Writing about Reading

I've always loved reading fiction; it's a great way for me to escape to another world, if only for a few minutes. My close friends also love to read so they're constantly recommending books to me, I always have a page-long list of "someday" books. I typically trust their judgement about what to read, but I sometimes find myself lacking interest in the first chapters of a novel. My initial instinct is to set the book down and try a new one, but I always say to myself, "maybe the next chapter will hook me." Usually, I stick with a book until the end even if I'm confused or don't really like it, especially when it's assigned. I see confusing books as a challenge and just try to push through them to understand as much as possible. Luckily, however, most books improve a few chapters in, so I can enjoy the remainder of the novel.

My favorite place to read is on my couch in the living room. It's a comfortable, quiet place where my mind is free to focus on the world in the book, and forget about reality. That's not to say that I can't enjoy a book elsewhere. Infact, I can read anywhere but in a car, though I typically read in bed before I go to sleep because that is the most convenient place for me. It doesn't even have to be quiet when I read because I typically zone out everything around me and become completely absorbed in the fictional world.

My reading style is very laid back. I typically don't read too much in one sitting, because most of the time I fall asleep after about an hour, but I've finished books in one day before. I have a bad habit of letting my mind wander when I read, causing me to have to re-read what I missed. I read almost every night, and always keep at least two books on my bedside table.

I read mostly realistic fiction because for me, books of that genre are easiest to enjoy. I find myself connecting with the characters more, because I can usually picture myself in the situations they're in. Also, the lives of the characters are typically a lot more interesting than my own, and it gives me entertainment after a boring or stressful day. My favorite author is John Greene, his books always capture me from the first page and hold my interest throughout the entire book.