How Do You Choose What To Read? by Diane Burton #amreading

With deadlines (our own or imposed by editors) and love of writing, it's hard to carve out time to read. Just like I can't not write, I can't not read. I was a reader before I ever became a writer. I think that's true of most writers. 

I read before I go to sleep. Hubs doesn't mind the light on, but I try to keep it low. Everyday, I check "Free Kindle Books and Tips" and "Freebooksy" for free or inexpensive books. A free or discounted book will introduce me to a new author.  

Some authors are 1-Clicks for me. Veronica Scott (our former contributor who often returns with new books) is a 1-Click. So is our own Nancy Gideon's books. Veronica posts new releases on her blog on Wednesdays, which is good news/bad news. Love new sci-fi romances, but my wallet groans.

My local newcomers' group has a book group. Most of the time the books chosen are part of the library's "book group in a bag" where the library provides the books for us. Belonging to the book group makes me read outside my comfort zone. Left alone, I'd read genre fiction--mysteries, romantic suspense, science fiction romance. Our group has had lively discussions over historical fiction, biographies, best-sellers, poetry, and genre fiction. 

BookBub and Thrillist often post "lists"--like 31 Best Summer Reads, a great place to find new books. Last year, PBS ran a series on America's Favorite 100 books (I think I mangled the title). So, I printed out the list to see how many I'd read. Not even half. If I wanted to stretch my reading wings, that was a good place to start.

My favorite time to read is to my grandchildren. The Twins (now 17 months old) grab a book and race to sit on my lap, or Hubs'. The younger of the two knows "all done" and often says it at the end of a book before racing to the bookshelf and grabbing another book. Their 4-year-old sister will tell you if you skip a page.

With all the great suggestions (like Lea Kirk's post yesterday on dragons), it's hard to decide what to read next. My iPad is chock full of books. I have a virtual TBR pile. My choice to read depends on my mood. Or a deadline, like book group's next meeting. If I really like the first book in a series, I'll binge read the rest. 

I think my favorite method of choosing what to read is word-of-mouth, the recommendations from people whose reading choices are similar to mine. So, if a friend says "You gotta read this," you bet I'll try it.

How do you decide what to read next?