No, not that loving feeling.
I mean my love of reading. And I wouldn’t say I’ve necessarily lost it yet. But it’s definitely not as fun as it used to be. Unfortunately, I know why.
The culprit? Too many book reviews. Too many books on my must-read list that are also on my must-review list. Too many books stacked next to my bed that don’t look quite as fun or interesting or moving now that they arrived in my mailbox. Too many books that do look fun or interesting or moving, but because they’re a “to-do” instead of a “wanna,” I just don’t feel like reading them.
Book reviews are sapping the enjoyment straight out of my reading these days.
It’s not that I don’t like the books I’ve read and reviewed. Once I’ve managed to start them, I’ve loved almost every one. I wouldn’t suggest them to you if I didn’t like them.
But they aren’t necessarily the books I would pick out for myself. And, as Chelley has heard me say more than she likes, I’ve got a towering stack of books that I have picked out for myself already waiting for me.
And because I’ve committed to review them, they come with a price. Sure, the books are free. Unless you count the expectation that I will, you know, read them, take notes and then post an honest, well-written review.
That’s a lot of pressure, you all.
I know that sounds crazy. But the way I normally read – super fast, sometimes [don’t judge me] even skipping the boring parts and for pure escapist pleasure – is not conducive to deep thoughts or insights.
Much as I enjoy free books – especially books that I wouldn’t necessarily have picked up myself or would have waited years to borrow from the library – I don’t think the “free” part of this deal is working out for me.
And that is why I’m going to stop doing book reviews.
[Insert dramatic music here, if you like that sort of thing.]
Okay, okay. I realize it’s not really an earth-shattering announcement. Unless you’re my mailman, and then you might be glad for fewer boxes to deliver.
I’m not saying I will never review another book. [Let’s be honest: sharing my opinions is kind of what I do.] I’m just saying I’m not going to do any right now.
[Unless you count the book I’m reviewing tomorrow. But that’s the last one. For realz.]
So, what do you think?
—————————————-
Can’t get enough of Giving Up on Perfect? Subscribe here, follow me on Twitter and join my Facebook page.
