You know I love books by now… Everyone knows I love books. They are my calling. My soul-mate. My one true love. I honestly do not know what I would do without books and the incredible stories and lessons then hold within them. I’ve loved books ever since I was little and it was my mum which firmly got me into reading, after she used to read to me of a nighttime, tucked up in her bed when my dad used to work nights. We got through Harry Potter and Narnia and since then, I started reading Jacqueline Wilson books religiously. I’ve never lost my love for books and reading although it has dwindled in places down the line. Like when I was 18 and would much rather be drunk multiple nights a week rather than getting lost in my favorite books!
Although I’ve since rekindled my love for reading, built a blog and a business around books, there’s still times where my reading dwindles again for whatever reason. A tough time at home or with my boyfriend. A bad mental health day. A busy week. But I think that’s normal, for people to get into reading slumps for a variety of reasons. However, what I personally find very damaging for myself is when I neglect books in the times where I need them most. Reading isn’t a chore (even if it’s a review copy!). Reading isn’t a lesson in school that we hate but just have to endure. Reading is pleasure. Reading and books is an escape and a friend who is there for you when sometimes, nobody else is. And I want to take that mind-set into next year and try and keep a consistent love for reading and remember that my books are there to be read and to be loved even in my darkest times.
And today, I wanted to do a post about why you should keep calm and pick up a book in the new year! Why maybe you should venture into new and unknown territory and add “read more” onto your New Year goals list. Why you should vow to read more and reap the benefits in the New Year!
Oh and shout out to bakerdays for the cake featured in this post! This is not a sponsored post as I won this cake from Beth Louise but I chose the design specifically for this blog post and I can also confirm that it is a bloody good cake! I’d highly recommend bakerdays for their letterbox cakes (I have previously worked with them before, here) and you can find their website and their huge range of gorgeous cakes here! Anyway, on with the list!
1. It’s inspiring and motivating: You may meet some characters who totally inspire you and in turn, motivate you to do better in your own life!
2. It’s escapism: There’s nothing wrong with putting things in place for if you need a time out. The New Year is all about goals, goals, goals and pushing forward in your career, your travels, your life. But don’t forget that it’s important to have down time, too. You don’t have to be on it 24/7 and reading is a great escape which allows this.
3. It teaches you things: And I don’t mean picking up a book from the library on “how to garden“, teaching you how to garden! Although that’s great if that’s what you want to learn (personally, I’d love to learn how to garden a bit more next year!) but even fiction books can teach you a whole bunch of lessons about life, love and yourself which you can take with you throughout the year.
4. It’s not expensive: Reading could possibly be one of the cheapest hobbies out there. Make the most of your local library! Because then you’re supporting your local community, too!
5. It’s good to step out of your comfort zone: Try new books, new authors, new genres. For me, I want to try an audio-book next year because that’s something I’ve never done nor wanted to do. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t always mean big, huge things like moving to another country! We all grow by doing things weren’t not 100% sure about at first and that counts for little things as well.
6. You may find something you love that you weren’t aware of: If you’re not already an avid reader, I’d always suggest just trying things. And if you don’t like it, whatever. But you never know, you might find an author or a genre that you absolute adore and boom! You’ve got a new passion.
[…] fortunate enough to feature one of these on my blog before and I also won one from someone else and featured that one here (I bloody loved this one!) so it’s pretty evident that the Letterbox Cakes do not get old on […]
Fantastic post 🙂
I love this post babe! I love reading but I normally read more in the summer! xx
Jamie | http://www.jamies-corner.com
I also read a lot in summer!
Reading is the best!
I was such an avid reader from ages 12- 18 but over the past couple of years I haven’t been as interested in books. I would love to read more of the classics this year, and to finish all the half-read books on my shelf.
A Sparkle Of Grace
I would like to read more classics but I’m not really into that genre xxx
I love reading, but have been struggling to find what to read next. I love historical fiction and fantasy and little bit of sci-if, but I’ve been trying to branch out into realistic fiction. I recently read Romancing the Throne and loved it, so I think I’m going to experiment in that genre in 2018
Sounds good! Always good to experiment with genres (: xx
ahhh yes, reading. It’s one of my biggest loves. It helps me deal with stress, worry, anxiety, everything. I can just escape and I LOVE IT!
Hannah @ The Northern Writes | http://www.thenorthernwrites.co.uk
That’s great to hear (: xx
This year in particular I’ve started making much more of an effort to get back into reading. I used to read loads, then when I went to uni I stopped reading for pleasure at all and it’s taken so long to get the love for it back. But I’ve managed to hit my target of 52 books this year and I’m definitely going to do the same again next year – reading helps me so much, gives me a bit of ‘me’ time away from social media or screens and I absolutely love discovering new stories. It’s so nice to have re-discovered that passion for it!
Beth x
52 books?! Wow! Well done. I only set myself a target of 30 and it looks like I’m not going to do it by 1 so I’m pretty gutted! xxx
I used to be a serial reader but 2017 wasn’t a very good year for reading. Caught up with only a few novels. Hope to read and write more next year!
http://www.aditispen.com
Hope next year is a better reading year for you! xxx
I definitely plan on reading more this year. I started off doing quite well in 2017 and then it got away from me. I need to get refocused.
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
Yep exactly the same! I’m not actually going to finish my Goodreads goal either cos the end of the year has been so bad for reading! Re-group, re-charge and try again next year! xxx
This was such a refreshing post to read 😊 I love reading but I rarely ever make time for it. Next year I definitely want to set myself the goal to read more 💕
That’s fab news! Hope you read some great books (: xxx
Love this post so much 🙂
I love reading books and have done from a very early age. I love being transported into a new world and exploring new places through reading.
I really want to try and read more in 2018 🙂
Clem xx
http://www.clemloves.co.uk
Awh yay me too! I hope you read some amazing books in 2018! xxx
As always I love reading your blog! I am trying to read more! Phillip Pullman has a new book out and hoping to get that for Christmas! Great post my love!
Thanks so much! Hope you find it under your tree 🎄 xxx
Reading is such a lovely hobby to have isn’t it! My aim for this year was to read 30 books and I have nearly done it, not sure how many I want to read next year, what about yourself? Loved reading this btw xx
30 was my goal for this year too! I’m 2 away and tbh I don’t think I’m gonna do it – which will be deeply annoying! I’m thinking a little less next year! xxx
I am 4 books away and I am going to try my best to do it! Think I am going to just read short books haha! I think with next year I might try 30 again! xxx
This is a great post! I agree with all of your reasons, I definitely need to read more in 2018! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you (: xxx
I really need to get back to reading! I absolutely love it but I haven’t done it in so long! 2018 will be the year of reading x
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that xxx
I’m definately in a bit of a reading slump at the moment, I think mine is all the stress around Christmas. I can’t wait to be back in my reading zone, when I’m in that zone I can read 2 books a week. Think I will treat myself after Christmas to a few books from my list 💕
I totally get that! I also read so much more at the beginning of the year compared to the end xxx
Jenny, I love your post and sentiments . Love of books seem to come early for many and very late for some. I had my parents teach me reading long before schooling started as I hungered to read. Like you I can’t imagine being without books and hope it won’t happen.
I do agree with your points of what extra benefit reading carries. As to Audiobooks I have tried it but it didn’t feel good to me. I have friends who really started “reading” once they got an audio book. You never know.
Good luck
If audiobooks get you into reading then that’s great! They won’t work for everyone though – I’d probably feel a bit unproductive if I was listening to an audiobook xxx
Couldn’t agree more! I’ve got loads of new books I’ll be reading over Christmas and into the New Year and I’m also reading some thrillers, memoirs and chick lit too which is a bit unusual for me. It’s fun to explore different genres of books. HAPPY READING JENNY. XX
Ooh yay! That’s great that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone! What Thrillers are you planning on reading? 🙂 xxx
I’m planning on reading I see you by Clare Mackintosh – I read I let you Go and wanted to read more of her writing. Also I’ve got a whole bunch of other books waiting on my TBR pile including Caraval, and a memoir (In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park, Nevernight, and A Boy Called Christmas plus loads of indie authors too! Kind of got lots of books to read and not enough time! Ha ha… xxx
Reblogged this on M J Mallon Author and commented:
Lots of wonderful reasons to keep calm and read a book, via Jenny in Neverland.
Thank you for reblogging! 💚
You’re very welcome Jenny. 🙂
I love this! All such valid points. I used to be the biggest reader when I was younger and I kind of lost my love for it and fell out of the habit of always having a book on the go. I started reading a little more again recently and I love getting that feeling of not wanting to put one down again. It’s definitely a goal for next year to read more x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Yay that’s great news! We can definitely all fall out of habit with reading for a variety of reasons, I’m glad you found your reading mojo again! xxx
Love this. It’s refreshing to see someone writing about the positives of reading! I love to read but always go weeks without it with being busy and then I’ll fall back in love with it and then stop again. I’m determined to read more next year and stick to it!
Also same with the Narnia and Jaqueline Wilson books – read them 24/7! Haha
Liz x
Jacqueline Wilson is amazing isn’t she! I loved Sleepovers and The Lottie Project. I’d genuinely still read her books now, at 25 haha! xxx
I love to read & do admit to letting it slide a bit this year it’s definitely an escapism for me! 2018 I will get back on it 📚
That’s great news! Hope you read some amazing books in 2018! xxx
Thanks Jenny I hope so too ❤️💋📚 x
When I get busy, reading is kinda the #1 I let slip first – WHICH IS SO SAD. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for books here – it really comes through and is inspiring me to make reading more of a priority in 2018! I think keeping track of the books I read and making myself accountable for reading AT LEAST one a month (super easily attainable) will really help me. 🙂
Omg I can so relate to that, I hate that reading is the thing that I let slip the most too. Are you on Goodreads? Great way to track your books! xxx
Great post! Books are the best escapism. Bad day? Read a book. Stressed about something? Read a book. Too cold to walk out the front door? Read a book! Books are the best.
Haha they really are! I need to remember that books are there for those reasons more often xxx
Excellent post. I have been reading new books and I am enjoying it. I am trying to read as many books as I can before school starts.
That’s great! Hope you’re reading some great books (: xxx
I am trying to read as many books as I can before school starts back up! I am reading some new authors and I enjoyed reading something different.
I’ve actually read more than I expected this year but hoping to read more next year. My main plan for next year is to read more books from the library because I’m finding it’s getting a bit too expensive x
Oh absolutely I need to make use of my library more too xxx
Hi, I do often don’t have the time to read but you are certainly right it offers so many benefits including escapism. I have managed to read s few books this week and it’s be soo nice to just relax and enjoy a great book.
A few books this week?! That’s amazing! xxx
One word holiday 😊
Another fantastic post Jenny! 💕 Everything you have written is spot on! I love picking up a new book, learning something different and feeling inspired ☺️. By the way, I ordered Turtles All The Way Down after reading your blog on it. It’s arrived today and I’m really looking forward to start reading it 😍 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Omg really?! That’s amazing! I so hope you love it – keep me posted on what you think! xxx
I used to read so much. Like a few months ago for example! I need to get back into it! so more reading for me in 2018! xx corinne
That’s great news xxx
This is a really lovely post! Blogging about books has made me love them even more, and there are some amazing books out next year I can’t wait to read. I don’t really set myself goals though as it adds too much pressure.
Amy xxx
http://www.goldenbooksgirl.wordpress.com
Blogging about books and seeing everyone else’s love for books has definitely made me love it more as well xxx
Oh the days when I used to proper read, it was definitely my escape! You’ve motivated me to read more in the NY!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
That’s great! Hope you read some amazing books in the New Year! xxx
I’m with you on the audio book. I need to take the plunge this year! I’ve listened to radio drama before so surely it would be similar? You’ve motivated me to add read more onto my new years list, I read a lot but I can dwindle off and there are a few genres I’ve been meaning to read more that I haven’t really got round too. I might make a book list for the year and go for it! xxx
You so should! I’d love to see what books you’re planning to read! xxx
I used to read much more in the past and suddenly not enough time to actually do it (or maybe I just think so). After reading few books again I realised how much I love reading AGAIN. That would be something I have to do more in 2018!
Yay I’m so glad to hear that! Hope you read some amazing books in 2018!
All the reasons you’ve listed above are why I love reading so much. The “you should venture into new and unknown territory” is applicable to me as I’ve belonged to a real life book group for just over ten years now and we all have different tastes. Some of our books I’ve disliked intensely, a couple I just couldn’t finish, many I would never have picked up but genuinely fell in love with. Reading is a pleasure and escape for me, I learn things, I share things, and I can’t imagine my life without books. Thank you for encapsulating why I read! X
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
I’d absolutely love to join a book club! It’d be a huge step out of my comfort zone but definitely something to look into in the new year 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy it so much! xxx
I agree with all these reasons, books are always there when we need them! I not my goodreads goal of 50 books for 2017 last month but I’m hoping next year I can up my goal to maybe 60?
Wow that’s impressive! I only set my goal at 30 and I’m 2 books behind still! 😓 Which is why I wanna make reading more of a priority in the NY!
I totally get this. I am currently going through a bit of a reading slump at the moment, and it is really getting to me. I keep adding to my TBR list, but it just isn’t getting any smaller. I think I am going to give myself until Christmas and hopefully, after a little bit of rest and relaxation, my brain might be ready to get back in the reading game – so annoyed though, as I am only 4 away from my Goodreads goal!
Oh no! I’m close to my goal too but I’m 2 behind and I don’t think I’m gonna hit it which is deeply irritating! I always find the beginning of the year a good time for books and getting stuck into reading 🙂 xxx
I know exactly what you mean, I LOVE to read but often have lulls between books. Mostly because I’ll find an amazing series, get so into it, and then get really upset when I’ve finished it… and sulk for months before I’ll willingly pick up a new book haha!
I have a few on my shelves to read, but I’ve been so busy I’ve not even glanced at them, eep!
Claudia xo
I often have that when I read a few amazing books then suddenly nothing can live up to them! Get your read cap on! xxx
Great post! I was sort of in a reading slump in the first half of the year but I’m out of it now and it feels great. I just don’t feel good without reading.
I’m glad to hear you’re out of your reading slump! Hope next year is better reading wise for you! xxx
Hope next year is good to you too!
Such a great and welcomed list! I can’t wait to just tuck in with my holiday reading, this year. :O)
Enjoy your reading this holiday! (: xxx
Great post, thank you 👏🏼✨
Thank you (: xx
Love this! I am never without a book and I never even considered these reasons before 😊
Awh really? (: thank you for reading xxx
Reblogged this” rel=”nofollow”>Lizzie Chantree and commented:
Some great reasons to grab a new book from Jenny in Neverland.
Thank you for reblogging!