Read for Your Need

I have a need to read, but I also read for my need, something which has never been more true than over the past year with the pandemic. Through all the various ups and downs, I've found that my needs have been ever evolving, and with them, so have my reads.

If you're wondering how I read for my need, here are some of my approaches:

• DO read whatever you want.  Read whatever you're in the mood for reading. Go wherever the wind takes you.
• DO read for the moment.  Sometimes we need a read that helps us get through different moments in our lives. In his play, Shadowlands, William Nicholson wrote, "We read to know we are not alone."
• DO read one or more books at the same time.  If you feel like reading a more serious read in the morning but a lighter read before going to bed, go for it. There are no rules on how many books you can read at a time.

• DON'T read X number of books a year.  Read as many or as few books as you want. Sometimes you want to binge-read, sometimes you don't. The books are there for you, not you for the books.
• DON'T finish the TBR (To Be Read) stack on your night table.  If you're in the mood for reading those books, fine. If not, read something you feel like reading. That stack will always be there waiting for you.
• DON'T finish the book just because you started it.  I'm not a quitter, but I've learned that life's too short to force yourself to finish a book that doesn't really grab you. Don't make yourself suffer through to the bitter end.

Reading should never, EVER be a chore. Books are there for us when we need them. Even if we can only spare 10 minutes at a time for reading, those 10 minutes can make all the difference in improving our mood and outlook. Treat reading as an outlet, a way of relieving stress and, perhaps, loneliness during tough times...you won't be disappointed.

How do you read for your need? Share with us!

Wishing you good reads (and tasty sips) from the perch.