As fanuchånan, or fall-equivalent, weather on Guam is in full swing (read: rain rain rain), my book dragon self has been devouring books left and right. Yet, during this voracious inhalation, an itch to explore worlds I’ve yet to experience has surfaced. *Cue The Little Mermaid*
Sampling new genres, writing styles, and formats are all part of reading widely and without apology. This strengthens our creative’s toolbox. We see through new lenses and adapt to different voices, challenging us to level up our ways of thinking.
Which was our Twitter chat focus in February 2017.
Taking this chat’s lead, let’s look at other ways we can deep dive in our reading lives.
- Ask bookworm friends who enjoy genres outside of your usual for their favorite titles. You’ll likely tap into quality reads this way.
- Peruse your favorite book-centric blog for titles they rave about. Not only do you trust their opinion, but you can also find additional recommendations from an entire community of readers in the comments.
- My current favorites are Modern Mrs. Darcy by Anne Bogel and Paper Fury by Cait. Anne recently shared #OwnVoices and #DiverseBooks book recs, and Cait’s brilliant reviews persuaded me to read The Raven Cycle (affiliate link), which I ended up adoring.
- Pick up your favorite author’s favorite book. Especially if it’s unfamiliar to you. The probability of enjoyment leans in your favor.
- Scan staff picks at your local library. Cost-efficient and locally run, libraries are what keep and add to my faith in humanity. Plus, surrounded by books every day all day, I’m sure the staff know a thing or two about the good ones.
- Consider keeping eyebrow-raising reads private. If you’re curious about a book you aren’t comfortable sharing on Goodreads (perhaps one with grey shades 😉), read it. No law—for most—binds us to announcing every book we read. Keep the doors of exploration open even when reading by flashlight under the covers.
- When you encounter a book that makes you immediately think I would never read that, ask yourself why. Never is a strong word. If you’re simply uninterested, move on. But if your mind lingers, pick the book up. Then prepare your mind to be blown.
Wherever your reading preferences lie, allow yourself the freedom to test uncharted territories. Who knows? The next book you pick up might be the one you can’t put down. Start your hunting, lovely. I’ll wait here.
Let’s Chat
What book(s) are you picking up to read widely and without apology? Let’s exchange recommendations in the comments, lovely!
