As you have probably been able to tell from many of the home pictures I have posted, I like books...like really like them....like have more of them than I have space for. But I can't help it. Ever since I was little, I would get lost in stories. Reading in the morning before school, before bed, for hours on the beach, for a whole Saturday with a cup of tea in a comfy arm chair. Reading was my time. My relaxation, my creativity inspiration, my fun.
So after having Audrey a year ago - something that I am beyond thankful for - I found that there were (obviously) a lot of life changes. One that I wasn't really expecting (or rather that I was probably subconsciously suppressing) was that I really don't have much time to read - at least not the way I used to.
I got a Kindle Paperwhite last year for Christmas. It was great! Since I was spending a lot of time time then two month old breastfeeding or sitting on the couch while she napped, being able to tap a screen to turn pages with something I could hold in one hand was fantastic! Also the fact that it is back-lit let me use it without harsh overhead light even during middle of the night feedings!
But then life changed again. I went back to work, Audrey was up more during the day, chores piled up. So I went a few months without even picking up a book. Let me tell you, I did NOT like it.
Then one of the best discoveries I had made in a long time happened - LISTENING to books. I was able to "read" even though I had no extra time because I could do it while I was doing other things! Driving in the car, cleaning the house, preparing meals for daycare the next day, working on home projects - all the time while immersed in a story! And the best part - I was able to get through books faster because I ended up spending more time every day with books than I was even when I had oodles of free time.
There are several different ways that you too can enjoy this great (and time saving, multitasking) pastime.
- Audible - This is a great option if you don't mind paying a small monthly subscription price. They have all the latest books (and even all the older titles) that you could ever dream of. You get one credit with your subscription each month. After that you can buy additional books at a somewhat discounted price.
- Your Local Library! - Most libraries offer free access to digital & audio titles with a library card. This is FANTASTIC for those of us that go through multiple books in a month. You are able to access your library's titles through an app (my library uses Overdrive) where you can browse titles, add to a wish list or waiting list, check out, renew, return, etc. The only very minor drawbacks are that not every title you can think of are always available, there can be a waiting list for just released titles and you typically only have a set amount of time you can check something out for.
I wanted to share this discovery with all of you that are equally as busy as I am - but in dire need of some relaxing, "getaway" time. Follow along here for what I am currently reading, some recommendations and please comment/ post with any ideas you have for what I should read next.
