the new reader

I think most of you know how much I love reading books. This has always been a love of mine, but I really re-cultivated it a few years ago when I discovered Goodreads. In the past, I have posted summary reviews of the books I’ve read – which I know people have really really liked. However, since I last posted one of these reviews last summer – things have really changed for me reading wise.

For starters, I have very little time to read now. When you commute 2.5 hours a day, you lose the frivolous time you had (even considering homework and what-not) to participate in your hobbies. Obviously this is a main reason my blogging has changed lately, but it’s of course affected my reading too.

I was reading a lot of library books and not using my kindle too much, pre-internship. Now given the fact that I never know where I am going to be and how much time I’ll have, it’s just so much easier for me to only use my kindle(s) (I have the old one and a fire).

Using only my kindle, combined with a lack of time, has really changed the type of books I read. I’m reading a lot more unknown/up-and-coming authors, who are only publishing things on e-book right now. I’ve also noticed that since I don’t have as much free time to read, I’ve decided that some of the books I used to read just aren’t worth my time anymore.

Since reading 50 shades this summer, my tastes in book selection has dramatically changed. I started moving more towards the angsty-romance genre and discovered some books I absolutely loved. While I gushed on and on about 50 shades, I came back several months later and re-read the first book, only to find out it was quite a let down for me at that point. What can I say – I guess my tastes have matured? I’ve also found much better authors and much better male characters to lust after.

The other thing I’ve done that I’ve LOVED is I’ve started to re-read all the books I’ve loved, but in audiobook version. Listening to audiobooks is necessary for my commute and I find I’m much more relaxed/enjoy the books so much more if it’s a book I’ve already read that I loved. I think listening to books I’ve really liked, rather than just read them in text, has exposed me in a completely different way to these new genres and helped me to hone in what I really do enjoy reading.

And obviously because of all of this, I actually invest money into my reading hobby now. In the past, I’ve always been cheap in this area and depended on the library and free books. But now, I have no problem dropping money on a kindle, audiobook or the paperback version of a book that I loved. It’s like Nicole says, this is my hobby and it’s what I love – so I spend money on it.

I say all of these things for two three reasons:

1. I’m a completely different reader now and love completely different books than I used to. Some of the books I’ve gushed on in the past are nothing in my heart compared to some of the books that I’ve read lately. I expect this will keep happening and my tastes will keep evolving.

2. Because of this lack in time and dramatic change in my preferences, I’m not going to be reviewing each book individually anymore. I ALWAYS write a review for every book I read on Goodreads, so if you honestly do want to see what I’m reading and what I think – it’s all there for you. I just don’t have the time to then transcribe everything from Goodreads to my blog (when it’s the exact same information).

3. I do want to share a few of my most favorite books from the last 6 months that I’ve read (and didn’t review on the blog yet). Again, if you want to read my thoughts – please visit my goodreads reviews (linked under each book) for my detailed thoughts.

Best audiobook series: I’ve gushed before about the Sophie Katz series, but listening to these 6 books on audiobook has been the best decision I’ve ever made. These audiobooks absolutely bring this series to life and I definitely think you all should listen to them. The last book in this series is just as good as the first book, which is such a shocker because this never happens.

College angsty-romances: Man, I really love these. Here are my favorites in order of most to least:

Easy by Tammara Webber – this is my second most favorite book I’ve read lately and it’s simply gush worthy. As soon as I go back to work next week, I’ll be listening to the audiobook.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire – I wasn’t obsessed with this when I read it, but was after the audiobook. Definitely listen/read!

Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen – the ending of this book may kill you. Just saying.

Best adult angsty-romance: These three books put 50 shades to absolute shame, and have way less creepy (as in none) BDSM tendencies.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young: This is absolutely my #1 book I’ve read and #1 male lead character. This isn’t out on audiobook yet, but I may or may not stalk the author’s facebook page daily waiting for the announcement.

Bared to You & Reflected to You by Sylvia Day: I can’t believe I ever for a second thought 50 shades was better than this series. I’m crazy, that’s why. I’ve read Bared 3 times now and Reflected twice. So absolutely amazing.

Best adult contemporary romance:

A Lot Like Love by Julie James: This is actually the second book in a 3 book (soon to be 4) book series, but I loved this second book the best. I highly recommend you start with book 1 (Something About You) and read through, because the characters carry through all the books.

Best Chick-Lit: This isn’t really my thing anymore, but I know that not everyone likes the romance novels – so I’ll pass this book along as the best chick-lit book I read in 2012.

Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews: I’ve talked about MKA before, but this book is great. Much different than everything else she has written that I’ve read.

I’m excited to keep reading this new genre I love and discover more great books in 2013!

What books have you been loving lately?