.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:09 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Piyusha. Do share your reading journey too. I always love to compare notes with a fellow bibliophile.
January 30, 2020 @ 9:47 am
I must say that though we have so many advancements, I would still prefer reading a paperback over a digital copy. However, a kindle might me apt while travelling, but audio books are not at all my cup of tea. Your post displayed a lot of apps that I can try using now. Thanks for the informative post.
— rightpurchasing
January 30, 2020 @ 5:14 pm
We all have our likes and dislikes. I hate reading a graphic novel on the kindle… it works better on the phone.
January 30, 2020 @ 11:08 am
Wow, Ritu! Your love for books and the reading journey of the last decade endearing. The charts are impressive. I have heard about a few reading platforms but never invested much in them. You are inspiring me to try them now. Let there be many more books in your way. Happy reading.
January 30, 2020 @ 5:11 pm
Thank you, Pragnya 🙂 Do try them out. Wishing you a great reading year too.
January 31, 2020 @ 12:34 am
There has been so much change in your reading style. I am still using paperbacks mostly not comfortable with the idea of even online reading somehow the presence of the book in hand makes me feel good. Happy reading 🙂
January 31, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
We all have our likes and dislikes, Manisha. It took me a while to get into ebooks.
January 31, 2020 @ 2:07 am
Oh my ! Such a detailed post on changed book formats a d reading styles. My past decade was also about reading. I am an e book lover though. Recently tried my hands on audio books and I think that too is awesome. I believe in making best use of technology when it comes to reading
January 31, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
Just read your post, Maya and I loved it. We need to connect beyond the hop. Ditto on making best use of technology.
January 31, 2020 @ 9:52 am
You have chronicled the journey of book formats very nicely. Juggernaut never worked for me. Audibles accent is a big no no. Was hesistant of Kindle, but fell in love with it.
January 31, 2020 @ 5:32 pm
Thank you Mahesh. Juggernaut still has a long way to go, but the books kind of make up for it.
January 31, 2020 @ 12:17 pm
Woah! what an analysis of your reading habits! Absolutely loved it. You make me want to go back and create those pie charts for my own reading schedule. I have myself switched to ebooks big time, yet the charm and craze for paperbacks remains. That reminds me I need to spring clean my collection of books and set them on the newly made book rack in my bedroom.
January 31, 2020 @ 5:33 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Anupriya. Great to meet a fellow book lover. Do share a shelfie.
January 31, 2020 @ 10:52 pm
I was in love with your write up at the title. It’s beautiful. And your blog is just the thing I wanted to read, being an avid book reader and looking out for good apps to keep me updated and abreast. Have bookmarked your write up and will surely try the apps mentioned by you.
February 1, 2020 @ 5:01 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Zenobia. Great to meet a fellow book lover. Do share if the apps work for you.
February 1, 2020 @ 12:10 am
Your post is a guiding star for all readers or who would like to pick up reading again like me. For me, the paperback is my first love but now finding ebooks more accessible.
February 1, 2020 @ 5:03 pm
Thank you for your rave comments, Debidutta. I’m overwhelmed. Glad you found the post useful.
February 1, 2020 @ 11:15 am
Wow, I have learnt so much today about books …so nice to hear about the Juggernaut app – will check it out today..have a lovely decade!
February 1, 2020 @ 5:04 pm
Thank you, Jayanthi. Wishing you a great decade as well.
February 1, 2020 @ 11:22 am
I am so glad that I came across this post and found someone who has reading habits similar to mine. I agree that technology has given a big boost to reading, and I am all for embracing it. However, like you I too realised that Audio Books were not my cup of tea.
Good post!
February 1, 2020 @ 5:06 pm
Great to meet a fellow book lover, Mayuri. Ditto on embracing technology. I am all for audiobooks, just that one book a month on Audible subscription was way too less for me.
February 1, 2020 @ 3:55 pm
I can read books in any format – paperback or ebooks. Mostly I find individual ebooks and forget what I have read. But with app it surely becomes helpful. Found few apps in your post which I would try now
February 1, 2020 @ 5:09 pm
Some people do have issues retaining what is read. Thankfully, I am pretty good at it. Do share if the apps work for you.
February 1, 2020 @ 4:16 pm
And I say this is tech reading, I love the way you have represented the data. It’s very important to keep tab on what we read and how.
And this would be a window to know more….
February 1, 2020 @ 5:12 pm
Glad you liked it, Meera. I began keeping a conscious track of what I am reading starting last year. Up until then, it was just on memory.
February 1, 2020 @ 6:56 pm
As a keen bibliophile myself, I really appreciated this post- on account of the noble reason you started this blog i.e. to promote lesser-known works/authors, as well as your methodical approach to analysing your own reading habits. Though I am very comfortable with the digital format, I prefer paperbacks. I do read all genres though- so we have that in common!
February 2, 2020 @ 3:25 pm
Thank you, Noor. Doing my bit. I enjoy reading your blog and particularly love your honest reviews.
February 1, 2020 @ 10:01 pm
I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember but never gave so much thought to keeping lists. Your post has summarised the change from paperback to digital format in a wonderful way. I’m yet to make the switch to digital but it sure is quite convenient. Loved the thought behind your blog. Keep up at it and hope to discover new books and authors through you.
February 2, 2020 @ 3:27 pm
Thank you Varsh. Great to meet a fellow book lover. It is fun keeping track of reading with all the spreadsheets around. Hope to discuss books with you and get some recommendations from you too.
February 1, 2020 @ 10:24 pm
Oh, I feel you 🙂 Audible and Storytel acts as a lullaby for me. I tried, trust me. I even opened the same book in paperback so that I get used to audible. Mope. 10 mins and I went to sleep!
P.S: I loved Jasmine Days and Letters from Kargil!
February 2, 2020 @ 3:32 pm
Those audiobooks with mechanical narration do that for me 😀 Ditto on Jasmine Days and Letters from Kargil. Have you checked out Al Arabian Novel Factory? It is on my TBR, hope to pick it up soon.
Absolutely loving the #ReadingWithMuffy challenge. Some excellent picks.
February 2, 2020 @ 6:10 pm
One of my favourite posts… Feels at home reading all the lingua related to books, audible and storytel and the earlier ones that I had just hear of. Liked the way your reading evolved. It is a way of life for many of us! This post is a great reminder of all that was once upon a time.
February 3, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Thank you, Srishti. I am glad to hear it is your favorite. Always lovely to meet a fellow book lover.
February 3, 2020 @ 4:20 am
Wow… A topic so close to my heart. Reading was always my first love… Even before my first best friend, before my husband and children came to life :))
I was a regular reader before marriage but after my marriage, the relationship with my reading habit became a little strained. However, last decade brought us back together once again and what a decade it was.
I evolved as a reader and got a clarity of my likes and dislikes when it comes to different genres. Like you, I too joined Goodreads in 2016. I joined NetGalley and many other sites which gave ARCs and books to review. I did all that for 1.5 years passionately and then left everything. I felt that I was missing out on books which I wanted to read with my own choice. Instead, I was reading and reviewing the books provided by the choice of others.
I still do reviews for authors who approach me personally and have done Beta Reading for quite a few others… but I am more satisfied now, as it is all that I choose for myself 🙂
I experimented Audible but didn’t like it (I have not found any voice till now in audiobooks which resonates with my reading voice). Ebooks stepped into my world when I had to do reviewing and now I have come in terms with them. But I do keep giving myself gifts of paperbacks on my birthdays and sale seasons ;D
Juggernaut and Storytel are something I have to still discover more about.
In fiction, I like Fantasy and thriller the most. In the non-fiction category, I am more into history books and autobiographies.
I just wish that this decade also, my bond with my reading becomes stronger.
Wishing you also a good decade of reading
#readbypreetispanorama
https://preetispanorama.com
February 3, 2020 @ 6:48 pm
We have so much in common Preeti. People do go overboard requesting ARCs. I am rather particular about the books I request/accept for review. Gifting ourselves books is indeed the best. Wishing you a great reading year as well.
February 3, 2020 @ 11:54 am
Reading is addictive. Best part of your writing it exprssing things systemically and scientifically
February 3, 2020 @ 6:48 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Amrendra.
February 3, 2020 @ 4:27 pm
Reading has changed a lot during last decade. Though we have many other technology blessed options, I still feel reading physical book with night lamp on the the best way to show love for reading.
February 3, 2020 @ 6:49 pm
Let’s agree to disagree, Shipra. For me, it is the content that matters and not the medium.
February 3, 2020 @ 8:27 pm
Good to know about your reading habit, once i used to be a voracious reader. Never heard abot the Juggernaut app, will definitely try.
February 4, 2020 @ 10:07 pm
Glad you liked the post. Juggernaut is worth a try.
February 4, 2020 @ 2:16 pm
You are a bibliophile in the truest sense. I can’t even imagine anyone coming up with a more detailed and statistical post that this on their reading habits. Its one thing to just read…its another to be aware about what one is reading. Great post Ritu. Keep turning the pages or I should say clicking on the next….You are doing a fabulous job.
#DecadeHop #RRxMM
February 4, 2020 @ 10:09 pm
Wow! Thank you for your kind words, Manas 😀 This means a lot coming from you. Thank you for the blog hop. You and Rashi deserve a huge applause for managing it so smoothly.
February 5, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
Love that you kept track of it. I still gravitate towards Paperbacks all the time.
February 7, 2020 @ 6:33 pm
I love charts and tracking, be it work or books. Thanks for stopping by, Damyanti. I hope to pick your book soon.
February 7, 2020 @ 6:52 am
Absolutely loved reading it 🙂 I must appreciate that with time you have embraced all the changes and you are comfortably reading online too. I find most bibliophiles cribbing about ebooks, some don’t even consider them as books at all. Your post should inspire many to just read irrespective of the medium. Am yet to try some of the apps you mentioned here but I did try Juggernaut and I love their writing platform. Keep up the amazing work you are doing. Am so glad you decided to participate in this blog hop and shared this beautiful piece with us 🙂
February 7, 2020 @ 6:31 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Rashi. You and Manas deserve huge applause for managing the blog hop so smoothly. I am glad you loved the post. And thank you for helping relieve my apprehension regarding the blog hop. I am so glad I participated and got to read some amazing blogs.
I agree about purists not accepting anything but physical books as the actual reading. I would say… to each their own.