FIVE WAYS I’VE CHANGED AS A READER BECAUSE OF BLOGGING

I wish I could say that book blogging has blessed me with rows and rows of beautifully designed hardbacks and cutesy swags that sparkle in the sunlight.

I wish I could say that book blogging has made me a faster reader…but we’re reaching for the moon here, you guys.

While I’m no blogging starlet (yet), my two years in the book blogging community has changed me as a reader, and no, it hasn’t made me a reading wizard.

I was inspired to do this post after reading Kristen from Metaphors and Moonlight’s post titled Five Ways I’ve Changed As A Reader Because of Blogging. 

 

I read e-books

This isn’t some kind of dramatic reveal but before blogging I was pretty much a HUGE sceptic about reading e-books. I prefered (and still do) reading physical books but since I got into blogging, my ebook collection has substantially increased. One of the reasons being that by having my Kindle Paperwhite I’ve had more opportunities to review books.

I read more fantasy books

Reading my first adult fantasy book was the stepping stone that got me involved in book blogging. One of the best things about discovering the fantasy genre recently is how much more diverse it has become. Although there are more changes needed, I love that I have been able to read more books about characters who are not your generic Western hero.

I seek out own voices authors

After discovering diverse reads, I went on a binge read where I picked up any and every book that had diverse characters. However, I recently began to realize that it’s not enough for me to pick up diverse books and consider my support done. Rather I should be doing is seeking out own voices authors first. While I can read books with Filipino or Indian characters, with depressed and/or anxious characters, I have no idea what good representation would be for, say, trans characters or disabled characters. Just because I’m Asian doesn’t mean I know the experience of a Japanese or Malaysian main character.

Writing reviews gives me clarity

This is more related to being a writer than a reader but what the heck. I’ve found that writing book reviews has helped me not only be more critical but has also helped me better analyze storytelling structures. Personally, this has helped me a lot with improving my writing style in terms of plot structures and character development.

I keep up with newer releases

This is the biggest change for me as a reader! I never knew what the latest releases used to be because, first of all, I knew I would never be able to read them. I lived in a place where we had no up to date bookstore nearby and financially, it wasn’t practical for me to spend money on newer releases. It still isn’t, but I do keep an eye out for newer releases that interest me which I almost always join on a blog tour for.

Blogging has made me more open-minded as a reader and a writer. I find that I am more willing to try different platforms like ebooks, webtoon, or audiobooks, as well as taking a chance on new to me authors. The book community has taught me how to be not only analytical but empathetic in my reading. Perhaps much more will change about me being a reader but for now, I am happy about the changes blogging has brought me.

How has blogging changed your reading habits? Is there a reading habit you would like to change?

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