I mentioned in the Fall Into Reading 2010 launch post that every Tuesday this fall, I will post a question about reading. Why am I doing this? Well, for one thing, I love reading and talking about reading with others. And for another, I thought it would be a great way to keep Fall Into Reading participants connected throughout the course of the challenge.
So without further ado, here’s your first question, and my answer.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to your reading? What prevents you from reading as much as you’d like?
My answer: At first, I was tempted to say, “not enough time.” After all, if there were an additional four hours or so in every day, surely I’d get a lot more reading done! But if I’m honest, I have to admit that if I were more careful and deliberate with the way I spend my existing 24 hours, I could get a lot more reading done that way, too.
I think my biggest obstacle is actually two obstacles:
First, I am not good at tuning out surrounding noises. Some people (ahem — my husband) can tune out kids, grown-ups, TV, police sirens — pretty much any and all noises — in order to focus on something he’s doing. I, however, can not. I’m easily interrupted, easily distracted, and easily thrown off my reading game. I need quiet for reading…peace and quiet. And life doesn’t always make that possible.
But the thing is, when I have some peace and quiet, I often squander too much of it on the Internet. E-mail, Amazon.com, blog-reading, mindless browsing…I can sit down at the computer to “quickly check my email,” and the next thing I know, 45 minutes have flown by. Imagine if I could be more disciplined with my Internet usage — and dedicate the wasted time to reading!
So there you have it — my biggest obstacles to reading are distractibility and time-squandering.
What about you? What is your biggest reading obstacle? OR, if you feel like you already read as much as you want to, what choices have you made to make that happen?
Ditto! Wasting my free time is what causes me to lack extra reading time. When I was nursing I could go through a large book in a week or less. If it was a really good book I could finish it in 2 days. I don’t have forced sit down and do nothing time anymore so I’m not reading as much.
Great idea with the questions. Ditto for me too, on the internet thing. I need to make a way around that! But also sometimes I just have a hard time choosing from the stack of books sitting next to me. Since I tend to be reading several books at once, I look for something I’m in the mood to read – and sometimes, it’s nothing on my pile!
I too, like my quiet time. Some people can read just about anywhere, waiting rooms, bus, etc. I can’t I find the distractions to much to hold my attention when I’m reading. I try to schedule time each day to read.
well currently right now, i don’t have a job (hopefully that will be changing very soon) so i can read as much as i want. i also don’t have kids so that is a huge factor is being able to read a lot. i know that in the future when we do have kids AND i’m working this will all change, so for now i’m reading as much as i can and am enjoying it.
Deborah´s last post ..Book Review- The World is Bigger Now by Euna Lee with Lisa Dickey And Book Giveaway
I could echo everything you said. My first answer would have been “not enough time.” But it’s really the other two: distracted too easily and using time elsewhere.
I’m seriously considering buying some sound-reducing headphones to solve the first problem. Then if my husband has the TV on, I could still read. I wonder if this would work…
Thanks for the question. A great one! This will be fun each week.
At the present time I am a SAHM, so I have the leisure of reading when I want to (my boys are all almost adults).
So with me it’s just taking the time to do it. Some days I read more than others.
Then again I have so many books, and magazines, I would sometimes like to read them all at once.
It really depends on how good a book is as to how much or how little I read.
Ditto, ditto and ditto! I work part time as a crossing guard so I can’t blame work. My son is attending a virtual public school so he’s home with me (which is an awesome way to attend school) so there goes some of my time. But if I really look at how I do spend my 24 hours…it’s the internet. See…I’m on here right now when I could read a couple of paragraphs. Oh well. I’m hoping to actually read some later today when my son has football practice. That is a great time to read!
Love these questions!
I am right there with ya on the lack of time management skills!
If I stayed away from blogging, twitter, and the web in general, man the reading I would get done!
}
When my little ones go down for a nap, instead of relaxing on the couch with a good book…like I used to do…I come here…to “web”land!
To be honest, though, I have been working harder at planning my day so I have time for all the things I love to do. {internet surfing, reading, and knitting!}
Great idea asking questions! It would be fun, though, to maybe have a link up so we can answer these questions on our blogs {if we want to} and then link them back here. It would be a great way for each of us to get better aquainted with each other and our blogs. {just a suggestion. I hope I am not being too forward here!
Facebook. Unfortunately, I’m addicted to it and love using it to stay in touch with friends I know “in real life” as well as friends I’ve met through blogging. Perhaps it’s time for me to take a Facebook break so I can actually get some reading done.
I’m the same way. I have plenty of quiet time to read, but I spend way too much time on the computer blogging, commenting, browsing, surfing, etc. I have lots of free time, so I’m still able to read a lot more than the average person (think 100+ meaty books a year), but I can’t imagine how much more I would be able to read if I consolidated my computer time and focused on the essentials more.
Kate {The Parchment Girl}´s last post ..Mailbox Monday Episode 4
I think that’s a good point. I was going to say “having small children” which is true as well. But when they go down for a nap/quiet time I have a good two hours to do whatever I want. And frequently I DO squander the time (mostly online.) When I am focused to read during that time frame, I can knock out books much more quickly. I just have to be focused!
I think that as a stay-at-home mom people already see me as “being lazy” (even though other SAHMs know that there is plenty to be done every day!), so I constantly am feeling like if I do something for me (reading, taking a bath, crafting, etc) it just shows that yes, all I do every day is laze around and eat bon bons! I feel guilty for taking time for myself, and sometimes reading just seems like it’s too much of a luxury that I can’t afford.
That’s why I love these challenges. I feel like I am working toward something and that I am “allowed” to do something for myself.
By the way, I am not trying to sound like a martyr or like anyone who reads is only doing so because they are lazy! I am just saying that I know this is a mentality that I need to get over. Lord knows I can waste plenty of time watching tv without feeling a bit of guilt!
I do the same thing when I get on the internet! It so frustrates my hubby!!
My answer to your question is here: Hott Books – Fall Into Reading
I agree with Kate…one of my distractions is the internet. You can see my full answer is here.
CMash
It seems as if everyone has the same distraction – the internet! I only work part-time and the hours are pretty flexible, so I’m home a lot and need to force myself to stay off the computer sometimes!
Great question and I am looking forward to answering them each week!
Basically mine was tv and blogging waste a lot of my reading time. My full anwer is in my post here:
http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2010/09/fir-question-1.html
I have to agree with the masses. Blogging and internet. Although when I start reading I have a hard time putting my book down to take care of my other responsibilities. Some times I find myself reading into the wee hours of the morning. Then I’m dragging the rest of the day. Just need to find a good balance.
I agree about the wasting my free time comment about & I have a hard time blocking everyone/thing else out. Plus I’m involved in 2 bible studies that each have 5 days of homework a week in addition to the 3 hr meeting for each. Oh yeah those other people running around the house that want/need me to do things for them such as clean, cook, laundry, shop, transport, etc. I’m thinking my heaven will be a room w/wall to wall books & no one to bother me.
Without a doubt my biggest distraction is the internet. I read too many blogs, too much on fb, and am in an email group too.
I am going to read 6 more books before Dec 20………..so ti’s all good!!!
Oh, yes, the internet. What did we do before the internet? I’m a SAHM of three boys who homeschools, but I still find time to kill on the internet. I agree with another commenter (Veggiemomof2) that I’m also involved in 2 other Bible Studies plus the Bible in 90 Days group. If I pick up a book (fiction, at least) I CANNOT put it down. For me, it’s also a matter of discipline to read the other books I “have to” before I read something I “want to.” So, I’m reading, but it’s usually blogs and my Bible
Thanks for the question; it’s a great one!
I would agree with many of the above reasons (internet, tv, kids, work, etc.), but my number one reason is that I’m in graduate school. I have so much work to do for grad school after a full day of teaching, soccer practices, dishes, laundry, etc. that there’s little time left to read for fun. If only I didn’t need sleep!
I wrote my blog to answer your question. Check it out!
http://daintydeckerdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-into-reading-question-1.html
Danielle Leigh´s last post ..Fall Into Reading Question 1
My biggest obstacle to reading is also time management. Just like most responding. I am on the computer way too much. I have my excuses just like everyone else. We bank online. We have our budget on the computer. I use Google calendar. I’ll just check my email quickly. Oh and homeschool stuff is on the computer.
LaDonna´s last post ..Menu Planning Monday
Oh I’m definitely with you on both counts – I’m terrible about managing my time online – maybe if I were better I could find more time to read (if it were ever quiet!)
Jen E @ mommablogsalot´s last post ..Fall into Reading ’10- Question of the Week- What keeps you from reading
Good question!!
I probably read enough (many would say too much), and that has occurred because I make the choice. I do read instead of watching TV or sometimes instead of working my freelance job and cleaning my house.
But when I’m not reading as much as I want, it’s exactly because of what you say. I end up wasting large amounts of time on the computer, or sometimes I’m just busier with things that really need to be done.
Jennifer, Snapshot´s last post ..What Im Reading What is actually on my Nightstand
For me, it is just the lack of time. I am pretty fortunate this year since I can read my boos as a sub. Usually my job is pretty boring, and this is a good use of this time. I also can’t usually do my evening reading till 11 or 11:30. And then I run out of time.
The TV and Internet are my biggest distractions from reading.
I have to say that I usually read as much as I want to. I have always read voraciously and am jittery if I am somewhere alone without a book at hand. I do spend more time online in the last couple of years but have to admit that I still plow through the books!
Trish´s last post ..Booking Through Thursday- Current
Lately it has been too much school and not enough free time. New curriculum, 2 conferences in two weeks and trying to cram 14 hour work days in and still have time to read. If I can just get things organized this week then I’ll have plenty of time. Mine is an organizational problem. I have been working on that and should have it under control so I can hit the books good and hard starting Friday.
For me it’s more TV than the internet, since I’m mostly on the internet with my laptop while watching TV – I can read with distractions surrounding me but I can’t pay attention to both the TV and a book, so it’s one or the other. My husband isn’t a big reader so turning off the TV to read really isn’t going to happen. I do get a lot of reading in at other times though.
Nancy´s last post ..FIR Question1
Might I suggest a linky for these? That way, we can all go around & visit each other.
I think my biggest obstacle is undisciplined curiosity. My post has details.
Ritsumei´s last post ..Fall Into Reading- Question 1
Here is a link to my full answer. Thanks for doing this…it’s Sooooooo much fun!! ~K~
http://themancrew.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-into-reading-2010weekly-question-1.html
Time truly is my biggest issue that keeps me from reading. Life right now is so full it is difficult to find time to read and when I do find time, I have a hard time deciding what to read. Sometimes I spend way too much time going through my book shelves or my ereader trying to decide what to read. At least during the Fall and Spring I have my reading challenge lists to keep me on track!
I just have such a busy life that it is hard to squeeze reading time in. I have often been known to say that I don’t control my life – it controls me! No matter how hard I try, it seems that I can’t keep my days open. I’m not complaining – it’s just the way it is!
I am fortunate that I can read carry a book around with me and read in spurts, as time permits. And I can read late into the night with my little clip book light.
Also, in recent years I have shared my love of reading with some new hobbies such as quilting and knitting. I am working on being able to read and knit at the same time!
School and internet for me. I have the same issues with the internet; I’ll get on to “check my email” and forty-five minutes later I’ll realize that I have done a lot more than just check my email. School is the main thing, though. It cuts into my time, and usually by the end of the day I just want to chill in front of the TV with my eyes half-closed.
Here is my answer to Q #1
Thank you
http://ladybugsdoodles.blogspot.com/2010/09/fir-10-reading-questions.html
I have to say school work mostly…
I always find myself wanting to read but not being able to because of some homework I need to finish or exam I need to revise for! I always try to make the time though otherwise I would go insane! So I just try and get everything done as soon as possible and try not to do it at the last minute!
Maryam´s last post ..Teaser Tuesday 7
For me, I would have to say it is a couple of things. I am divorced, with just one child living at home, and I work from home, my job is online so I find myself getting distracted by getting hooked on the computer and not getting offline. The other distraction is being single! I am apart of a great single’s group and we are quite active and being gone 3+ nights or more a week makes it hard to settle down and read.
Well, I’d definitely say it’s lack of peace and quiet. When Olyvia is home, if I should so much as happen to look in the direction of a book, she immediately runs to get her books for me to read them to her or she will pester the living daylights out of me if I should sit down and read one of my own books instead of reading to her! lol Once she is in bed at night, I spend the rest of the time with my husband (which unfortunately, means sitting on the couch watching some show). I love sitting and snuggling with my husband, but it would be lovely to do it while reading a book without the TV. I am incapable of blocking out the sound of the TV or any other distractions, if I am in my home or with my family. However, if I’m waiting in a doctor’s office without any family members, I can completely block everyone and everything out, including my name being called multiple times to come back and see the doctor! lol
Since Olyvia started school this fall, I have found that I am more interested in cleaning, organizing and not in reading as much. lol Strange, isn’t it?! My house will soon be organized and then my brain will hopefully relax enough to sit down and absorb a book.
my response is now posted.
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2010/10/fir-question-1.html
Young children, including a newborn, and 3 different hobbies
Full answer here: http://frugalhippiebusy.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/fir-10-reading-question-1/
Joe´s last post ..FIR ’10 – Reading Question 1
I’m late, but I’ll jump in anyway.
What keeps me from reading? I won’t read something if it doesn’t pull me in well enough. There are weeks when I go through an entire pile and can’t find something suitable. I just finished The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund and it was great!
Another late one here. Forgot you were going to do this. I know I would read more if I was not blogging and hopping around other’s blogs. The main obstacle is the baby not letting me read now while she is nursing. When she was younger I could, now she gets distracted, or doesn’t want me distracted. So when I have free time, like now after the kids are in bed or during naps I am more likely to be found on the computer than buried in a book as I once used to be. I do take my book in the car if I am not driving and get some good reading time usually, but that doesn’t happen very often. The bathroom is a favorite reading place too.
Karen´s last post ..Fall Into Reading
I posted about this too
http://memyselfiread.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-into-reading-update.html
I posted about mine here: http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-into-reading-2010-question-1.html
I really enjoy answering the questions and reading others answers – thanks for this additional aspect this year!
I think my biggest hindrance is guilt. I know, weird right? Reading just feels like a guilty pleasure to me for some reason, even though I know it’s good for me — like exercise and relaxation all rolled into one for my mind!
I have a couple of obstacles too. Their ages are 3 and 5…haha. No, really, I do have two small kids, and as all moms know, that takes time and energy. I can’t read (my books) while they are awake because I want to spend that time with them (which does include reading). Sometimes not reading for me is simply a matter of being too tired or bored with the book I’m working on. I can’t just not finish a book, so I usually stick to it no matter how long it takes, and I also can’t read more than one book at a time, so if I’m having trouble getting into it, I’ll procrastinate on reading it. Lately, my hair bow business has picked up, so that is taking away from some of my evening free time too. And, like so many other responses, I too, get sucked into the Internet time warp.
I have so many things I want to read that I get impatient, jumping from a cooking/how-to book into another piece that is fiction, onto something to improve my business…I end up with lots of books I’ve ‘started.’
My reasons for not reading as much as I’d like are very similar. I also spend way too much time on the internet and watching TV when I should be using that precious time to read. The problem is time seems to fly and by the time I realise it’s enough internet or TV for today, it’s usually late and I have to go to bed… And even though I read in bed every night, I usually fall asleep after one or two pages…
I also can’t read without peace and quiet except when I’m reading at the beach.