I feel like I keep coming across this strange guilt in the bookish community and it’s all related to the question, “Do you love books more if you read fast or slow?” The underlying theme is that only fast readers are truly living their best bookish lives now. But, how limiting is it to think that one pace is better than another without taking into account the many other factors that are in a reader’s life? I mean, it SOUNDS like having a life where all we do is read amazing books would be terrific, but that’s just not realistic (or actually living when you think about it!).
So I’m going to break down a few things that can contribute to living life well no matter how fast or slow or whatever your pace is for reading.
Are you a Fast Reader?
Did you know that there are people who read a book a day? I didn’t, not for a long time. Perhaps I had hints of it in the summertime when my bookish (read that: nerdy) friends and I would hole up to “recover” from the rigors of academia by getting lost among the pages of a fantasy world. And I realized that my friends were out-reading me. NOT that it was a competition or that I felt threatened or anything, but still. I remember wondering why I couldn’t read faster like them.
I had long thought of myself as a fast-reader because my mother, who was “slow” according to her own definition, always told me I was. And I thought kindly of myself in this area of my life, until I started comparing my own pace with my exceptional friends who could and did read faster. It didn’t completely steal the joy of my reading life, but I did squirm a little. Maybe I wasn’t the book nerd I thought I was.
Fast-forward to having a family of my own and living the life of a young mother, only able to read a chapter or two a day outside of my Bible reading. Taking my role as guardian and protector alongside my husband very seriously, I tried to read ahead of them. But my early readers were gifted students who had plenty of reading time. But that felt like an excuse to me. Maybe I was just a slow reader after all.
Being a Slow Reader
During this hectic season of my life, I tried to read to please others. I was reading nonfiction that my husband wanted to be able to discuss with me as he made his way through seminary. I was previewing and reading books that I was concerned might have mature content my early readers weren’t ready for yet. My reading life, once a refuge and cozy way to relax and unwind became a chore, another thing to finish up as quickly as possible so I could get to the next thing. Not surprisingly, my writing also suffered at this time.
My pace in reading slowed as my interest in the subject matter waned. But when I allowed myself to reach for books I wanted (I’m thankful for you, Hunger Games, for reigniting my love of reading) then the magic happened again. I won’t say that library due dates didn’t still stress me out, but when I realized that I could easily check out ebooks for extended lengths of time, I relished the books I was able to gobble up. I reclaimed my favorite way to unwind and also allowed myself time to think about the books I was reading. Because that is a huge part of the reading life for me. I can’t just read book after book after book unless I also take time to think about it {and usually find someone to discuss it with me}.
Reading in Different Seasons of Life
I’ve now had several stops and starts in this reading life. When the pandemic hit in 2020, my reading and writing life also took a hit and I realized that I am in fact a pretty moody reader. Making peace with that, and helping other readers make peace with that, has freed me up to enjoy lots of genres in lots of formats and at various paces. When I read romantic comedy, I generally read fast, often in a day or just a few days. When I read angsty ya fantasy, it will take at least a week, sometimes a month if I need more time to sit with the implications of the book. Historical fiction can be similar, but romantic suspense all depends on the pacing of the actual book.
I’ve found that for me reading several books at once is freeing. That way I can be making my way through a slower read that I can ponder while reading something lighter faster. I have different things I do while reading these books, sometimes I exercise while read an ebook, or I listen to an audiobook while cleaning, or read a hardback while taking a bath. If that makes me weird, it’s totally okay, I am having a great time with lots of books and usually not mixing them up. It works for me in the season of life I’m in right now.
Say “NO!” to undue Reader Guilt
Lately, I’ve talked to readers who feel the pressure to read faster and hurry up and conquer their TBR pile. I get it! We who love reading want to be able to get to the latest release everyone’s raving over. But it’s as though we’ve forgetten how privileged we are to have all these awesome books to get to in our own good time. We are missing out on our blessings. And I hate that.
As a writer, I’ve watched my readers practice wildly different paces with Rapunzel’s Journey. Some of the readers like to take my series fast, reading a book in one sitting. Others read a chapter or two a day, taking a month to read and think through each book. Neither one is right, neither is better than the other. I just love when they reach out to discuss what they love or struggled with in the stories.
That’s the kind of reading that benefits everyone. When you read at your own pace, content in your current season, counting your reading among your favorite blessings. You may watch your TBR pile diminish quickly or slowly, but you are making progress either way. I think we should all celebrate that. And it’s not the end of the world if you go a day without reading, I just probably won’t.
Loving Books and the Reading Life No Matter How Fast or Slow
So, what do you think? Do you love to read more if you’re fast or slow? Or do you think, like me, that there’s a flaw in that question. Some people are just fast people, and others of us are slower. We are still living and loving our lives, books in hand, smiles on our faces. Right?
If you are looking for free, short read, I’d love for you to download your copy of Before the Tower here and see if Rapunzel’s Journey is a series you would enjoy. The prequel tells of two sisters, one curse, and the betrayal that led to Rapunzel’s tower.
About JacQueline
As the author of The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.
If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.
Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.
