Life Happens: Staying in the Literary Loop During Life's Chaos
Well hello, it’s been a while. Due to an international move, I took a short hiatus from, well, pretty much everything that didn’t have to do with moving. It was stressful, it sucked up all my time and zapped all my energy, but I can now say: Hallo from beautiful Hamburg!
This significant life change totally threw off my daily rhythm, including my reading habit. As someone who usually has a few books going at any given time, I hated not getting more time to read. But even when I wasn’t actively turning pages, I found ways to seek comfort and inspiration in the literary world and romancelandia. I’m so grateful I had other ways of staying connected to the book community, because it’s one I love! It reminded me that books (and the wonderful souls who cherish them) have an extraordinary ability to ground me. Whether you’re a reader, an author, or both like myself, this world is about so much more than just reading; it’s about connection and shared experiences.
So if you’ve gotten out of a reading habit, don’t beat yourself up about it. Here’s how I stayed connecting to my bookish community even when my reading time dwindled.
Why Staying Connected Matters
Books can provide an escape and such inspiration when life gets hectic. For authors, supporting the book community is a vital part of the journey—cheering on fellow writers and celebrating exciting new releases is a big source of joy for me. And even if you’re not actively reading at the moment, being part of this vibrant world can still be a safe place to hang out. It’s perfectly okay to take a step back from reading when life gets in the way or when you simply need a break. Sometimes just being near the magic is enough.
Ways to Stay Connected Without Actively Reading
Visit Bookstores or Libraries - There’s something undeniably soothing about wandering through the aisles of a bookstore or library. Even if I wasn’t ready to dive into a new read, I loved stopping in at my local bookstore, checking out the new displays, and grabbing a sweet little treat from the cafe. Browsing the shelves helped me feel close to the world I adore.
Engage on Social Media - Platforms like Bookstagram, BookTok, and BookTube are incredible spaces to stay involved with fellow book lovers (I’m a TikTok girlie myself). I wasn’t posting much during the month or two as I prepared to move, but I found joy in scrolling through recommendations, seeing posts about upcoming releases, and commenting on videos about the latest news in the romance world. You can also join reader Facebook groups where people go to chat about their reads, ask for recs, and share their love of all things books. Engaging with this community can keep the spark alive, even when your TBR pile gathers dust.
Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks - When time or energy was scarce, I turned to audiobooks—they were the perfect way to get some reading in while packing. Listening to stories or even just discussions about literature can keep you connected, especially on really busy or emotionally draining days.
Volunteer for a Bookish Cause - I volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity bookstore, and being surrounded by so many books was downright magical. You can look at what opportunities there are to help out in your community related to reading and literacy. Your local library is a great place to start!
Listen to Curated Playlists - Authors and readers alike may make playlists for songs that fit a certain book or series. While you might not have the time to read, this can immerse you in the world a bit. My personal fave is The Lord of the Rings Lofi.
Attend Book Events - Author signings, book fairs, virtual meetups, book swaps…even as an observer, these events can keep that love for books alive. You can also connect with other readers and writers, which is a fun way to stay energized.
Decorate Your Books - If you’re also a crafty person, you’ll love this: take a book that you love and make it one-of-a-kind by painting the edges. I haven’t done this yet, but I hope to once I get more settled in my new home!
Watch a Movie Adaptation - We know, we know: the book will be better :) but sometimes a film is just what you need.
What I Learned During My Bookish Break
Taking a break from reading 3 books at a time to chipping away at 1 for a much longer time taught me that it’s okay to shift your focus when life demands it. I had to step away and prioritize something else, and I’m grateful I was able to do that without too much guilt. But I’ll admit that life is undeniably richer with books—I really, really missed the escape of books during the past couple months. Now, as I ease back into my reading routine, I have a renewed energy and excitement for the next book I’ll pick up off the shelf.
How to Build Back a Reading Habit
Here’s how I plan to build back my reading habit:
Reread a Favorite - During a stressful time, sometimes it’s just nice to read something you know and love.
Be Gentle - Although I am so sad to see the low number of books I’ve actually read this year, I’m not going to overload my brain by trying to catch up. I still have a lot to do in my new home, and I’d rather set a daily, yet modest, goal that I can actually achieve.
Join a Book Club or Do a Buddy Read - One of the few books I read in the past couple months was due to a writing group book club. I’m actually really glad I had the push to read it, because otherwise I may not have gotten anything read in October. I like a little motivation to pick up a book, so I think that will help me as I get back into my regular reading habits.
Check Out Kindle Unlimited - Oh how I love KU. So many options, and indie romance authors do fast-paced stories like no other. I’d really love to get some fun, spicy reads going because that is the number one thing that gets me motivated to then pick up another book…and another and another.
Dedicated Book Time - Whether it’s going to a new cafe in Hamburg or winding down for 20 minutes before I go to sleep, I’m looking forward to more dedicated book time.
The Resilience of Being a Book Lover
Books have an way of staying with us even when life pulls us away. Whether you’re devouring novels or simply enjoying a stroll through your favorite local bookstore, readers are always connected one way or another to the world of books. Embrace that ebb and flow of your relationship with literature. Books will always be there, ready to welcome you back when you’re ready to return.