My Book Life - 7 Things I do with books

1. Reading while commuting:
I prefer reading on my way to/from work/school in the train/bus because that't the one place I know where 99% of the people mind their business. Especially in New York, most people on their commute use headphones to listen to music and that is where I experience less intrusion. I also prefer listening to piano tunes while reading compared to music with voices and lyrics. I don't enjoy reading in the library because there is always that 1 person or group of people trying to talk "quietly" when the whole place is supposed to be dead silent. 
2. Hoarding books:
For some reason, I keep books because I think that something magical will happen in the future and I will suddenly have interest in reading them. I know it is not the best habit but I still do it anyways. I have also noticed that I am less likely to hoard a book that I buy with my money and I am more likely to hoard a book if it is given to me or if it did not require any sort of energy or work to get the book.
3. Pretense is book abuse:
I don't know how to pretend to enjoy reading a book that I don't like. If the book is boring, I stop reading it. I usually read a book in the time frame in which I can return it and get my money back if I don't like it. It is torture to read a bad book or a book that I do not have interest in.
4. Talking about books:
I enjoy talking about books with people that share interests with me. I have noticed that the most valuable discussions that I have had revolves around books. Discussing books makes me so happy and I can't wait to start talking about To Bee a Honey when it comes out on the 1st of August. 
5. Books and perception:
I think that knowledge, especially the ones gained from reading books makes people look and feel smart. I may have a different approach to someone who is not a book reader, in terms of the conversation. I have also noticed that many of good writers that I have met are book readers. My conversation with a writer will be different from my conversation with a writer who reads books. 
6. Bookstores
I am not a fan of shopping for clothes and shoes but I can spend hours walking around a bookstore. It is a different experience compared to browsing for books online. My favorite bookstore is Strand.  
7. Hard copy vs. eBook
I love the smell of new books and I am slightly obsessed with printed versions of books. In addition, I feel fulfilled when I see a physical copy of a book that I finished reading and I find so much pleasure in tucking it away with the other books. On the contrary I tend to loose concentration while reading eBooks because there are so many other things fighting for my attention on whichever device I read from. 

Ever since I started being consistent with my reading habits, my writing skills have improved and I have become more knowledgeable. Reading has also increased my confidence in starting conversations and arguing with people when necessary. It is also a process of discovery and it teaches me humility because there is always something I don't know in every book that I read.

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