May 2021 Reading Wrap Up

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!

The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander

Did I read this? Yes    No

How I read it: Ebook, Kindle app

Rating, out of 5 stars: 4 stars

Beyond the Halls, Mackenzie Finklea

Did I read this? Yes    No

How I read it: Ebook, Kindle app

Rating, out of 5 stars:

Elizabeth I, Margaret George

Did I read this? Yes    No

How I read it: Ebook, Kindle app

Rating, out of 5 stars: n/a

Books I read that weren't on my TBR

N/A

Books I started but haven't finished

The Pull of the Stars, Emma Donoghue

How I read it: Ebook, Kindle app

The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

How I read it: Ebook, Kindle app

The Fountains of Silence, Ruta Sepetys

How I read it: Physical book

5 Tips for Reading on a Walk

Over these last couple of days in May, I plan to post some tips for reading in locations other than the comfort of your home. Some of these locations may be related to your home somehow, or close by, but hopefully these will help you out with reading in these locations.

For many of these reading locations, you can use any book format. However, I will note if there is a better book format to use in a specific location in that specific post.

No matter the situation, many of us readers want to take every second we can to read, even while walking. But it can be hard to read while walking. In this situation, I would recommend choosing an audiobook over the physical and/or ebooks.

Today's post will focus on __ tips for reading on a walk.

Tip 1: As mentioned above, choose audiobooks over physical or ebooks.

This way, you can keep your eyes on where you're walking and your surroundings. As much as we love having our noses in physical books. it's not the safest choice while on a walk.

Tip 2: Have an audiobook app on your phone.

This way, you're not trying to find the link in a browser. Also, it'll help you out with transitioning between books, changing the narration speed, and so on.

Tip 3: Use headphones or earphones.

Depending on where exactly you are while walking, it can be a bit hard to listen to your audiobook. Using headphones or earphones - and only being half plugged in - will help you listen and pay attention to your surroundings.

Tip 4: Have a place where your phone can be safe.

It can be awkward to be carrying your phone in your hand on a walk, especially if you're on a longer walk (or even hike). So having a place for your phone - a deep pocket, a fanny pack, backpack, or other - can really help out in the long run.

Tip 5: Choose your audiobook based on your mood that day, or based on the mood you want for the walk.

This way, you're not necessarily listening to an upbeat book when you want something a little bit more somber, or vice versa. And you can always switch books partway through your walk.

5 Tips for Reading in a Moving Vehicle

Over these last couple of days in May, I plan to post some tips for reading in locations other than the comfort of your home. Some of these locations may be related to your home somehow, or close by, but hopefully these will help you out with reading in these locations.

For many of these reading locations, you can use any book format. However, I will note if there is a better book format to use in a specific location in that specific post.

It can be hard to read in a moving vehicle, whether a car, train, or bus. And if you're the one driving, you definitely shouldn't be reading a physical or ebook.

Today's post will focus on 5 tips for reading in a moving vehicle.

Tip 1: Choose an audiobook over the other formats.

If you can read or look down at your phone while in a moving vehicle - and aren't the one driving - then you can definitely choose a physical or ebook. But if you are driving, or get carsick/motion sick easily, choose an audiobook. This way, you can still read in a moving vehicle without getting that annoying nausea.

Tip 2: Have headphones or earphones on hand.

If you're in a moving vehicle with other people, strangers or not, you may want to have headphones or earphones on hand. This way, you can listen to your audiobook without other background noise getting in the way. If you're reading a physical book, having headphones or earphones on hand can help you tune out that same background noise as you read.

Tip 3: Choose audiobooks for longer journeys.

If you have a long ride in a vehicle, it's definitely useful to have an audiobook or two on hand. This way, you can get plenty of reading in during the ride. And if your ride is an hour or more, then you can definitely get a lot of reading in.

Tip 4: Take occasional breaks.

This tip is related to Tip 3. On longer journeys, it might get a bit tiring to listen to hours of an audiobook or two. So break up your reading with music, or even silence.

Tip 5: Choose a listening speed that works best for you and the narration style of the book.

Certain narrators tend to either read very quickly or very slowly. And other narrators have a "normal" narration speed that's easy to keep up with without adjusting it. Most audiobook apps have a way to adjust the narration speed. So if you need to speed up or slow down the narration during your time on the vehicle, do so while the vehicle is stopped. If you're driving, though, adjust the narration speed before you begin driving.

4 Tips for Reading during a Wait

Over these last couple of days in May, I plan to post some tips for reading in locations other than the comfort of your home. Some of these locations may be related to your home somehow, or close by, but hopefully these will help you out with reading in these locations.

For many of these reading locations, you can use any book format. However, I will note if there is a better book format to use in a specific location in that specific post.

You can be in many situations where you have to wait for any amount of time: waiting for an appointment, waiting at the DMV, in a line for whatever reason. The list goes on, which is why I'm keeping this specific post as general as possible.

Today's post will focus on 4 tips for reading during a wait.

Tip 1: It's probably best to use an audiobook or an ebook.

Unless you're able to sit in a waiting room, like at a doctor's appointment, you'll most likely be standing as you wait. And it can become awkward, if not tiring, to be holding up a physical book as you wait. This can become even more of an "issue" if you have a wait of 30 minutes or more. So having an ebook or audiobook is a lot easier on you in the long run of your wait.

Tip 2: Remember to pay attention.

You're waiting - either in line or for your name to be called - for a reason. Remember that, as you read, you may want to pay attention to the wait. So if you're listening to an audiobook, only be partially plugged in so you can pay attention. 

Tip 3: If you have a physical book, have a book sleeve on hand.

Once you're done with your wait and/or are on your way home, you can easily protect your book with your book sleeve.

Tip 4: If you decide to have a physical book, maybe choose a paperback over a hardback.

Paperback books, no matter the size, tend to be lighter in weight than hardbacks. And if you do have a longer wait, your arms and hands won't get tired by holding up a hardback book.

4 Tips for Reading at a Cafe

Over these last couple of days in May, I plan to post some tips for reading in locations other than the comfort of your home. Some of these locations may be related to your home somehow, or close by, but hopefully these will help you out with reading in these locations.

For many of these reading locations, you can use any book format. However, I will note if there is a better book format to use in a specific location in that specific post.

Today's post will focus on 4 tips for reading at a cafe.

Tip 1: Have headphones, earphones, or ear plugs.

This is another situation, like with yesterday's post, where you may want headphones, earphones, or ear plugs to block out extra noise as you read. There'll be more people closer to you (except now not too close, because of Covid), so if you get distracted easily by people talking or walking by, it might be best to have something to block out excess noise.

Tip 2: While any book format can work at a cafe, ebooks or audiobooks might be best in this situation.

If you get a drink or snack (or both) from the cafe, then you may not want to risk spilling anything on your physical book. But again, any format can work at a cafe.

Tip 3: Get a table by a window, or try to find a comfy chair.

If you plan on staying at the cafe for a little while as you read, you may want to get a window seat or a comfy chair (if the cafe has "comfy" chairs). This way, you can make yourself a little more comfortable as you read.

Tip 4: Wipe off the table before setting your book down.

Goodness knows what was on the table before you sat down at it. Before setting your book on the table, dust it off a little bit, and maybe even wipe it down. That way, the table is as clean as it can be before you set your book down on it.

5 Tips for Reading at the Park

Over these last couple of days in May, I plan to post some tips for reading in locations other than the comfort of your home. Some of these locations may be related to your home somehow, or close by, but hopefully these will help you out with reading in these locations.

For many of these reading locations, you can use any book format. However, I will note if there is a better book format to use in a specific location in that specific post.

Today's post will focus on 5 tips for reading at the park.

Tip 1: Bring headphones, earphones, or ear plugs with you.

You don't have to listen to background noise (music, show, etc.) in the background as you read at the park. But having something to cover/plug your ears with can help you focus on the book more rather than what's going on around you. Using headphones, earphones, or ear plugs will help you tune out excess noise.

Tip 2: If it's sunny and/or warm, find a shady area to sit and read.

Finding a shady area to sit and read when it's sunny can help prevent the sun glaring off the pages of your books. And if it's a warm day, the shade can bring needed coolness as you read.

Tip 3: If you're going to a park with no picnic tables or benches, bring a blanket or chair.

Yes, we may all love sitting directly on the grass from time to time. However, if you plan to stay and read for an extended length of time, having a blanket or chair can help prevent grass stains. It can also be more comfortable.

Tip 4: Have water and snacks.

You can have another drink, like coffee or tea, but make sure to have some water on hand. This way, you can stay hydrated while you read. Having snacks can help you as well depending on what time of the day it is and when you eat.

Tip 5: Set a time limit on your time reading in the park.

I included this tip because Covid's still going around. To stay safe, you may not want to be sitting at a park, even with your mask on the entire time, for one or more hours. So give yourself a time limit for how long you'll stay at the park and read.

4 Tips for Reading in the Bath

Over these last couple of days in May, I plan to post some tips for reading in locations other than the comfort of your home. Some of these locations may be related to your home somehow, or close by, but hopefully these will help you out with reading in these locations.

For many of these reading locations, you can use any book format. However, I will note if there is a better book format to use in a specific location in that specific post.

This is probably the most controversial reading locations: reading as you take a bath or shower. However, I do think it can be done, given the right precautions and set up.

Today's post will focus on 4 tips for reading in the bath.

Tip 1: Use an audiobook,

Unless you're taking a soak and can keep your hands dry at all times while reading, use an audiobook. This way, you can set your phone or iPad on a counter far from the tub. You're also taking out the risk of dropping your book, phone, iPad, or Kindle into the bathwater.

Tip 2: If you're going to use an ebook or a physical book, have a bath tray of some sort.

You can find bath trays almost anywhere, and it's an easy search on Amazon. This way, you have some barrier between your book and the water in the tub.  And, as mentioned in Tip 1, only use an ebook or physical book if you're soaking and plan keep your hands dry at all times.

Tip 3: Choose a book you have both a physical and audiobook copies of.

This way, you don't have to risk taking the actual book into the bathroom with you. And you can gauge where you are in your physical copy so you can pick up there in your audiobook (or vice versa if you start with the audiobook).

Tip 4: If you're using an ebook or a physical book, have one spot that is for sure dry, and won't be too exposed to water, where you're book will go once you're ready to get out.

This way, you're not risking your book getting wet - or even damaged - by the water. And you'll know to keep that area as dry as possible for your book.