My Reading Journey: From Drab to Fab
Spoiler Alert: Reading wasn't always my thing...
I’ve always known I wanted to write books. Even if it was just a hobby, just something I did for fun, I was always interested in putting pen to paper (or, more accurately, fingers to keys) and creating something that didn’t exist moments before.
However, that drive aside, I wasn’t always into reading. Especially as a kid. I remember my older brother wanted me to read Harry Potter so badly that he actually sat down and read almost the entire first book out loud to me (even though he’d already read it a few times by that point). And I could say the Harry Potter series was the jumping off point for my enjoyment of reading but that’s not entirely true. I still barely read in high school. Hardly ever in college.
Even as an adult, I often found it taxing, even purposeless, to sit down and read for entertainment. Whenever I sat down to read a book, I found myself wanting to write it instead and I would become distracted by ideas. Because of this, I probably read an average of five books a year.
Ever since finding bookstagram and booktok (terms here defined as the online book communities that exist within the social media platforms of instagram and tiktok), reading has become a part of my personality. Already, as of January 1st, 2022, I have read 15 books and enjoyed every single one of them.
A huge person to thank for my introduction to this wonderful community is my very dear friend, Tara (@the.readingredhead). Holding my hand, Tara has opened the door to the online book world and didn’t let go when I was completely sucked in by the beautiful covers and captivatingly honest book reviews. Almost all the books I read this year (so far) have been recommended by bookstagram or booktok. Not only that, but the readers have welcomed me in as a new indie author and the reception has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a more open and friendly community to be a part of and this is only just the beginning!
But enough about me. Well…sort of.
I wanted to draw attention to some of the new books I’ve been reading. Many of which I never would have even considered before but have now become staples in my home library.
1. A Court of Thorn and Roses Series
I have never been into fantasy. Harry Potter, sure. Is the Series of Unfortunate Events considered fantasy? Well, if it is, those two series are the extent of my fantastical reading journey. So when this series was being shoved in my face over and over again on social media, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy, am I happy I did. Not only did I devour all five (not short) novels in just under a month, I have since moved onto the next fantasy series that Sarah J Maas has written and will probably circle back and read her first series after that! SJM and bookstagram/booktok have opened my eyes to the world of fantasy romance and for that I will forever be grateful. (Maybe I’ll even read the fantasy books my boyfriend keeps telling me to read 😅).
2. Verity
Something that shocked me when I entered this new book word was how popular the author Colleen Hoover is. I had read many of her books over the years but I had no idea how much the world of social media readers loves her. That is, until I read her newer releases and it all came flooding back to me. Hoover is an incredible writer with a dark kind of twist embedded in each of her stories. I like to think her and I have that in common in our writing styles. I’m not a huge fan of cutesy happy endings. Give me a little grit, make the main character work for it. That’s my deal and Hoover seems to operate under the same thought process, which is why I appreciate her all the more.
3. The Bridgerton Series
Another one I never would have considered. Historical romance, not my bag. JK, I absolutely loved the first two books of the series and am completely looking forward to reading the rest. Both The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me had me laughing, crying and throwing my hands up in exasperation due to the nature of the stories. I’m still not completely convinced that historical romance is in my wheelhouse but boy do I enjoy Julia Quinn’s wit and character development.
4. The Love Hypothesis
This novel took the online book communities by storm immediately and I was anxious to read it when I finally got my hands on it. In my opinion, it did not disappoint! For a debut novelist, Ali Hazelwood set herself a very high standard with this book which I’m sure she will meet with her next ones! As it is, The Love Hypothesis was only just published in 2021 and already she has a second novel and multiple novellas ready to be released this year! And I can’t wait to read those as well.
5. Beach Read
Another new insta-buy author for me. Emily Henry blew me away first with The People You Meet on Vacation and then again with Beach Read. Her characters are compelling and complex but more than that, the dialogue and wit is unmatched. I wish I could read this book with fresh eyes. And Henry too has a new release coming up soon that I have already pre-ordered! (and I never do that 🤔)
*All pictures taken from my author instagram account - @authoremilyrbellas
What are you currently reading? Or better yet, what’s your favorite book? Anything you’d recommend to me based on these titles? OR just looking for a recommendation yourself?