Books
“Sit in a room and read–and read and read. And read the right books by the right people. Your mind is brought onto that level, and you have a nice, mild, slow-burning rapture all the time. This realization of life can be a constant realization in your living.” – Joseph Campbell
For most of my teen life, books were barely on my radar. I had no real interest in reading—there were far more ‘important’ things to do, like playing video games. But everything shifted around ten years ago.
I met my first mentor, who handed me a few books to read. One led to another, and before I knew it, I was devouring one after the other. The bulk of them were self-development, psychology, and business books. Soon enough, reading turned into an obsession.
About seven years ago, I came across a Reddit thread discussing books. Someone mentioned that the average person only reads around 300 books in their lifetime, which is about five books a year. That seemed far too few for someone as curious as me, so I set myself the goal of reading ‘300 books a year’. Now, to be clear, I’ve never quite reached that target, but it remains the aim.
“But most importantly, gain knowledge.” That was my mindset when I started. However, after a few years and with a growing passion for creativity, I realised I needed a bit of fiction to fuel my imagination.
It’s not just about learning anymore. It’s about embracing the voyeuristic joy of getting lost in someone else’s world, living vicariously through their narrative, and experiencing moments of profound insight that come from something so deceptively simple.
Are there any fellow book lovers out there? What’s your take on the balance between fiction and non-fiction?
And if you’ve got any must-reads, I’d love to hear your recommendations.
from one bibliophile to another, any book that interests you whether fantasy, adventure, fiction, whatever, just read it. I know I have a book I’ve been wanting to finish from starting it last summer, but there’s always something getting in the way. It’s a great goal, something to consider. Thanks for the kick in the pants.
Haha. I’m glad I brought it up.
As much as I love a physical book, the texture, the smell, the ritual of getting comfortable and being transported into another world – life gets in the way by some form or another.
That’s why I have all of my books on my phone. I always find time to read. Whether I’m in a queue at the grocery store, waiting for the kettle to boil, etc. It’s in those small moments where I get a lot of reading in and time flies by. It’s not ideal, but at least I’m getting my pages in.
Hello on my 70th birthday!
A book I read from cover to cover in a weekend is “The Last Witch of Scotland “ by Philip Paris, local author here in Inverness-shire. It was awarded Book of the Year 2024 by Waterstones Bookshops here in the UK. Highly recommend it, a wonderful book based on a true story.
best regards
Iris
Happy birthday! I hope you had a wonderful day! May you have a blessed year!
Thank you so much for sharing it. It’s wonderful that local authors are seeing such success with their books. I know it can be a difficult market to break into.
❤️ 💖
I’ve only managed to hit 66 books a year, that was 2024.
On the fiction issue, I’m also struggling in that area. I’m so hooked to non fiction that everytime i try reading fiction it feels as if I’m wasting time.
That is still incredible!
It’s unfortunate you feel that way. I felt the same until I came across a YouTube video explaining how beneficial it can be.
Fiction allows the author to share wisdom through the experience of a character, where non-fiction gives direct advice or information.
I love reading books 😄🤗
That is wonderful to hear!
That’s true 😁
I enjoyed your works !
Hi Dugu! I’m so glad you enjoy it!
Books are my sanctity. On certain days, they transport me to a world, of so many possibilities, of so many could be(s), that I find it truly difficult to close that door, and re-enter reality. So, I understand and can empathise with the way you worded your post.
300 – truly is an incredible target, and yes, even I wish one day to touch that – but for now, my Goodreads account shows a 40% target achieved of the 33 reads I have reserved for this year – here’s hoping, I surpass this very soon 🙂
Thank you for this beautiful post – found a good enough reason to re-open my Kindle once more and put my work notifications on snooze 🙂
You phrase it so beautifully. I completely understand. There are writers who just know how to transport us into a different reality, and it can be challenging to readjust to our own. I’m so glad this post gave you a reason to read again.
I really like how Naval Ravikant puts it when it comes to reading. It’s more beneficial to reread the best books, because then they slowly become part of us. We get to experience that same thrill of reading them for the first time, just in a slightly different way. It’s a different kind of thrill and experience, but one we truly appreciate. Even though we know what’s coming, we often read it through different lenses — pun intended.
Do you have a favourite book you’ve found yourself returning to?