Reading Life Lately: Blog, Booktube, Spotify, and Genre Shifts

Posted January 15, 2024 / Reading Life Lately, Weekly Memes / 0 Comments

I thought I’d share some random book- and reading-related thoughts, since it’s been a while!

Blog

I miss when my blog was a place where I could or would chat about all the things… and I actually wanted to write posts! For me, it’s hard to imagine giving this spot on the internet up even if people don’t read blogs much anymore. I never did this for the comments (clearly because I’m terrible at replying to them!) but I just enjoy putting my thoughts out there. I’ve debating lately as I approach the 10 year anniversary if this is a space worth having, but like I said… I can’t imagine not sharing about books here. You may notice my reviews get shorter and the “extra” fun posts slowing down, but I’ll still be here <3

Booktube

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been wanting to start a booktube channel or another video medium for my book thoughts. At a bare minimum, I’d like to use my booktok more (and get used to showing my face on there?). I keep making excuses but the main reason is that we live in a dark little house (very cozy, but not amazing for filming content). We’ll be buying a house next year and I’ll have so many bookshelves and spots to film, so part of me is thinking that’s the right time. But is it ever the right time? Maybe I should just go for it…

Spotify Audiobooks

This feature has genuinely been a GAME-CHANGER. I don’t feel like I have enough to say to merit its own post on the topic (yet – maybe a roundup in a few months?) but I have to mention it. If you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber, you can listen to 15 hours of free audiobook time per month! I love this because I do subscribe to Everand (FKA Scribd) and occasionally buy audiobooks, but I rarely listen to a book 100% on audio. I love using audiobooks to supplement my reading. If I have a physical book or ebook I’m in the middle of, I’ll put on the audiobook to listen while I drive or get ready, before diving back into my written copy later. Spotify Audiobooks gives me the option to do this for nearly all of the books I read! The best part is that because I only listen to a few chapters here and there, I haven’t used up that 15 hours yet. I can listen to more books and spend zero more dollars.

Genre Shifts

When I started this blog, I read mostly YA contemporary fiction with a few fantasy books sprinkled in. I got more into mysteries, adult fiction, and other genres slowly as time went on. Watching the percentage of YA to adult books gradually increase year after year until adult books far surpassed YA was kind of wild for me. I know it’s a sign of growing up but I also think my tastes in general have been shifting. I read less romance unless it’s from known favorite authors. I find myself eagerly looking at new mystery/thriller book lists instead of contemporary romance. Hell, I even got through a lot (for me!) of fantasy books last year… and see even more in my future this year. It’s just fun to watch my reading tastes grow and change. I don’t feel like I have an “audience” depending on certain reviews or expecting anything from me either. I love being able to read where the wind blows me.

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