[Misc] Do you read?

[Guinness Boy]

yes, all the time, i read 111 books last year, not usually that many but lockdown helped. currently reading peter frankopan's the silk roads.

only ever a proper paper book, can't get onboard with a kindle or audiobooks.

I really like travel and non-fiction. Probably about three quarters of my books are non fiction. I've read both the Silk Roads and The New Silk Roads - in fact they're sitting on the books shelf behind me now. Both are excellent. Other NF favourites of mine are William Dalrymple, John Simpson, John Humphries, Jon Ronson, Paul Theroux and, for informative crossed with light comedy and a great turn of phrase, Bill Bryson.

I do have a few novels I've enjoyed. Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey, Netherland by Joseph O'Neill and pretty much anything by Iain Banks spring to mind.

Sadly, to answer the OP's question I've barely read at all in lockdown. I used to commute to work in London and travelled a lot to work with clients. Three hours a day on a train or two flights plus nights alone in a hotel would see me get through books at a huge rate of knots. I felt like I was forever in WH Smiths in a London Station or Gatwick Airport. Now I'm probably looking at a laptop ten hours a day and going no further than my local Tesco. The last thing I want to do when I put the laptop down is read more. I've got the Thursday Murder Club and Alex's Adventures in Numberland lying untouched and unread on the same bookshelf.

 

[Bakero]

I really like travel and non-fiction. Probably about three quarters of my books are non fiction. I've read both the Silk Roads and The New Silk Roads - in fact they're sitting on the books shelf behini hadn't d me now. Both are excellent. Other NF favourites of mine are William Dalrymple, John Simpson, John Humphries, Jon Ronson, Paul Theroux and, for informative crossed with light comedy and a great turn of phrase, Bill Bryson.

I do have a few novels I've enjoyed. Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey, Netherland by Joseph O'Neill and pretty much anything by Iain Banks spring to mind.

Sadly, to answer the OP's question I've barely read at all in lockdown. I used to commute to work in London and travelled a lot to work with clients. Three hours a day on a train or two flights plus nights alone in a hotel would see me get through books at a huge rate of knots. I felt like I was forever in WH Smiths in a London Station or Gatwick Airport. Now I'm probably looking at a laptop ten hours a day and going no further than my local Tesco. The last thing I want to do when I put the laptop down is read more. I've got the Thursday Murder Club and Alex's Adventures in Numberland lying untouched and unread on the same bookshelf.

I hadn't realised there was a New Silk Roads. Thanks for the heads up

 

[BN9 BHA]

Surely the “do you read” and “what are you reading” threads are one and the same. If you don’t read, then you’re not going to post what you’re currently reading and if you do read then surely you’ll want to let everyone know what books you’re currently reading.

This thread looks very different IMO.

 

[dejavuatbtn]

I tend to read sport and music biographies/autobiographies as they interest me, and many of the subjects were born around the same time as me, so I can relate to their backgrounds and eras. To be honest, reading complex plots etc are, unfortunately, too taxing for my brain and a waste of time on me. Like some others, I read before bed and my consumption hasn’t changed through lockdown.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

To be honest mate apart from books I’ve had to read to pass an exam I haven’t read anything really.

If you don't mind me sticking my nose in, I'd urge you (and anyone else who doesn't read) to give it a go. It's a great form of escapism, a good(healthy...) way to unwind/destress after a hard day. And it's good for your mind linguistically and imaginatively.

If you can find 20 minutes in your day that's all you really need to get started. Maybe over breakfast/lunch if you have the time or in bed before going to sleep.

Unlike one or two people who have derided them I'd start on a book based on something you're interested in. A sports book/biography, music, film. They're usually easy to read and will keep you interested unlike if you jumped in on some 'worthy' or well regarded 'literary' novel that are often overly wordy and frankly dull.

Once you've got in the habit of reading then you can branch out and try different genres, styles. Or stick to what you know and like. Either way it's reading and all and any reading is good!


Apologies for throwing my two cents in...

 

[Live by the sea]

Currently reading - A woman of no importance. by Sonia Purnell

Fascinating read and all true .

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I genuinely don't trust anyone that doesn't read. Proper books though, not sports biogs or misery lit "Please Jeannie, Eat Something" type bollocks. Literature.

Oh and no books about The Krays or special forces.

Gah! And there's me just about to launch into what is essentially MOSSAD's Greatest Hits

 

[Curryisgreat]

Been reading about the yorkshire ripper, as I was glued to the manhunt back in the day. Much prefer books rather than kindle versions as it feels more relaxed.

Have you read Wicked Beyond Belief by Michael Bilton or Somebody’s Husband, Somebody’s Son by Gordon Burn? Both very good reads on the subject...

 

[The Clamp]

Gah! And there's me just about to launch into what is essentially MOSSAD's Greatest Hits

I jest. And I'm a terrible snob. But seriously, people should read whatever gives them pleasure. As I quietly judge them

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I jest. And I'm a terrible snob. But seriously, people should read whatever gives them pleasure. As I quietly judge them

Wouldn't want it any other way

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

Yes but on my phone rather than an actual book.

I'm very boring and just read non fiction books about football! Coaching and management, biographies, autobiographies, background stories and research etc.

 

[Stato]

yes, all the time, i read 111 books last year,

Did you not make it to 112 because you weren't standing on one leg whilst reading the last one?

 

[withdeanwombat]

Have probably read more in lockdown, but have always read a lot. I’m a re-reader, too, so my bookcases are generally stuffed.

Books, mind. I do have kindle, but prefer to hold a “proper” book. Ah! And gardening and history mags, and NSC.

Harry Potter Out!

 

[RossyG]

This thread’s reminded me that I need to read The Silk Roads.