How To Diversify Your Reading
You have been in a long-term bookish relationship with the works of your favourite author, for like, forever! This is the author you religiously praise ( and defend) on social media. You have just finished reading their latest novel. You enjoyed the plotline, the characters were thoroughly engaging and the dialogue was sparkling; as per usual.
However, something doesn’t feel quite right. Something feels incomplete.
It’s nothing. I’m probably just tired. I need some coffee.
You drink your hot cup of java, you go for a walk, you watch a bit of daytime telly, but that feeling of dissatisfaction is still lingering in the background.
Suddenly, your niggling doubts grow into full-blown panic.
What the hell is going on?! Is this the end?! Should I ring the emergency services?!
My fellow bookworm, no need to be alarmed. You are simply stuck in a reading rut.
Don’t worry, it’s perfectly natural. Reading is a passion and sometimes, believe it or not, passions can fizzle out over time. So, what do you do to rekindle your literary love life? Easy! The best way to fall back in love with books again is to diversify your reading. Explore new genres, test out new authors and take a chance on recommendations. Look, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with comfort reading. I’m a sucker for romantic historical fiction, thrillers and classic literature. I tend to steer clear of anything involving robots, aliens and sparkly vampires. But, I understand the importance and the benefits of embracing new genres. Reading books isn’t just fuel for the imagination - it’s also an opportunity to learn about new things. For instance, a 19th-century high society tale about a young debutante going against her parents’ wishes by running away with a roguish blacksmith ( Mills & Boon, thank me later), will definitely be an engaging read. However, a non-fiction book on the history of blacksmithing will provide me with brand new factual information. What’s more, by taking a chance on new genres, you will open yourself up to new writing styles, voices and perspectives - what an adventure!
Now, it’s time to take action. Here are my top tips on diversifying your reading:
Random Selection ( my go-to tip!)
Let fate decide your next big read. So, I have a list of genres noted down marked 1 to 10. At the beginning of each month, I roll two dice. If I roll, for instance, a 5, then according to my numbered list of genres, my first read of the month will be a nature book. You can pick as many genres as you want. Go on, be spontaneous!
Recommendations
Okay, so maybe you want a little guidance on your next read. No, I’m not talking about Amazon recommendations; step away from the algorithms! I’m talking about actual, real people with actual, real opinions. Why not ask your friends or family for some recommendations? You know you have that one resilient person in your life who keeps begging you to read that book on talking, ninja cats. “ It’s the best book ever written! I swear to you!” this pesty person cries out. Just go for it! You may enjoy the book and you will have something new to talk about; you can only talk about Line of Duty so much, dude. Worst-case scenario: if it turns out to be a pile of sh...erm...rubbish, then recommend something just as equally bad in return.
Although, if you would prefer a more “professional” recommendation, then you could always seek advice from the online book community or independent book shops.
Book swap
Boring bookshelf? Perhaps it is time to find your books a new home...in exchange for some new ones! Yes, I get it. Your books are your babies and I’m a crazy mad person for even suggesting something so ludicrous. But let’s be serious: are you really going to reread your Harry Potter books? Step aside, Hermione! Here’s MY vanishing spell. Text or call your friends, family or colleagues and organise a swap to rid yourself of the books you no longer need. To draw on my own personal experience, I work for a small café and everybody knows I’m a bona fide bookworm. Customers drop in occasionally just to swap books with little ole’ me (okay, not entirely true. The carrot cake is amaze-balls.) One week I could be gifted with a thriller, the next week it could be a self-help guide.
Library
A safe place. A second home. A cosy snuggery to escape from the stresses and strains of reality by indulging in some fictional bliss. The library stirs strong emotions in our bookish souls. I spent a lot of my childhood in my school library, either tucked away in the corner reading Jacqueline Wilson books, using the internet to write up my fanfiction or meeting up with my nerdy friends to complain about that bratty popular girl who thinks she is Beyoncé 2.0. Libraries offer something for everyone- but best of all, there are shelves and shelves of books to discover. You will find a more assorted collection rather than the usual bestsellers or popular must-reads. My fun advice: choose a shelf, close your eyes and pick a book at random. You never know, you might find your new favourite book. If that’s a bit too daring, you could always ask your trusty librarian for some sage advice.
Join a book club
Lastly, we have the ever-faithful book club. There are many reasons why you should join a book club: the intellectual discussion, the laughs, the companionship... the wine. It doesn’t matter the setting - public space, living room or online - joining a book club is one of the best ways to extend your reading list. Each month you will read, analyse and discuss different types of books that you might not otherwise have chosen by yourself. And not only will you be introduced to new genres, but you will be introduced to new people, too! What better way to expand your friend circle over books (and booze...sometimes.)
