I thought I'd start 2021 with reflecting on and sharing with you my 2020 book journey which, like many things last year, was slightly different from the usual.
Firstly, I read more since I spent less time out doing things and more time at home. Reading is something I normally squeeze in while having lunch or winding down before bed. However, during last spring's stay-at-home order, I found I had more time than usual for one of my favorite activities, which was a good thing.
Secondly, I found that the pandemic and events of the year really affected my reading choices. Although I usually read according to my mood and interests, often choosing books by the time and place in which they're set, during the pandemic I gravitated toward fantasy and selections that were more positive, uplifting, and mindful. I wanted to read books that took my mind off the daily news.
Thirdly, the past year had an impact on how I read. Not that I had anything against ebooks, but I could never see myself abandoning paper pages for an electronic screen. Well, the lack of library access for a spell and safety concerns compelled me to get my first e-reader, and I surprisingly got hooked. I loved having access to the virtual library 24/7 and feeling connected to the outside even though I was staying inside.
I've learned different things about myself as a reader over the past year, many of which broadened and re-defined my reading experiences. A Polish proverb states that "necessity is a great master," and that certainly proved true. Circumstances taught me some new things, for which I'm grateful.
How was your pandemic reading, and what have you learned about yourself as a reader? Share with us!
Wishing you a happy new year of reading from the perch.
