5 Things I've Learned Since Getting Back Into Reading
When I was a teenager, I was an avid reader. I mean, I LOVED books. But as I got older, life started life-ing. Between work, family, responsibilities, and just being an adult, reading slowly became something I used to do instead of something I actually did.
But over the past five to seven years, I've found my way back to books. And let me tell you, I didn't realize just how much I missed reading until I started doing it again.
And the deeper I've gotten into this reading life, the more I've learned. There are things I've discovered along the way and a few things I have to keep reminding myself of because apparently, I don't always listen to my own advice.
It doesn't matter if you're just getting back into reading or you've been here a long time. Here are five things I've learned along the way.
1. Black Authors Are Out Here Writing EVERYTHING
Listen. When I was younger, my experience with books by Black authors was pretty limited.
Urban fiction? Absolutely. Romance? Of course. The classics? Definitely.
And don't get me wrong, I loved those books. But I had NO IDEA what I was missing.
Now? Baby, Black authors are out here writing fantasy, romantasy, psychological thrillers, historical fiction, cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, science fiction, and everything in between.
And they're not just writing in these genres. They're writing some of the BEST books out here.
I said what I said.
And don't even get me started on the audiobook game, because the production quality alone deserves a blog of its own.
I have fallen in love with genres I never even considered reading before. And every time I think I've discovered all there is to discover, somebody puts me onto another author or another book that sends me down a whole new rabbit hole.
If you're getting back into reading, please don't limit yourself to what you used to read. There is SO much out here, especially from Black authors.
2. Reading Is Not a Competition. Don't Let It Become One.
This one? I still have to remind myself.
When you start getting deeper into reading, you're going to discover BookTok, Bookstagram, Facebook reading groups, and all these wonderful people who love books just as much as you do.
And it's exciting!
You're getting recommendations left and right. Your TBR is growing by the hour. You're watching people post their monthly wrap-ups, their reading challenges, and their 100-book reading goals.
And suddenly you're stressing about how many books you've read this month.
Girl, WHY?
Listen, reading is not a competition. It is a hobby. Something you're supposed to ENJOY.
If you read 100 books this year, wonderful. If you read 10, wonderful. And if you read ONE book this year, guess what?
You're still a reader.
Don't let anybody, including yourself, make you feel like you need to read more, read faster, or read something you don't even want to read just because everybody else is talking about it.
It's a hobby. Don't let these people (or yourself) turn it into homework.
3. Book Budgets? We Don't Know Them.
Now, I know somebody is going to disagree with me on this one, but argue with your mama. 😂
When you first start buying books again, you're going to tell yourself you're going to be responsible.
"I'm only spending $30 a month on books."
Then you're going to discover a bookstore sale. Or your favorite author is dropping a new book. Or you're going to see a book cover that literally speaks to your heart. And let's not even talk about somebody on TikTok convincing you that you absolutely NEED a book you hadn't even heard of five minutes ago.
Next thing you know, you're putting yourself on a book-buying ban.
And then breaking it.
Listen, I'm not saying you should neglect your bills or spend money you don't have. Please pay your bills.
But I am saying that the sooner you accept that there are entirely too many books in this world and you want entirely too many of them, the better off you'll be.
Catch the sales. Use your library. Grab those audiobook deals. And when you have the money, buy the books.
I mean, it could be designer bags. It could be something illegal. It could be something WAY more expensive.
It's books.
Just buy the books. 😂
4. The Nonreaders in Your Life Will Never Fully Understand
Bless their hearts.
The people in your life who don't read? They love you. They really do.
But they are never going to completely understand this reading life.
They don't understand how an entire movie is playing in your head while you're reading the pages of a book.
They don't understand why you're walking around the house mad at a fictional character.
They don't understand how absolutely DEVASTATING that cliffhanger was.
And they definitely don't understand why you're still chasing the high from that last five-star read and nothing you've picked up since has come close.
You can tell them about the book. You can explain the plot. You can give them all the details about these characters and why they have absolutely lost their minds.
And some of them will listen. They'll nod, ask a question or two, and let you get it all out.
But they don't get it.
And that's okay.
Don't blame them for that. They're just doing their best to survive in your new book-loving world. 😂
5. The Reading Community Is a Beautiful Thing
Now THIS is something I genuinely wasn't expecting.
When I started getting back into reading, I was just looking for good books. I had no idea there was this whole community of people out here who loved books as much as I did.
Between Facebook groups, BookTok, Bookstagram, local book clubs, library events, book
festivals, and author signings, there are SO many ways to connect with other readers.
And before you know it, you're talking to complete strangers about fictional characters like y'all know these people personally.
You're swapping recommendations, making plans to attend book events, meeting authors you love, and finding people who completely understand your excitement over a new release.
And here's the part I really want you to know.
You are probably going to meet and interact with some of the BEST people you've ever met in your life.
And I am not exaggerating.
I've met some genuinely wonderful people through books. People I probably never would have crossed paths with otherwise. And all because we share a love for reading.
It's such a beautiful thing to find your people. Especially people who understand why you need to discuss a book immediately after finishing it, because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!
And if you haven't found your bookish people yet, keep looking. They're out here.
Finding My Way Back to Books
I didn't realize how much I missed reading until I started doing it again. And now? I can't imagine my life without books.
I've discovered authors I love, genres I never thought I'd enjoy, and a whole community of people who understand why I'm still talking about a fictional character three weeks later.
And I've spent entirely too much money on books. But we're not talking about that. 😂
Getting back into reading has been one of the best things I've done for myself. And if you've been away from books for a while, I hope you find your way back too. You have no idea what you've been missing.
