I'm a reader. This generally means I read anything that's interesting. I read books, blogs, magazines that are handy, the newspaper... I go through phases, so sometimes I focus on one medium at a time, but most of the time I read a little bit of everything.
Linda - 15 years ago
I have always read. Blogs are just the most recent thing I enjoy. I take the bus to work so I have time to read books, and I get a lot done that way. What is really interesting to me is that in the last 3 years or so I have almost completely lost my taste for hard-core fiction. I've been reading non-fiction almost exclusively, and really enjoying it. I did read Rushdie's _Haroun and the Sea of Stories_ recently though, and I'm thinking I might have to give fiction another chance. I agree with the commenter who discussed people's need for coherence, which underlies the narrative experience. I think blogs can really satisfy the need for a narrative experience. Following any blogger for more than a few posts gives you that. I have also been surprised to find that my need for narrative has been equally satisfied by non-fiction: the "story" isn't always as obvious, but everyone sees life through his/her own unique lens, and on reflection, I always find narrative there too.
Ruth - 15 years ago
I am a reader. I read fiction quickly and non-fiction quite slowly because, no matter how interesting the topic, I need a narrative to push me on.
The Happiness Project is the first blog I have followed consistently, and I look forward to updates. Part of the pleasure for me is that I find it particularly literate, and so are the blogs that Gretchen provides links to. Often when I look up a blog I have read about elsewhere, or one that I come across while browsing, I find that it does not appeal to me because it is not particularly well written. I wonder if the person who made this comment has not been lucky enough to find well written blogs, and that is why he makes the distinction he does.
Like NicoleS, I am particularly looking forward to The Happiness Project book.
Jen - 15 years ago
I will read whatever I can get my hands on. There's a character in Wonder Boys, and the author says about this character that she will read the label on a pickle jar... or cereal box, I forget the exact item... and I'm one of those people. I must be reading, which is why I love blogs -- free reading material. And the public library.
Literavore - 15 years ago
Readers read everything. I've been known to read the Letters to the Editor section in unfamiliar magazines I pick up in waiting rooms. Occasionally, a letter makes a prior article seem so interesting that I track down the edition in which the prior article appeared. I know that there's a real difference between widely read and well read, but widely read sure is a lot of fun.
betty - 15 years ago
You can't curl up in bed with a good blog. You can't read a blog while stirring the porridge. I have always had a book going since I learned to put the letters together into words at the age of five. If I don't have a book by me I feel deprived. But then I don't indiscriminately read blogs; only the ones that have a special interest for me, such as Gretchen's, or if I'm planning on traveling I will read the blog of people who have already traveled to that particular place. I guess I read between 4 and 10 books a month. There are a lot of movies I don't go to see because I've already read the book. I would probably read more if I lived in a country where the official language was English. As it is, the English section at the library depends mostly on donations of books from other English speakers, so it is limited, and buying books can be expensive (tho' I never manage to leave a book store with only one book - more like four or five).
Audrey Grieve - 15 years ago
I read heaps each and every month - 80 books (non fiction predominantly), plus blogs, magazines, newspapers, websites. Your options of 1-4 seemed very limited. I am simply interested in metaphysics and I have eclectic tastes. Have to admit, I rarely watch television, nor listen to a radio. I just get far more from print media.
regards
Audrey
Dave - 15 years ago
January I read 13, February, a shorter month, only 9. I also read many different on-line sources, local newspapers, a couple of magazines ... not to mention signs, labels, cereal boxes, flyers, advertising ... anything with words. Whoever said that must have a pretty narrow interpretation of "read."
I find that books and blogs complement each other. Books provide a lot of context and background for the kinds of commentary I read online, and online articles bring an updated perspective to some of what I read in books. In any case, it's pretty hard to curl up with a good blog the same way you can with a book!
Kristi - 15 years ago
I agree, readers read everything they find. Some months I might only read 1 book. Some months I read 5 books. I read magazines, I read blogs, I read articles online. I read books to my son, hoping he'll love to read. Readers read.
Catherine - 15 years ago
What a silly thing to say - I read all the time - for work, for pleasure and to stay informed. I do get much of the information I use on-line, but I really treasure the experience of reading an actual book - I love the feel of the book and smell of the pages. Our nest is about to be empty and my husband and I are excitedly planning our "library" - a room with only books and a couple of comfy chairs. By the way, you have given me permission/inspiration to rediscover my love of children's literature in spite of the fact that my kids have moved on.
Grant Parish - 15 years ago
It varies. In winter I read more and in summer less. I read a number of blogs - have 77 on my Bloglines reader, also review WSJ and NYT on a daily basis. Read/subcribe to six or seven magazines monthly, read the Bible daily, read 8 -10 books a year, mostly non-fiction. I agree with the commenter who said readers read everything!
I love information, and try to get it in any way possible. I have three little ones, with one on the way, so my opportunity is limited. I have a number of blogs I follow, a few magazine subscriptions, and I'm at the library at least once a week. I put that I read 1-3 books a month and that's all I'm really able to do--at least until my kids are in school! (P.S. I don't sleep much)
Christine - 15 years ago
I chose 1 - 3, but I "read" many more--thing is I don't finish them all. Some I'll finish next month, some later this year, some maybe never. I only continue reading the ones that are speaking precisely to what I "need" at the moment. Lots of unfinished business....
Peggy - 15 years ago
The ladies at my local library know me very well. Often, whenI read a mention of a good book, I will get right to the library site and put a hold on that title. I have come across some wonderful gems this way. Books that would otherwise have passed me by are delivered to my library. When I receive my email notice that they are available, I go and pick them up. I love the library. I love books. I love blogs. I love knowledge. Oh. And I love chocolate, too.
Very smart guy doesn't know what he is talking about.
Cath - 15 years ago
I not only read books, but I listen to books as well while I am enjoying my passion of quilting. Books, books, books, all sorts of books. They take you away. They make the world come to your doorstep or they take you out of this world....your choice! My two cents to everyone - pick up a book and get lost in the information or the story and just enjoy.
If blog readers aren't book readers, why do so many authors blog? I think that assertion is really off base.
Karen - 15 years ago
I read a minimum of three books each month, and parts of several more. I don't often finished more than four. I have a stack of books on my nightstand. I read fiction for pleasure, nonfiction for pleasure and to learn new skills (that explains the parts of books, since I don't often need to read the whole book.) I must admit, however, that blog reading has decreased the amount of time I have for reading or other recreational activities!
BMCM - 15 years ago
I got a bit of a shock when I calculated (as an exercise) how many books I have left to read before I move on to the next level (whatever that is.)
At my current reading rate, there weren't enough, in my view. I started to worry about reading only *good* books, not wasting my time on lighter stuff, until a friend pointed out I would never be happy if I thought like that....
I read every chance I get (including on a PDA), but with 2 youngsters and a busy job, it's not what I'd like, so I reckon its maybe 2 a month. But I overlap books a lot, especially non-fiction, so it's hard to tell.
But I don't count myself as a blog reader. I read the happiness email, and would never normally check out a blog unless a link in something I'm checking brings me to it. So I would have said the smart guy was right.
KT Gertig - 15 years ago
Thee is the option of reading books on line through sites like Daily Lit, The Gutenberg Project and others. For some, not reading books is a matter of not having time to aquire a book. Books on line are there waiting.
Maureen - 15 years ago
I too, wish there had been an option for '10 books or more'. I will read almost anything I can get my hands on, and tend to alternate between novels and non-fiction, mostly books which improve one's life through spirituality, etc. Perhaps the person who made the comment about blogs was talking about the 'rubbish' ones, where people feel compelled to write down every little idea that pops into their heads, or what they did that day. Well constructed and thought-out blogs like Gretchen's, among a few others, are like reading good magazine articles which are continuing dialogues.
I'm very encouraged to hear from so many ardent readers. Hah! Next time someone claims that blog readers don't read books, I'll know that at least SOME blog readers still love books.
Interesting to see how many audio fans...
MS - 15 years ago
I read everything. At the moment I'm reading one of my eleven-year-old's books because I couldn't get to the library last night to pick up an adult book. I'm surprised at how good it is! Anyway, I can't be without reading material. I'm addicted... online, magazines, books, whatever.
Kate - 15 years ago
I read at least 4 books a week - plus blogs plus anything vaguely interesting online - but then again I have a longish commute that is *even longer* without a book.
TJ - 15 years ago
Well, I kinda fibbed on my poll answer. I put 1 - 3 but I don't always get through a book per month. For example, Gary Jennings' "Aztec" took me a while, but then "Worse Than Watergate" took well less than, and now I'm working through Fielding's "Tom Jones" which is hardly something one finishes in a week. I don't finish one and immediately start another, so maybe I'm not a voracious reader, but I do when something strikes my fancy.
lindamarie - 15 years ago
I read 3 books yesterday. Average 50 books / month. I HAVE to read blogs, too!
scorica - 15 years ago
fred driemeyer is right. Readers read -- usually anything interesting they can get their hands (or mouse) on.
heartfelt - 15 years ago
When it comes to reading, I think of a study outlined in "Positive Psychology in Practice" that stated that subject's most desired a life that was BOTH meaningful and happy. I believe that reading stories that are "coherent" (i.e. they provide a clear plot that indicates a clear meaning for the characters lives that "makes sense" in a holistic way) helps people organize and define their own lives in a coherent meaningful way. Studies done in Scandinavia (using a Sense of Coherence scale) showed that people who had a sense of coherence about their lives were happier, healthier, had more friends, etc. etc.. Other studies that showed that just writing down a traumatic event helped people to heal, also indicate that the required structure of a story may have given the trauma a coherence and possibly a meaning for the individual. Through these studies we can see a link between coherence and health and happiness, and I posit a link between these things and reading. Someone once said that to be human is to be a story teller. We seem to be driven to create coherence out of the chaos of human experience. In terms of the happiness project, perhaps more happiness can be obtained by finding a way to write the chaotic details of ones life into a coherent story. To find a way to make all the lose ends wind into a single symbolic whole might give ones life both meaning and happiness.
Nadine - 15 years ago
I used to LOVE to read as a child. College ruined that for me. I had to read so many things I didn't enjoy, that I began to dread reading. I'm 40 years old now and have read maybe 3 books since graduation. However, I read blogs, articles, the news, whatever, constantly, but online. I read magazines when sitting at the dentist's office. Once or twice a year I buy the Sunday paper and read it from cover to cover.
TodayWendy - 15 years ago
I would like there to be a "more than 10" option. Although I think I only hit 10 if I count the books I read to my daughter (she's 2).
Souliere - 15 years ago
how many books I physically read in a month. 1-2.
Number I browse through for ideas (non fiction) 10-12
Number I listen to a month? 8-10
NicoleS - 15 years ago
I'm trying to get back into reading - as I know it makes me happy. Before college (and also before being a mom), I read a lot.
Being a mom, working full time, and struggling through several health issues kept me from reading more than short magazine articles at any one time.
I'm happy I returned to reading. I currently have 5 books waiting beside my bed.
AND... I am patiently waiting for the Happiness Project book!
jani - 15 years ago
1-3 a month is accurate, but on average. I'll generally get through 20-30 a year depending on my schedule. I also read magazines and newspapers, both print and online editions. I agree with Fred - readers read.
paula - 15 years ago
I wonder why did you choose to put 1 to 3 as an option. i think it is too broad and it can lead to a biased conclusion.
Carolyn - 15 years ago
It depends upon what you mean by "read." When I was finishing my PhD years ago, I started an Audible habit that persists to this day. Audible allows me to "read" and do other things. I've lost my ability to sit still for long periods of time, so it works well for me. If by "read" you mean physically read, then I'd say I read a book a month. If Audible counts, I'd say at least 4.
I read everything. Books, blogs, magazines, newspapers, news sites, peer reviewed journals on topics I know nothing about. It's all interesting and I read it all.
SS - 15 years ago
I think of myself as someone who reads a lot- journals at work, texts for school, news all the time. But to be really honest with myself, I haven't finished a book since I went on vacation. Then I read 7 or 8, but I don't appear have the time or attention span to stick to one book in the course of my normal routine.
Rebecca - 15 years ago
It really depends. Before entering college, I read about 5 to 10 books a month. Granted, my selections were not always the most challenging or substantial, but there was always a book at my bed.
While I am taking classes during the academic year, I read approximately one book a month, although sometimes it's less and sometimes it's a little more. During the summer, my reading habits go back to what it was in high school.
fred driemeyer - 15 years ago
I can't believe a smart person would make such fatuous statement. Readers read every kind of printed material. Imagine twenty years ago saying that magazine readers don't books.It would have been the same idiocy.
I'm a reader. This generally means I read anything that's interesting. I read books, blogs, magazines that are handy, the newspaper... I go through phases, so sometimes I focus on one medium at a time, but most of the time I read a little bit of everything.
I have always read. Blogs are just the most recent thing I enjoy. I take the bus to work so I have time to read books, and I get a lot done that way. What is really interesting to me is that in the last 3 years or so I have almost completely lost my taste for hard-core fiction. I've been reading non-fiction almost exclusively, and really enjoying it. I did read Rushdie's _Haroun and the Sea of Stories_ recently though, and I'm thinking I might have to give fiction another chance. I agree with the commenter who discussed people's need for coherence, which underlies the narrative experience. I think blogs can really satisfy the need for a narrative experience. Following any blogger for more than a few posts gives you that. I have also been surprised to find that my need for narrative has been equally satisfied by non-fiction: the "story" isn't always as obvious, but everyone sees life through his/her own unique lens, and on reflection, I always find narrative there too.
I am a reader. I read fiction quickly and non-fiction quite slowly because, no matter how interesting the topic, I need a narrative to push me on.
The Happiness Project is the first blog I have followed consistently, and I look forward to updates. Part of the pleasure for me is that I find it particularly literate, and so are the blogs that Gretchen provides links to. Often when I look up a blog I have read about elsewhere, or one that I come across while browsing, I find that it does not appeal to me because it is not particularly well written. I wonder if the person who made this comment has not been lucky enough to find well written blogs, and that is why he makes the distinction he does.
Like NicoleS, I am particularly looking forward to The Happiness Project book.
I will read whatever I can get my hands on. There's a character in Wonder Boys, and the author says about this character that she will read the label on a pickle jar... or cereal box, I forget the exact item... and I'm one of those people. I must be reading, which is why I love blogs -- free reading material. And the public library.
Readers read everything. I've been known to read the Letters to the Editor section in unfamiliar magazines I pick up in waiting rooms. Occasionally, a letter makes a prior article seem so interesting that I track down the edition in which the prior article appeared. I know that there's a real difference between widely read and well read, but widely read sure is a lot of fun.
You can't curl up in bed with a good blog. You can't read a blog while stirring the porridge. I have always had a book going since I learned to put the letters together into words at the age of five. If I don't have a book by me I feel deprived. But then I don't indiscriminately read blogs; only the ones that have a special interest for me, such as Gretchen's, or if I'm planning on traveling I will read the blog of people who have already traveled to that particular place. I guess I read between 4 and 10 books a month. There are a lot of movies I don't go to see because I've already read the book. I would probably read more if I lived in a country where the official language was English. As it is, the English section at the library depends mostly on donations of books from other English speakers, so it is limited, and buying books can be expensive (tho' I never manage to leave a book store with only one book - more like four or five).
I read heaps each and every month - 80 books (non fiction predominantly), plus blogs, magazines, newspapers, websites. Your options of 1-4 seemed very limited. I am simply interested in metaphysics and I have eclectic tastes. Have to admit, I rarely watch television, nor listen to a radio. I just get far more from print media.
regards
Audrey
January I read 13, February, a shorter month, only 9. I also read many different on-line sources, local newspapers, a couple of magazines ... not to mention signs, labels, cereal boxes, flyers, advertising ... anything with words. Whoever said that must have a pretty narrow interpretation of "read."
I find that books and blogs complement each other. Books provide a lot of context and background for the kinds of commentary I read online, and online articles bring an updated perspective to some of what I read in books. In any case, it's pretty hard to curl up with a good blog the same way you can with a book!
I agree, readers read everything they find. Some months I might only read 1 book. Some months I read 5 books. I read magazines, I read blogs, I read articles online. I read books to my son, hoping he'll love to read. Readers read.
What a silly thing to say - I read all the time - for work, for pleasure and to stay informed. I do get much of the information I use on-line, but I really treasure the experience of reading an actual book - I love the feel of the book and smell of the pages. Our nest is about to be empty and my husband and I are excitedly planning our "library" - a room with only books and a couple of comfy chairs. By the way, you have given me permission/inspiration to rediscover my love of children's literature in spite of the fact that my kids have moved on.
It varies. In winter I read more and in summer less. I read a number of blogs - have 77 on my Bloglines reader, also review WSJ and NYT on a daily basis. Read/subcribe to six or seven magazines monthly, read the Bible daily, read 8 -10 books a year, mostly non-fiction. I agree with the commenter who said readers read everything!
I love information, and try to get it in any way possible. I have three little ones, with one on the way, so my opportunity is limited. I have a number of blogs I follow, a few magazine subscriptions, and I'm at the library at least once a week. I put that I read 1-3 books a month and that's all I'm really able to do--at least until my kids are in school! (P.S. I don't sleep much)
I chose 1 - 3, but I "read" many more--thing is I don't finish them all. Some I'll finish next month, some later this year, some maybe never. I only continue reading the ones that are speaking precisely to what I "need" at the moment. Lots of unfinished business....
The ladies at my local library know me very well. Often, whenI read a mention of a good book, I will get right to the library site and put a hold on that title. I have come across some wonderful gems this way. Books that would otherwise have passed me by are delivered to my library. When I receive my email notice that they are available, I go and pick them up. I love the library. I love books. I love blogs. I love knowledge. Oh. And I love chocolate, too.
Very smart guy doesn't know what he is talking about.
I not only read books, but I listen to books as well while I am enjoying my passion of quilting. Books, books, books, all sorts of books. They take you away. They make the world come to your doorstep or they take you out of this world....your choice! My two cents to everyone - pick up a book and get lost in the information or the story and just enjoy.
If blog readers aren't book readers, why do so many authors blog? I think that assertion is really off base.
I read a minimum of three books each month, and parts of several more. I don't often finished more than four. I have a stack of books on my nightstand. I read fiction for pleasure, nonfiction for pleasure and to learn new skills (that explains the parts of books, since I don't often need to read the whole book.) I must admit, however, that blog reading has decreased the amount of time I have for reading or other recreational activities!
I got a bit of a shock when I calculated (as an exercise) how many books I have left to read before I move on to the next level (whatever that is.)
At my current reading rate, there weren't enough, in my view. I started to worry about reading only *good* books, not wasting my time on lighter stuff, until a friend pointed out I would never be happy if I thought like that....
I read every chance I get (including on a PDA), but with 2 youngsters and a busy job, it's not what I'd like, so I reckon its maybe 2 a month. But I overlap books a lot, especially non-fiction, so it's hard to tell.
But I don't count myself as a blog reader. I read the happiness email, and would never normally check out a blog unless a link in something I'm checking brings me to it. So I would have said the smart guy was right.
Thee is the option of reading books on line through sites like Daily Lit, The Gutenberg Project and others. For some, not reading books is a matter of not having time to aquire a book. Books on line are there waiting.
I too, wish there had been an option for '10 books or more'. I will read almost anything I can get my hands on, and tend to alternate between novels and non-fiction, mostly books which improve one's life through spirituality, etc. Perhaps the person who made the comment about blogs was talking about the 'rubbish' ones, where people feel compelled to write down every little idea that pops into their heads, or what they did that day. Well constructed and thought-out blogs like Gretchen's, among a few others, are like reading good magazine articles which are continuing dialogues.
I'm very encouraged to hear from so many ardent readers. Hah! Next time someone claims that blog readers don't read books, I'll know that at least SOME blog readers still love books.
Interesting to see how many audio fans...
I read everything. At the moment I'm reading one of my eleven-year-old's books because I couldn't get to the library last night to pick up an adult book. I'm surprised at how good it is! Anyway, I can't be without reading material. I'm addicted... online, magazines, books, whatever.
I read at least 4 books a week - plus blogs plus anything vaguely interesting online - but then again I have a longish commute that is *even longer* without a book.
Well, I kinda fibbed on my poll answer. I put 1 - 3 but I don't always get through a book per month. For example, Gary Jennings' "Aztec" took me a while, but then "Worse Than Watergate" took well less than, and now I'm working through Fielding's "Tom Jones" which is hardly something one finishes in a week. I don't finish one and immediately start another, so maybe I'm not a voracious reader, but I do when something strikes my fancy.
I read 3 books yesterday. Average 50 books / month. I HAVE to read blogs, too!
fred driemeyer is right. Readers read -- usually anything interesting they can get their hands (or mouse) on.
When it comes to reading, I think of a study outlined in "Positive Psychology in Practice" that stated that subject's most desired a life that was BOTH meaningful and happy. I believe that reading stories that are "coherent" (i.e. they provide a clear plot that indicates a clear meaning for the characters lives that "makes sense" in a holistic way) helps people organize and define their own lives in a coherent meaningful way. Studies done in Scandinavia (using a Sense of Coherence scale) showed that people who had a sense of coherence about their lives were happier, healthier, had more friends, etc. etc.. Other studies that showed that just writing down a traumatic event helped people to heal, also indicate that the required structure of a story may have given the trauma a coherence and possibly a meaning for the individual. Through these studies we can see a link between coherence and health and happiness, and I posit a link between these things and reading. Someone once said that to be human is to be a story teller. We seem to be driven to create coherence out of the chaos of human experience. In terms of the happiness project, perhaps more happiness can be obtained by finding a way to write the chaotic details of ones life into a coherent story. To find a way to make all the lose ends wind into a single symbolic whole might give ones life both meaning and happiness.
I used to LOVE to read as a child. College ruined that for me. I had to read so many things I didn't enjoy, that I began to dread reading. I'm 40 years old now and have read maybe 3 books since graduation. However, I read blogs, articles, the news, whatever, constantly, but online. I read magazines when sitting at the dentist's office. Once or twice a year I buy the Sunday paper and read it from cover to cover.
I would like there to be a "more than 10" option. Although I think I only hit 10 if I count the books I read to my daughter (she's 2).
how many books I physically read in a month. 1-2.
Number I browse through for ideas (non fiction) 10-12
Number I listen to a month? 8-10
I'm trying to get back into reading - as I know it makes me happy. Before college (and also before being a mom), I read a lot.
Being a mom, working full time, and struggling through several health issues kept me from reading more than short magazine articles at any one time.
I'm happy I returned to reading. I currently have 5 books waiting beside my bed.
AND... I am patiently waiting for the Happiness Project book!
1-3 a month is accurate, but on average. I'll generally get through 20-30 a year depending on my schedule. I also read magazines and newspapers, both print and online editions. I agree with Fred - readers read.
I wonder why did you choose to put 1 to 3 as an option. i think it is too broad and it can lead to a biased conclusion.
It depends upon what you mean by "read." When I was finishing my PhD years ago, I started an Audible habit that persists to this day. Audible allows me to "read" and do other things. I've lost my ability to sit still for long periods of time, so it works well for me. If by "read" you mean physically read, then I'd say I read a book a month. If Audible counts, I'd say at least 4.
I read everything. Books, blogs, magazines, newspapers, news sites, peer reviewed journals on topics I know nothing about. It's all interesting and I read it all.
I think of myself as someone who reads a lot- journals at work, texts for school, news all the time. But to be really honest with myself, I haven't finished a book since I went on vacation. Then I read 7 or 8, but I don't appear have the time or attention span to stick to one book in the course of my normal routine.
It really depends. Before entering college, I read about 5 to 10 books a month. Granted, my selections were not always the most challenging or substantial, but there was always a book at my bed.
While I am taking classes during the academic year, I read approximately one book a month, although sometimes it's less and sometimes it's a little more. During the summer, my reading habits go back to what it was in high school.
I can't believe a smart person would make such fatuous statement. Readers read every kind of printed material. Imagine twenty years ago saying that magazine readers don't books.It would have been the same idiocy.