tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post1791830994912437924..comments2024-01-17T04:33:08.243-08:00Comments on My Friend Amy: On Being a Public ReaderAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515314638093018928noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-7148532734888196302010-03-06T05:42:29.863-08:002010-03-06T05:42:29.863-08:00Until your post, I wasn't aware of any *discus...Until your post, I wasn't aware of any *discussion* about being a public reader. <br /><br />I think the choice of books we read says a lot about us. We choose books that look like they will speak to us. Like you, I try to support small press and emerging authors, especially Australian ones. <br /><br />The books I review on my blog are only a fraction of the reading I get done. It's a choice I make. If I blogged about every single book I read, it would just be too much. <br /><br />I don't diversify my reading intentionally. And I don't intend to. Maybe because I don't need to. My blog isn't as influential/widely read as yours, so I don't get that sort of pressure from readers.Elenahttp://www.withextrapulp.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-40210813499217971172010-02-04T17:55:56.840-08:002010-02-04T17:55:56.840-08:00I relish it, frankly.I relish it, frankly.J.T. Oldfieldhttp://bibliofreakblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-6157920080844080172010-01-30T13:52:38.574-08:002010-01-30T13:52:38.574-08:00I'm not sure I understand what the big deal is...I'm not sure I understand what the big deal is about being a public reader. I have occasionally chosen to not read a certain book on a bus to stop questions but otherwise I'm very public and I don't see anything wrong with that. <br /><br />I agree with Beth that I read pretty much what I want. I don't try to balance out an author's gender or hometown or genres or anything. I read what I like. I have decided this year to read more YA fiction but only because my blog focuses on children's books as well as nonfiction and I mean ALL types of children's books. <br /><br />No I don't feel any responsibility about the message the books I read convey. Like I said, I may choose to read a certain book in private but if I chose to read it in public and someone didn't like it, oh well.<br /><br />>Do you think that this question in the end >boils down to: Why do you read and why do you >talk about what you read? <br /><br />I guess. To answer, I read because I enjoy it and love learning and I talk about it because I want others to experience the way books make me feel. <br /><br />I'm sure other's answers would be similar.Kathleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04013633281843747712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-22355597196443233542010-01-29T21:20:08.736-08:002010-01-29T21:20:08.736-08:00I am also a public reader with my blog, twitter, G...I am also a public reader with my blog, twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, etc. but as bad it may sound I make no effort to be a diverse or socially conscious reader. I read what interests me. If the author happens to be a POC so be it but I don't actively go seeking out those books. I sometimes see posts encouraging us to read more POC, GLBT, current event books, etc. but I rarely participate in those challenges. I'll read the reviews to see if the books interest me but that is as far as it goes.<br /><br />I do feel guilty at times but I figure reading is for my enjoyment, not to try and impress others.Debbie's World of Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09892876966477693699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-4347236677763378372010-01-29T11:54:48.854-08:002010-01-29T11:54:48.854-08:00Awesome. I think, more and more, the book bloggin...Awesome. I think, more and more, the book blogging community is going to become the gatekeepers the publishing industry has no demonstrated it has no capacity for. While I suppose this comes with some responsibility, it also comes with an openness, and a flattening of the playing field.Will Entrekinhttp://willentrekin.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-30330017165414305652010-01-29T11:49:43.397-08:002010-01-29T11:49:43.397-08:00I don't pretend to take myself, my blog or my ...I don't pretend to take myself, my blog or my reading that seriously. As my blog name says, I'm a whimpulsive reader. I read a variety, I read what strikes my interest or fancy. I read what I enjoy.<br /><br />While I think it's great that you and others may choose to take a different approach, that's just not my style. As I said in my looking forward to 2010 post: "I just want to read what I want to read and enjoy most of what I do read."SuziQoregonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-52607745434184768512010-01-29T11:45:54.113-08:002010-01-29T11:45:54.113-08:00I'm another "I'm with Candace" c...I'm another "I'm with Candace" commenter. I read whatever catches my fancy at the moment. Maybe that makes me a selfish reader (?) but I think reading is for yourself first. If you don't enjoy it then how can you convince someone else to like it? <br /><br />That said I read a lot of female writers. They just tend to appeal to me.Chrisbookaramahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11972547663609480210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-27903130427123392762010-01-29T09:54:25.312-08:002010-01-29T09:54:25.312-08:00I'm with Candace (Beth F) on how I read. I'...I'm with Candace (Beth F) on how I read. I'm whimsical, not really deliberate, and I'm okay with that. Yes, I'm joining a million challenges this year in an effort to be somewhat more deliberate, but mostly I just want to read what I want to read (which often includes review books, after all, I accepted them for a reason!). I do think, though, that being a part of the book blogging community has diversified my reading, because I see so many books on people's blogs that I wouldn't have necessarily picked up - or even heard of - otherwise, and I try to get to as many of them as possible, many of which I wouldn't have even considered 2 years ago.Jen - devourer of bookshttp://www.devourerofbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-80586599023685569132010-01-29T07:45:12.853-08:002010-01-29T07:45:12.853-08:00Great post Amy! I to struggle with keeping my revi...Great post Amy! I to struggle with keeping my reviews balanced between mainstream book and those often overlooked, and I try to provide that variety on my blog every week. <br /><br />I'm intensely grateful to my reviewers because having them around allows me to slow down in my own reading and really focus on the book at hand. I read a lot of different genres but I never really thought about bearing responsibility for what I read - it's an interesting concept! I figure if I like a book, I say as much, and if I don't, I write a review that reflects the various gripes I had with it. I do take care to carefully consider each book I accept for review and there are certain genres that I just don't feel we are qualified to review. So perhaps that's taking some responsibility for what I read and review...Verahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05567363568748870279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-90514220824162051372010-01-29T06:44:20.382-08:002010-01-29T06:44:20.382-08:00Wow... again, a post that's made me stop and t...Wow... again, a post that's made me stop and think.<br /><br />I started blogging because I didn't want to post a thousand word review on the book's LibraryThing page. I figured people there wanted less than a manifesto, so I started In the Shadow of Mt. TBR for my full reviews. I've kind of flopped around a bit since then, sometimes thinking about who visits my blog and trying not to write things that might be offensive to someone (faith and politics, especially). More than anything, now, my blog is a record of my reading for me. If others like it, fine. If not, fine. I've found that I go back to see I've read a book that I forgot, and then read the review and remember.<br /><br />I think my current reading goals and program is more about pushing myself to stick with something and finish it. To not get sidetracked, which is hard because I get bored with stuff so quickly (It's the ADD, lol). As for diversity, I've never tried to ensure I have diversity of content. I just read what I like. However, with recent blogging discussions and book-cover issues, I've started taking a closer look at this. I read more Asian stuff than anything (other than white, of course), and that's got to do with Mags, I think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-226618844280885302010-01-28T23:10:01.302-08:002010-01-28T23:10:01.302-08:00Wow, Amy. This is a great post. Honestly, and...Wow, Amy. This is a great post. Honestly, and I know this is going to sound really bad, I don't think I owe anybody anything. I am a public reader, I guess. I never thought of it before. But my blog was originally started so I could record the books I've read. Period. I really didn't expect people to read it. <br /><br />When I read something, I always put in my reviews if I think it's age appropriate (if it's kids or YA). I always mention if there is anything objectionable. But if I'm going to be perfectly honest, I really think that my obligation is done there. I think it's great to read more books by PoC or about different cultures. I think it's nice to give smaller presses a chance. But I read for MY enjoyment. And my enjoyment is detracted by using a checklist for each book to make sure it meets different criteria. <br /><br />That said, I do try to read all sorts of books on different topics. I like to do this. I just don't think anyone has the right to tell me, because I blog about books, that I have to. <br /><br />Does that make any sense? And if it does, do I sound really terrible saying all that??Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05055676171075203563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-88835029269282299002010-01-28T19:50:32.916-08:002010-01-28T19:50:32.916-08:00oh I'm so glad I found your blog.. I simply lo...oh I'm so glad I found your blog.. I simply love books and stories and blogs about them. cheers :)Shelbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02757079675613448834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-60943096148217734802010-01-28T19:04:39.267-08:002010-01-28T19:04:39.267-08:00I have always just read whatever I wanted to read....I have always just read whatever I wanted to read. Two things have recently made me take a look at that philosophy. One was the recent POC challenge. Although I have not yet officially joined I decided I needed to check my library (my personal one) and see where I stand. The second reason is because as a teacher in a Title I school the majority of my students are African American or Hispanic. I teach ESOL so I try to have a variety of books on hand for that group of students. While evaluating my shelves I realized that I buy books that sound good to me. I also try to have a little bit of each genre as I have my students read and review different genre for me. I never realized how many ethnic books I had on my shelves. I have decided to continue doing what I have always been doing and it will all balance out in the end.Sandra Stileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-44506602297090459332010-01-28T18:31:59.605-08:002010-01-28T18:31:59.605-08:00At first, I only blogged Christian novels, as that...At first, I only blogged Christian novels, as that was all I was reading. I've now expanded to Christian non-fiction. I do this just for the love of books and encouraging others to read. I talk books to others all the time. I've always loved books.Carmenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00614963475107648947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-64279719467441666972010-01-28T16:01:30.439-08:002010-01-28T16:01:30.439-08:00Really thought-provoking post. I don't how muc...Really thought-provoking post. I don't how much I let the fact that I'm a public reader influence what I read, although the current discussions about awareness of books by people of color has certainly gotten me thinking about it. In general, though, I read what I'm interested in without a lot of thought to whether my readers will be interested. Most of the pressure I feel comes from my own desire to read widely and deeply for my own benefit. I like books of almost any genre and almost any time period, and if I neglect one type of book for too long, I miss it. But then I also love immersing myself in something specific for a while. So those two impulses continually do battle.Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09896331683344872038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-20142969844396739952010-01-28T15:39:37.310-08:002010-01-28T15:39:37.310-08:00I think of myself as a public reader in the sense ...I think of myself as a public reader in the sense that I make my reading habits public via blogging, twitter, facebook, etc., through actually reading in public, and by participating in book-related events/attending author appearances, going to book club, and the like.<br /><br />As Beth said so well, I am an egocentric reader. I am making an effort to "read deliberately" this year, but that means thoughtfully choosing every title. Many of the books I read intersect with my own political and social beliefs, and I want to use my platform to share those ideas in a public forum, but I don't read or review out of any sense of duty or obligation.<br /><br />When I read an underrecognized author or a book I think everyone should read, I use my position as a public reader to discuss and share them, but my status as a public reader doesn't determine what I read.Rebecca @ The Book Lady's Bloghttp://thebookladysblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-3068309071367176812010-01-28T15:38:40.532-08:002010-01-28T15:38:40.532-08:00Oh, gosh, Amy.
You do so much, you consider so mu...Oh, gosh, Amy.<br /><br />You do so much, you consider so much, you are honest and authentic, and we trust what you write here as coming from a whole heart. You are extraordinarily diversified in your choices.<br /><br />I guess I'm saying that you need to read only as much as you can read while still enjoying reading.<br /><br />You are already, in so many ways, an ideal public reader.<br /><br />Who teaches me so much, always.Beth Kepharthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14236487532413398431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-40204372758601929362010-01-28T15:23:35.985-08:002010-01-28T15:23:35.985-08:00Great thought-provoking post! In a sense, I'm...Great thought-provoking post! In a sense, I'm a public reader. I tweet and blog about most books I read or listen to. But sometimes, I do keep what I read to myself, particularly if the book or author is unpopular or has a stigma attached to it. <br /><br />This year, I'm accepting much fewer pitches that I did last year. I got burnt out quickly. After I had the flu, I was unable to catch up, mainly because I'd overbooked myself. <br /><br />I am accepting pitches, but only books that I want to read, not what I think I should be reading or what everyone else is reading. So far (yes, it's barely a month in) I feel much more laid back than I have in the past.Jenn's Bookshelveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17773328322580511441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-87909576087677508692010-01-28T15:12:53.732-08:002010-01-28T15:12:53.732-08:00I read both for pleasure and to know. Books are a...I read both for pleasure and to know. Books are access to a world well beyond my experience, and I think it's important that I at least try to acquaint myself with it. I love books that make me think, challenge my own preconceptions, and encourage me to be open-minded. So I am trying to read more diversely, to do my little part to correct the balance towards authors of color and world literature. Well, I'm starting to do so at least. I enjoy these books as well, and perhaps it's time to prioritize them over all the historical fiction I read set in England or the USA.<br /><br />I don't know if I've ever thought about my responsibilities as a public reader, though. I feel like I rarely bring new books to people's attention. This is something I'll have to think about.Meghanhttp://chikune.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-9749011099970680552010-01-28T13:16:49.607-08:002010-01-28T13:16:49.607-08:00This is a tricky topic for me, because the way I d...This is a tricky topic for me, because the way I deal with the social anxiety I feel when it comes all public things is by pretending in my head that blogging is much more private than it actually is - that I'm addressing a small groups of friend, nothing more. Still, I think this matters, so it's something I want to give more thought to.Ana S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16092495983972185943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-87172410058486663632010-01-28T12:45:45.369-08:002010-01-28T12:45:45.369-08:00Another great post, Amy :)
With family, work and ...Another great post, Amy :)<br /><br />With family, work and other responsibilities, I have to limit my reviewing to my preferred choice of books, Christian Fiction but I do find I read books of genres I don't favour in order to bring a range of books to my readers.<br /><br />I'd love to add non fiction and other novels but simply don't have enough hours in the day :)Relhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14857426893482706263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-22500480419832205062010-01-28T12:17:17.904-08:002010-01-28T12:17:17.904-08:00I have always been an avid reader and an advocate ...I have always been an avid reader and an advocate for reading. I am an extremely eclectic reader with a few exceptions, I refuse to read erotica or books I personally find highly offensive. I have been a blogger for awhile, but not a book blogger for long. I do not care what my numbers or stats are. If I get someone to find an interest in reading or a renewed interest in reading then I have accomplished my goal. My reading and my blog are for me. I like to promote good books, I like to discuss books and quite frankly I am not too interested in who publishes the book. I have read some excellent books published independently and some dreadful books from top publisher. At the end of the day, I read because I love it.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15782353640720981699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-41884373169484430402010-01-28T11:52:09.940-08:002010-01-28T11:52:09.940-08:00I'm like you.
I read different genres.
Change ...I'm like you.<br />I read different genres.<br />Change it up.<br />Try to always be honest and point out the negatives and positives.<br />I point out material others might find offensive.<br />But I never forget I do this for fun.<br />I never let the pressure get me.Tales of Whimsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10938494589922620170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-60655837461138766712010-01-28T11:48:10.722-08:002010-01-28T11:48:10.722-08:00The book world is huge huge... you'll never re...The book world is huge huge... you'll never read everything. So - create a niche for yourself. A genre or type of book that you focus on, and don't feel bad that you're not reading everything.Kaciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06374573594800663980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-6088071338721950482010-01-28T11:35:31.054-08:002010-01-28T11:35:31.054-08:00I read for fun. I started reviewing to help get th...I read for fun. I started reviewing to help get the word out about the authors I like. But for me this is a hobby.<br /><br />I have a job I get paid for. And until I am getting paid to read book and write reviews, I will continue to put what I desire to read at the front of my TBR list.<br /><br />Beside, if you read a lot in one genre, you can carve out a nitch there and become the one people turn to when a new book comes out in that genre. At least that's my raionalization.Mark Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11567392254011373198noreply@blogger.com