By Heather A.
As always, the opinions expressed here and other posts on the blog are my own and do not reflect those of my employer, family, friends, plants that may become sentient, or birds.
In light of Twitter’s #BookConfession, I want to expand on my thoughts about this:
Similar to our posts a few weeks ago about Feeling Overbooked and Never Finishing the End of the Series, I’ve also noticed that I have been harboring feelings of guilt about not reading certain books. Especially books I get for free, from publishers, and/or that I’ve talked about reading with the author. The last point is oddly specific, but brings the most amount of guilt. If I speak to the author, whether at an event or Twitter, I am somehow bound by an ethical code to read their book. And I do want to read it–it’s just that sometimes other books get in the way. And I like those books too, so I shouldn’t feel bad for reading, right?
The number of books in 80 Books’s own orbit seems to grow daily. I love books, I love talking about books and I love collecting books. There’s nothing wrong with these things. Sometimes I get books for free, whether from work or NetGalley, or any of the other ways publishing sends out free content. I also go to B&N frequently (when they send me a coupon) to buy books and buy ebooks for cheap almost daily. Do I plan on reading everything as soon as I get it? No. It’s more that I like having as many options as possible to pick my next read. The overwhelming nature of reading all the time is pretty high. Like the phrase “my eyes are too big for my stomach,” but for books.
If I am reading something heavy, I usually pick something light next. I am always reading at least 2 books, one physical copy and one ebook. If I get an ebook from the library I prioritize that book over ones I own. Or if I have a job interview, I read books that the imprint published–pushing back any book I wanted to read until after the interview process has ended. If I’m free to choose a book for fun and not “review” obligations, it’s on a whim. I stare at my shelves until something strikes me.
I’m overwhelmed with options, riddled with guilt, and feeling stressed from the obligation to read all the time. I’m sure the book I spoke with the author about is good and I want to give it a shot, I really do. Please don’t hold it against me that I’m unable to read the book in a reasonable amount of time. I will get to it!
Enough ranting from me. Has anyone else experienced this? I imagine it’s only people in publishing or book bloggers. The pressure!!
