December 2021 Reading Wrap Up

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! How on earth is 2022 tomorrow?!? If you're celebrating the last day of 2021, please stay safe!

It's that time of the month: my reading wrap up! This is a separate little series that you won't see over on my bookstagram, so stay tuned here for the wrap up of each month!

Lovely War, Julie Berry

Did I read this? Yes     Started     DNF-ed     No

How I read it: Physical Book

Rating: N/a

A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens

Did I read this? Yes     Started     DNF-ed     No

How I read it: Physical Book

Rating: N/a

To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

Did I read this? Yes     Started     DNF-ed     No

How I read it: Physical Book

Rating: N/A

The Mirror and the Light, Hilary Mantel

Did I read this? Yes     Started     DNF-ed     No

How I read it: Audiobook, Libby App

Rating: N/a

Books I read that weren't on my TBR

The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Alix E. Harrow

Place in Book: Started     DNF-ed     Finished

How I read it: Ebook, Libby App

Rating: 4 stars

Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid

Place in the Book: Started     DNF-ed     Finished

How I read it: Ebook, Libby App

Rating: N/a

7 Plans for This Blog Going Into 2022

Honestly, I feel like there is so much pressure to keep up with the blog, post regularly, and create posts that people would gravitate to. This pressure isn't really there. It's something I only think is there. However, sometimes, even though I know that pressure isn't really there, it's still something that stresses me out from time to time.

I wanted to make this post for a few reasons.

1. Accountability with the blog
2. A reminder that I'm not married to this blog and I do not have to keep going with it until the end of time
3. A reminder that it is perfectly fine to take occasional breaks from drafting and scheduling posts for the blog

As a result, here are 7 plans for this blog going into 2022.

Plan 1: Have at least two months planned as breaks from drafting and scheduling posts.

This was something that I noticed really helped me out. I took a break from drafting and scheduling posts for the month of June. This helped me to refocus and settle back into writing up posts for my blog. So, going into 2022, I plan to have at least 2 months that I don't draft and schedule posts for,

Plan 2: Track what ideas I have for the blog as I think of them.

This is something that I've often forgotten to do this year: I have an idea for a potential blog post, and then I forget to record it somehow. Sometimes, when the idea comes to me as I'm working on blog posts, it's easier for me to remember to record it. I can create a new post, title it, schedule it for a particular day (usually a day or two after the post I'm working on at the time), and then return to the post I was working on. However, if I'm not working on my blog at the time, a new idea tends to go in one part of my brain and out the other.

Plan 3: Continue to reach out to authors and historians for possible interviews.

This is something that makes me a bit nervous if I'm being honest. I've had two really great interviews. Other authors and historians I've contacted haven't had enough time to do the interview in the style that works best with the blog. However, I do really want to continue to reach out to authors and historians for possible interviews.

Plan 4: Offer History IG/Bookstagram friends to do guest posts.

This is an idea I've had for some time. but I never really got around to acting on it. However, with 2022 in 2 days, this is something that I do want to try, at least.

Plan 5: Stop worrying (or, at least, worry less) about the fact that I'm not doing as many "history" related posts.

This is an almost constant worry for me. My blog's name is "History Book Reads," mainly to correspond with my bookstagram. As a result, I'm often thinking about doing more history-related posts. While I do the Historian Dilemma series of posts, I don't do much "history" related content here on my blog. However, that's partially where my bookstagram comes into play: I'm posting all of my history book reads and reading (hence, the name of my bookstagram) over there. If, sometime in 2022, I decide to start making more history-related content, I'll do that. But I want to stop worrying about it.

Plan 6: If I decide to move over to YouTube, that's okay. I can still keep going here.

I have heavily considered starting back at YouTube again. And I've been thinking that my YouTube would be more than just books. However, whenever I think of going over to YouTube, the next thought is, "Well, if I do bookish content, I'll probably be doing similar stuff to this blog and my bookstagram. So I may want to stop this blog and just switch to YouTube." If I decide to do that, then that's okay. However, I don't have to fully move over to YouTube and stop posting here, which I need to remind myself of.

Plan 7: It is okay to take a break, or even stop, doing a particular series.

I'm always trying to find new ideas for the series posts I do on this blog. However, I want to remind myself that it's okay to put a pause on some of them, or even stop completely, to allow for new, fresh content to be on the blog.

Why Utilizing Every Book Format And Libraries Can Help You Read More

This idea came to me as I was updating my September 2021 Reading Wrap Up. On September 26, I did a quick count of how many books I had read. When I counted the books in my wrap up, I had not finished all of the books I began in September.  However, in the post, there were a total of twelve books read. I was surprised that I was able to read 12 books in total in September, even if some of them I had not finished until early October.

I have always said that if you want to read more, you should utilize

• Every book format
• Your local and/or school libraries

Utilizing audiobooks and ebooks ad much as physical books can help you read more, especially since many of us have a limited amount of physical books. As a result, accessing as many ebooks and audiobooks as you can gives you the opportunity to read more. This is also where libraries come in.

Libraries can give you access to more physical books than you, your family, and friends own. Additionally, if you use apps like Overdrive or Libby, you can have access to even more books in the ebook and audiobook formats.

I have little space for physical books, and I have to consider what and how much I spend. As a result, I am not always able to get all the physical books I want at any given moment. I have always allowed myself to utilize every book format and any library, electronic and physical. This allows me to read even more books per month beyond what I originally set in my monthly TBR piles.

I usually set 4-6 books in my monthly TBR piles. This is so I'm not pressuring myself to read more than I am comfortable with per month, and I can read at my own pace. Additionally, if I don't read all 4-6 books, then I know that is also okay.

However, not only do alternative book formats and libraries help you read more, it gives you access to books you want to read without spending too much money, if any, on them. There can be a variety of reasons why you may not be immediately inclined to actually buy a book you are interested in reading - not enough space, an uneasy relationship with the author, or any other reason.

I have often been worried about buying a book, especially when I know little to nothing about the book. (This has not always stopped me, but it is always a concern.) As a result, libraries, ebooks, and audiobooks are always a great alternative. If I decide to buy a book I am unsure about, the ebook or audiobook versions tend to be cheaper, allowing me to spend less on the book.

Six Situations That Are Great for Ebooks

Given yesterday's post, I thought I would make a similar post that focused on ebooks instead. Ebooks are great in most situations that physical books will do just as well. However, there are some situations that are great for ebooks, and probably ones better suited to ebooks.

Here are six situations that are great for ebooks.

Situation 1: Occasions where having a physical book is not very probable.

If you are out and about and are not able to carry a book around, ebooks are a great replacement for when you have a couple of minutes to chill and read. Additonally, most of us have our phones on us 24/7, and with the Kindle app, you would be able to read whenever you have a minute

Situation 2: Places where you only have access to your phone (if you have the Kindle app).

This one does relate to Situation 1, but it also stands as its own. While there are situations where physical books are not likely, there are other situations where physical books are out of the question. These situations are great for ebooks, especially if you have any available time to read. 

Situation 3: Pool or beach days.

This situation is highly dependant on your preferences and comfort level. However, if you are having a pool or beach day, it might be a bit risky to have a physical book (water damage) - although the same can be said for the device your using for your ebooks. As a result, it is (as mentioned) dependant on your comfort level and what you do or do not mind.

Situation 4: Soaking in the tub.

This is very similar to Situation 3. Again, this is also dependent on what you are comfortable doing. However, you can always take the precaution of putting your device in a Ziploc bag - but you should still be careful. (I've done this before, and it really works!)

Situation 5: Eating or drinking.

This is very similar to the use of audiobooks. If you are eating or drinking something you would rather not get on any of your physical books, then ebooks are a great alternative. And they are convenient since you will only need one finger to scroll through the pages.

Situation 6: In the morning after waking up or in the evenings before going to sleep.

Right after waking is a great time to read an ebook. Alternatively, reading an ebook before going to sleep is another great time. You do not have to flip through pages, just scroll through the electronic pages.

Twelve Situations That Are Great for Audiobooks

This idea came to me during this past spooky season as I listened to The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and Dracula by Bram Stoker in the Libby app. I listened to both of these books as audiobooks through Libby, which got me thinking.

While I have often recommended listening to audiobooks and using ebooks, it can be hard to pinpoint specific situations for when to use these book formats. Today and tomorrow, I will be posting situations that are great for book formats other than physical books. Here are twelve situations that are great for audiobooks.

Situation 1: Getting ready in the morning.

As you do your morning routine, listening to an audiobook can be a great point to focus on as you get ready each morning. No matter what your morning routine is, pulling up an audiobook and listening to it as you get ready can help you get more reading in.

Situation 2: Settling down in the evening/night.

This one is essentially the same as Situation 1 but at a different time of day. As you settle down for the evening, it's a great time to listen to an audiobook.

Situation 3: Taking a shower or bath.

Whenever you take a shower or bath is another great time to listen to an audiobook. Not only does it give you something to listen to while you take a shower, but it also gives you a timer, of sorts, if you tend to stay in the bathroom too long.

Situation 4: Eating and/or drinking.

It can be difficult to eat and read a physical book or an ebook. This is why audiobooks can help out so much since you can get some more reading in although you are eating. Additionally, if you have a drink that you do not want to get on your physical book or e-reader, an audiobook is a great option.

Situation 5: Cooking and baking.

I love cooking and baking. And while I tend to listen to music as I do so, I have occasionally selected an audiobook to listen to as I cook or bake. However, for me, it is really dependent on the mood of the book. I like to be in a happy place when I'm cooking and baking, so I avoid darker or moodier books.

Situation 6: Exercising.

If you're at the gym, or even at home exercising, this is another great time to listen to an audiobook. If you are doing an exercise that you do not have to focus on too much, then this is a great time for an audiobook playing.

Situation 7: Walking and/or hiking.

Whether you are walking for exercise, walking from one location to another, or if you are on a hike, then this is another time for a good audiobook listen. However, I would recommend using earphones, and only have one earphone in. That way, you can keep an ear out for people who may be around you.

Situation 8: Driving or in a moving vehicle.

Whether you are doing the driving or if you are a passenger, a drive is another good time to do some reading via an audiobook. Additionally, depending on the length of your commute, you can get a good amount of reading done by listening to audiobooks.

Situation 9: Doing house chores.

Whether these chores are laundry, dishes, or house cleaning, many house chores are activities you can do without much thought or focus. As a result, this is a good time to open up an audiobook and play it as you do these chores.

Situation 10: Working on tasks that do not take up too much mental capacity.

There are similar activities, like chores, that do not require too much mental attention or focus. Think of tasks such as sending emails, organizing things around your house, and other tasks.

Situation 11: Crafting.

Crafting seems to be back on the rise, especially with a lot of DIY crafting videos floating around the internet. As a result, this has become a great time to listen to an audiobook as you do whatever craft you're working on.

Situation 12: Going to sleep or waking up in the morning.

I mention morning and evening routines in Situations 1-2. However, listening to an audiobook as you go to sleep or right after waking up can be a great time to listen to an audiobook. However, I would recommend listening to a book you have already read if pssible.

Eight Tips for Actively Setting Aside Time to Read

In Tip 6 of yesterday's post, I gave the suggestion of actively setting aside time to read. I also mentioned that I would talk about this more in detail in today's post. I hope this helps those of you who might have difficulty or confusion around the idea of scheduling time to read.

This may seem a bit counterintuitive to people who are used to being able to read when and where they can. These people are able to incorporate all the tips I mentioned yesterday, along with many other tips and habits that help them read as much as they can. However, this is not something that comes naturally to every reader.

Here are eight tips for actively setting aside time to read.

Tip 1: You do not have to read daily.

This is something that I feel like some readers, especially newer readers, think that they have to do: read daily. This is not the case. The time you set aside to read can be daily. However, the time you set aside can also be every other day or even weekly.

Tip 2: The time you set aside does not have to be a specific time frame.

Something else I have noticed is that many readers feel like they need to set a specific time, such as from 12-1 pm, for their reading. This is also not something that you need to do for your reading. You can set aside the time as "morning," "before a meal," or "evening." Your reading time does not have to be a specific time period, which allows for a bit more leeway if something comes up.

Tip 3: Set your reading time for your calmest time of day.

For some people, their calmest time of day is the morning. For others, it is the afternoon. Still others, it is the evening. Depending on what your calmest time of day is, plan to read during that time. Again, it is always good to take Tip 2 into account and not have your heart set on a specific time just in case something comes up.

Tip 4: You do not have to stick to a single time to read.

As I alluded to in Tips 2-3, there are quite a few occasions where life happens. As a result, a situation gets in the way of the time you set aside for reading. And this can be a highly disappointing feeling, especially if you have been looking forward to your reading time. However, it is always good to be open to things popping up.

Tip 5: If it is an anticipated read, save it for a time that will be calmer for you.

Whether that time is the weekend or an upcoming break, it may be best to save an anticipated read for that calmer time. I wholly understand the extreme want to immediately dig into your anticipated read. However, if you are in a busier time, it can be hard to get into the book you want to read.

Tip 6: Use the other book formats depending on what is the easiest format for the situation.

Ebooks and audiobooks may be easiest to read while reading, where physical books may be best for when you are able to sit down and do nothing else but read your book. So utilize the book formats depending on the situation you plan to read in.

Tip 7: Do not force yourself to read.

I try to give this tip whenever I do a reading tips post. As a result, all I will say is that if you are not up to reading, or cannot read, do not force yourself to read.

Tip 8: It is okay to end up not reading.

This can be linked to Tip 7, but I felt like this deserved its own tip. Whether or not something comes up, it is okay to end up not reading. You do not need a reason to end up not reading.

Ten Tips for Reading More, 2022 Edition

As I began prepping my posts for this new year, I had a thought. It would be fun to update a few of the posts that I've published in the past. As a result, here we are.

I wanted to give you all some updated tips on how to read more: some of them will be similar, if not completely the same. However, there are a couple of new tips included in this list.

With all that said, here are ten tips for reading more, 2022 edition.

Tip 1: Take your time with reading.

Rushing your reading is, in my opinion, one of the top five ways to get yourself into a reading slump. It's not the only way, but it is in the top five ways. As a result, to allow yourself the opportunity to read more, it is best to take your time with reading, and not to rush it.

Tip 2: Do not worry about "keeping up" with other readers.

This can be another bump in the road for your reading. While it is human nature to compare oneself to others, this can be detrimental. So do not worry about keeping up with other readers, or trying to read the same amount as other readers. Read as you can, at your own pace, and when you can.

Tip 3: Do not force any reading.

Forcing your reading, similar to rushing your reading, is another way to get into a reading slump. If you are not in the mood to read, or are unable to read at a specific moment, then that is okay. Read when you are in a situation and mindset to do so.

Tip 4: Borrow, borrow, borrow.

Borrowing can greatly help you increase the number of books you read per year. Whether you borrow from friends, family, or a library, it can greatly help you in more ways than one. However, remember to return the book in the condition it was given to you.

Tip 5: Utilize all book formats.

We all have preferences for one book format. I, like many readers, prefer physical books. However, if you limit yourself to only one book format, then you may ultimately read less, on average, per year. If you read and enjoy a book in its ebook or audiobook format, you can always buy the physical copy as well.

Tip 6: Actively set aside time for reading.

This is always a hard tip to implement in one's day-to-day activities. Additionally, I will go over this in more detail in a separate post tomorrow, 5 January. However, actively setting aside time to read, no matter when you implement this, will help you read more in the long run.

Tip 7: Read whenever and wherever you can.

Again, this is another tip that can be difficult to apply to one's schedule. However, if you carry a book on you at all times (which is why all book formats can come in use) can help you read more when you have a lull in your daily activities. Some situations and places are not the most conducive to reading there. It can be helpful to attempt to utilize this tip when you can.

Tip 8: Read books from a variety of genres.

Reading from multiple genres, as with all of these tips, can increase your overall number of books read per year. You don't have to give up on your favorite genre(s). However, reading a couple of books from other genres can bump up your overall number.

Tip 9: Try to stay up-to-date with recent or upcoming book releases.

If you're anything like me, this can be a bit hard to keep up-to-date with recent or upcoming book releases, especially with the genres or authors you are the most interested in. However, doing your best to keep up-to-date with recent or upcoming book releases can help you figure out what might be some good books for you to pick up.

Tip 10: Follow bookish accounts and authors on social media.

This can really help you out with Tip 9. However, it can also help you find books - backlisted or recent releases - that you may be interested in reading. And if you have similar tastes to those you follow, your search for more books to read can be made so much easier.

Big Update!

Good morning, everyone! I have a big update to share with you all!

First Update

You may have noticed the name and URL change to "Shanna's Bookshelf." I debated doing this for a long time, mainly because my focus will still be solely on history books, historical fiction, and mythology. However, I felt like I wanted to be more inclusive of my own reading base.

While I do read mostly history books, historical fiction, and mythology, I also have been reading more outside of those genres. My bookstagram will still have reviews for these genres. However, general posts both here and on my bookstagram will be more open to other genres.

Second Update

I created a YouTube, which you can find here: The Shanna Eilish Show. I plan to have this YouTube channel be a combination of topics based on many of my hobbies and likes: books, theme parks, cosplay, scrapbooking, cooking (possibly), and more.

I thought long and hard about what I would do for a YT channel. I really wanted to do solely BookTube and reading-related content. However, I wanted to give myself the opportunity to record anything I wanted for my YouTube. Hence, BookTube videos will be included (there's a playlist for BookTube Videos). However, my content, as I mentioned, will be a variety of topics and videos.

Winter 2021 Reading Recommendations

It's that time of year again! It's the last seasonal book recommendation post for 2021! It's kind of weird to think that Winter 2021 started this late into December, but it also makes sense since Spring 2022 starts on March 20, 2022.

Let me know if you'd like seasonal book recommendation posts in 2022. I may do this series in 2022, but it depends on if I have more books to recommend for each season next year. Tomorrow, I will be posting a Christmas reading recommendations post, so stay tuned for that!

A brief note before getting into these suggestions: I will be taking the next week off from posting here, just to let the holidays be the holidays. I hope you enjoy this week, and I'll be back posting again on December 29!

Here are my Winter 2021 reading recommendations!

1. Beowulf, Anonymous (Seamus Heaney's translation)
2. Bulfinch's Mythology, Thomas Bulfinch
3. When Women Ruled the World, Kara Cooney
4. The Woman Who Would Be King, Kara Cooney
5. The Greatest Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
6. Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari
7. Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari
8. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Yuval Noah Harari

4 Situations Where I Don't Recommend Audiobooks

This may seem like a weird thing to post, yet here we are. I came up with this idea as I was writing up this past Saturday's post (December 18), and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my thoughts.

I seemingly never stop singing the praises of audiobooks, and for good reason - they're a highly versatile book format. However, there are some situations in which, in my opinion, I don't think audiobooks are the best route to go for reading. Today, I'm focusing on 4 situations where I don't recommend audiobooks.

Situation 1: Falling asleep.

Many audiobook apps have a timer feature, which is absolutely fantastic. However, if you're listening to an audiobook that you haven't listened to or haven't read a physical copy or ebook of, then you'll be distracted for a certain amount of time when you're supposed to be falling asleep. If it's a new book, I don't recommend putting it on before bed. Additionally, you may have to rewind quite a bit depending on how long the timer was. However, if it's a book you have read and/or listened to before, then that's okay.

Situation 2: Working on something important and/or takes a bit of mental capacity.

I've said time and time again that listening to an audiobook while doing chores or exercise is a great way to get some extra reading in. However: if you're working on a big project for school or your job, or you're doing something that requires your full attention, then that's not a good time for an audiobook.

Situation 3: Waiting, in person, for something like an appointment, where your name will be called.

Again, another tip I've mentioned quite a few times is to always have a book on hand. However, if you're at any in-person appointment, it's not the greatest situation for audiobooks. In these situations, if you use an audiobook, you're likely to have headphones or earphones, which is not a good route to go. This is because, more often than not, you're waiting for your name to be called, which you won't hear with your headphones on for the audiobook.

Situation 4: Attending an event or place that'll take up most of your attention.

Some of the places that come to mind, for me, are theme parks, concerts, conventions, and meet-and-greets. Your attention is on that event or place, and an audiobook would just detract from your experience there. (And being there may also detract from your enjoyment of the audiobook.

4 Ways to Incorporate Reading 1 Book Using All 3 Formats

This post is a direct result of yesterday's post. I honestly think that this was a fun topic to write about. With many readers (myself included), we start a book using a single format and we don't diverge from it during the time that we read that book. We may read other books in other formats, but many readers don't go back-and-forth between formats for one book. As a result, I hope these two posts (yesterday's and today's) help you out.

Yesterday, I discussed ways to use 2 of the 3 book formats while reading one book. Today is focused on 4 ways to incorporate reading 1 book while using all 3 book formats. Today, I'm not going to explain each way in detail, though, because they're pretty self-explanatory.

Way 1: Use the audiobook as you're actively doing, such as chores, exercise, or menial work like projects or homework. Use the ebook if you're eating or drinking. Use the physical book if you're relaxing and taking it easy.

Way 2: Use the audiobook and ebook if you aren't at home. Use the physical book at home.

Way 3: Use the physical book in the mornings and evenings, or before bed and after waking up. Use the audiobook and ebook during the day.

Way 4: Use the physical book and ebook if you need or want to take notes during your reading. Use the audiobook for just listening to the book.

4 Ways to Incorporate Reading 1 Book Using 2 Formats

This is an idea I had while finishing up one of the chapters in Helen Castor's Joan of Arc: A History. While I own the physical book, I decided to borrow the audiobook from Libby so that I could listen along as I read and pace my own reading. (I know that sometimes, I unintentionally skip over things as I read, so using the audiobook as well helped with pacing so I wouldn't accidentally skip something.)

As I finished the chapter, it got me thinking. What are some ways to incorporate 2 book formats while reading 1 book? There are obvious ways - like using an audiobook and a physical book at the same time for pacing, as mentioned above. However, I wanted to go over a couple of other ways.

In most of the ways I point out, the physical book and ebook can be interchanged with whatever format you have. This is why I would put "other format" or "physical book or ebook." I also do bring up audiobooks a lot as well, because they can be so useful if you don't have time to sit and read a physical book or ebook. I also do recommend stopping at the end of chapters, rather than in the middle, to make the transition from one format to another easier.

Tomorrow, I'll be going over how to incorporate reading one book using all 3 book formats, because this can be done. Here are 4 ways to incorporate reading 1 book in 2 formats.

Way 1: Use the ebook or audiobook while eating or drinking, and use the physical book when you're away from book-damaging substances (food, tea, etc.).

If you're not too messy, then you can definitely read your physical book as you eat or drink. However, if it's a substance that can be damaging to the pages, or if it's a crumbly snack, or if you tend to be messy, it may be best to use the ebook or audiobook formats.

Way 2: Use the audiobook while doing things - chores, exercising, or taking a bath/shower - and use the physical book or ebook while you're sitting relaxing.

I often listen to audiobooks as I'm doing my morning routine, walking, or hiking. On a walk or hike, I tend to use earphones (only 1/2 plugged in, though) so my audiobook doesn't disturb anyone who may be around me. However, using an audiobook as you do things that don't require a lot of mental capacity, along with a physical book or ebook during free time, can help you get through the book quicker.

Way 3: Use the audiobook to give your eyes a rest from the physical book or ebook (or vice versa).

It can be difficult to look at a physical book or ebook for extended periods of time. If your eyes feel the need for a break, switch to your audiobook. You can always do this the other way, where if your ears need a break, you can switch to your physical book or ebook.

Way 4: Use both the audiobook and the other format you have (physical book or ebook) at the same time if you're not at home. (Use headphones in this case, though.)

Using the audiobook along with your physical book or ebook when you're not at home can help you focus in on the book a bit better. I find that doing this helps me cut out unnecessary distractions.

Situations When to Read Electronic Books vs. Situations When to Read Physical Books

Back in my post on December 14, I said I'd make this post today. Additionally, I think I have made a post like this on my blog early on in 2021. However, I thought I'd give this post an update since I think the original post was published somewhere between January-March.

As I was thinking of how to go about this post, at first I thought about going by common situations and then suggesting what book format. However, when I tried going about it that way, it was a bit time-consuming, and there were too many situations where the book formats overlapped. As a result, I decided to go about it the other way: naming the book format and then listing the situation.

I included 5 situations for each book format that I thought were the most prevalent. However, there are always more situations for each. Additionally, while some of these situations do overlap, in many cases, all of these situations intersect with the different book formats depending on one's preferences.

5 Situations Where You Might Want to Choose Physical Books

1. At night before bed or in the mornings after waking up
2. At home with some free time to sit and relax
3. Waiting for something, such as a class, meeting, or appointment
4. In the car or bus, if you don't get motion-sick
5. At the beach or pool, just be careful of the water (this way, you're not risking your mobile devices)

5 Situations Where You Might Want to Choose Ebooks

1. Eating or drinking
2. Outside of your home (you can have the Kindle app or other ebook apps on your mobile devices)
3. In the car or bus, if you don't get motion-sick
4. Taking notes without writing in your books
5. If you want to read the same book in multiple situations, over multiple devices (most ebook apps will remember your place from device to device)

5 Situations Where You Might Want to Choose Audiobooks

1. Doing chores, such as laundry or dishes
2. Eating or drinking
3. Exercising
4. Walking, hiking, or biking (have headphones in this situation so you don't disturb others who are also doing this)
5. In the car, if you get motion-sick (audiobooks are also available for your mobile devices)

Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt Tag

It's time for another book tag! As per usual, I just want to post a bunch of tags in one go, but I want to still have content for the future (and 2022 lol). I got this book tag and its prompts from Dreamland Book Blog's post, so please go check out their post!

As with all of my book tag posts, I'll have the prompts, on their own without my answers, at the end of the blog post.

Find an author's name or book title with the letter "Z" in it. The Ladies' Paradise, Emile Zola

Find a classic. Frankenstein, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Find a book with a key on it. The Starless Sea, Erin Morgenstern (unhauling this soon)

Find something on your bookshelf that's not a book. A Princess Merida Funko Pop

Find the oldest book on your shelf. The Story of Civilization 11-book series (the 1930s), Will & Arial Durant

Find a book with a girl on the cover. When Women Ruled the World, Kara Cooney

Find a bok with a boy on the cover. Washington, Ron Chernow

Find a book that has an animal in it. The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer (Barnes & Noble Classics edition)

Find a book with a male protagonist. Nero duology, Margaret George

Find a book with only words on it. Myths of Babylon & Assyria, Donald Mackenzie

Find a book with illustrations in it. Celtic Myth & Magick, Edain McCoy

Find a book with gold lettering. Ancient Greek Philosophers, Canterbury Classics

Find a diary (true or false). Couldn't find one on my shelf

Find a book written by someone with a common name (like Smith). The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell

Find a book that has a close-up of something on it. Ramses the Damned duology, Anne Rice (close up of an eye on each book)

Find a book on your shelf that takes place in the earliest time period. Metamorphoses, Ovid

Find a hardcover without a jacket. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon

Find a teal- or turquoise-colored book. The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller

Find a book with stars on it. Couldn't find one on my shelf

Find a non-YA book. Most of my bookshelf, but to choose one: 1776, David McCullough

Find the longest book you own. Grant, Ron Chernow

Find the shortest book you own. Beowulf & Other English Poems, Constance Hieatt translation

Find a book with multiple POVs. The Paris Secret, Natasha Lester

Find a shiny book. A Treasury of Irish Fairy & Folk Tales, Various (Barnes & Noble leatherbound book)

Find a book with flowers on it. Couldn't find one on my shelf

If you'd like to do this tag, here are the prompts on their own.

Find an author's name or book title with the letter "Z" in it.

Find a classic.

Find a book with a key on it.

Find something on your bookshelf that's not a book.

Find the oldest book on your shelf.

Find a book with a girl on the cover.

Find a bok with a boy on the cover.

Find a book that has an animal in it.

Find a book with a male protagonist.

Find a book with only words on it.

Find a book with illustrations in it.

Find a book with gold lettering

Find a diary (true or false).

Find a book written by someone with a common name (like Smith).

Find a book that has a close-up of something on it.

Find a book on your shelf that takes place in the earliest time period.

Find a hardcover without a jacket.

Find a teal- or turquoise-colored book.

Find a book with stars on it.

Find a non-YA book.

Find the longest book you own.

Find the shortest book you own.

Find a book with multiple POVs.

Find a shiny book.

Find a book with flowers on it.

The Historian Dilemma: “History Isn’t Important”

It feels like it's been a while since I've made a post like this. But it's time for another historian dilemma post! Today's focus is on the comment, “History isn’t important.”

I've heard this phrase a lot, especially when I tell people that I'm a history major. And, as with many of these Historian Dilemma posts, I want to make some sarcastic, witty response. However, I have to remind myself to take a breath and come up with a response that's polite but gets the point across.

So how does one respond to the comment of “History isn’t important”?

The first thing I suggest is to understand where that person may be coming from with that statement. Not all reasoning behind this statement is rational, but some of it is. So, if possible, try to understand where they're coming from - privileges in any form, bad history teachers, etc. Almost anything can be a factor in thinking that history "isn't important."

The second thing I suggest is to list off a couple of important historical points, whether it's a person, place, or event. (You can also name off obvious things if that's how you want to do it.) If they know the historical points you list, then you can reply with something along the lines of "If these weren't important, you wouldn't know about them, even if it's just by name.

The third thing I suggest is to acknowledge bias and privilege. Bias and privilege can be seen anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes, these are the only factors into the thought that "history isn't important," no matter how rational or irrational it sounds. 

The Bookish Dilemma: Electronic or Print Books

It's time for another bookish dilemma! Today's focus is on the dilemma of electronic books (ebooks or audiobooks) or print books.

This may seem like an insignificant dilemma for some readers. However, I know that I've struggled with this dilemma plenty of times. I've always been okay with the use of ebooks and audiobooks. However, until recently, I never really actively used them. It was mainly due to my love of physical books. As a result, I also know that I'm not the only reader who's struggled with this dilemma.

Why is this such a dilemma for many readers? There are many factors as to why:

1. A personal situation that only allows for one book format
2. Access to cheap books in any format
3. Space for books, both physical and electronic
4. Time - not everyone has the time to sit and read a physical book or ebook

For me, factors 2-4 are the main reasons why I have a bit of a dilemma in choosing to go the electronic book route or the physical book route. I don't have loads of money to spend on books alone. I don't have a lot of physical space for books in my current situation. Lastly, being in university, I don't have a lot of time to sit and do some personal reading.

On the 17th, I will be giving some suggestions on when to use physical books versus when to read ebooks or audiobooks.

Controversial Bookish Topic: Buying Multiple Copies of Your Favorite Book(s)

 

It's time for another controversial bookish topic! Today, I'm focusing on buying multiple copies of your favorite book(s). This discussion has been going up and down in the bookish community. I thought I'd give my two cents on the subject.

If you haven't heard anything surrounding this discussion, you may be wondering what the big deal is. There are two main arguments on this:

1. You should only have one copy of every book, even if it's a favorite
2. It's okay to have multiple copies, especially if it's a favorite

There are many reasons behind both of these arguments, all of which are completely understandable. However, as with many of my Controversial Bookish Topic posts, I fall more in the middle ground.

If you're someone who likes having only one copy of each of your books, that's great. If you like having two or more copies of some of your books, that's also great. You should do what you feel is best for you and your reading life.

However, just because a certain way works best for you, as a reader, doesn't mean that it'll be the best way for another reader. So don't force your opinions and preferences onto other readers.

8 Christmas Reading Recommendations

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates! If you're celebrating, please stay safe. I was originally planning to post this closer to Christmas, if not on Christmas day. However, I decided it might be best for this post to come earlier so that people have time to pick these books up by Christmas.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. In my opinion, this is one of the best for reading. In this list, I really tried to curate a selection of books that really center around Christmas in one way or another. It took me a little while to put this list together, but here we are.

I hope you enjoy this holiday season, no matter what or how you celebrate.

Here are 8 Christmas reading recommendations!

1. How Chefs Holiday, Dana Cowin
2. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
3. Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas, Michael Dougherty
4. A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic, Cassen Gaines
5. Frosty the Snowman, Diane Muldrow
6. Christmas Eve, 1914, Charles Oliver
7. Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old, Katherine Paterson
8. A Christmas Story, Jean Shepherd

The Playlist Shuffle Tag - Christmas Edition

I did the regular Playlist Shuffle Book Tag in September, and in October I did the Autumn edition. I thought it would be fun to do seasonal editions of this tag, so here we are. After publishing Wednesday's post, I also thought it would be fun to do a Christmas one.

In the rules and extra challenges, I placed "song/score." This is mainly because I have a lot of soundtracks in my music that include scores (i.e. just music with no lyrics or words).

 

A couple of notes I mentioned in my original post on the playlist shuffle book tag:

• If any soundtracks come up in this post, I will include the movie it's from
• I won't be linking YouTube videos since I couldn't find YouTube videos for every single song or score

A brief note before continuing. I'm really going to attempt to choose Christmas and/or wintery books for this post. However, there may be a few books mentioned in this post that aren't Christmas and/or wintery. Additionally, I will be taking tomorrow, Christmas Day, off from posting.

Here are the rules:

1. Create a Christmas-inspired music playlist (if you don't already have one)
2. Put your playlist on shuffle
3. List the first 15 songs/scores
4. Name the first book you think of seeing that song/score

Extra challenges:

• You can list one book more than once, but try to do a different book for each song/score
• Include at least one book from every genre you own

Song 1: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Gonzo & Rizzo

Book 1: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

Song 2: A Holly Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives (Rankin & Bass Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)

Book 2: A Christmas Story, Jean Shepherd

Song 3: Panis Angelicus, Celtic Women

Book 3: Bulfinch's Mythology, Thomas Bulfinch

Song 4: The Christmas Song, Josh Groban

Book 4: Christmas, 1914, Charles Oliver

Song 5: Christmas Angels, Celtic Women

Book 5: Frosty the Snowman, Diane Muldrow

Song 6: Christmas Future (The Muppets' Christmas Carol)

Book 6: Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas, Michael Dougherty

Song 7: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Enya

Book 7: Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old, Katherine Paterson

Song 8: Good King Wenceslas, Mannheim Steamroller

Book 8: A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic, Cassen Gaines

Song 9: Hey Santa, Mickey Mouse & Friends

Book 9: The Greatest Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Song 10: Thankful Heart, Michael Cane (The Muppets' Christmas Carol)

Book 10: How Chefs Holiday, Dana Cowin

Song 11: What Child is This? Maranatha! Singers

Book 11: The Woman Who Would Be King, Kara Cooney

Song 12: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Johnny Mathis

Book 12: Christmas, 1914, Charles Oliver

Song 13: May Everyday Be Christmas, Louis Armstrong

Book 13: A Christmas Story, Jean Shepherd

Song 14: O Come All Ye Faithful, Josh Groban

Book 14: Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old, Katherine Paterson

Song 15: Haunted Mansion Holiday (A Musical History of Disneyland album)

Book 15: Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas, Michael Dougherty