Here is another book tag I came across whilst browsing WordPress (here’s the post I got it from). I was actually planning on writing a post like this anyway, and this was the perfect excuse. Plus, I didn’t have to think too much about the format. Which is really nice, since I’m pretty exhausted right now. But enough about that – here is the Reading Habits Tag:

1. Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

I do have a spot on the couch and a chair I like reading in – both are located directly under the AC vents because I like being cold. But when other people are home (or my cats are being particularly insane), I generally read either in bed or at my desk.

2. Bookmark or random piece of paper?

I almost always use a post-it because they’re hard to lose and I always have one on hand. I also occasionally use index cards. Once I used a bandaid. I don’t remember the last time I used a legit bookmark.

3. Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop at the end of a chapter/a certain number of pages?

I usually try to stop at the end of a chapter. I also have a habit of sticking my bookmark/post-it at the spot I’d like to read to, but that doesn’t always happen. If I’m really tired or just not feeling it, I will occasionally stop mid-chapter.

4. Do you eat or drink while reading?

I’m usually too engrossed in my book to stop for something as mundane as eating or drinking. But, as a rule, I don’t eat or drink anywhere near my signed, vintage, or special edition books.

5. Multitasking: music or TV whilst reading? 

Not so much. I will occasionally listen to classical music or some sort of nature sounds recording (I like rain and fireplaces), but nothing with words. And definitely no TV while reading. I like to focus on my books.

6. One book at a time or several on the go?

I usually have several books going at a time. I like to have books from different genres so I can switch between them if I get bored (and it’s easier to keep them separate in my mind if they’re all completely different books). Currently, I’m reading Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – so, cosmological nonfiction, a novel about the postwar adventures of an aging English butler, and modern YA fantasy. If my brain stops being able to comprehend Hawking, I can just switch to some easier reading. Also, since most of the review copies I get are ebooks, I like to be reading a hard copy at the same time in case my eyes need a break.

7. Read at home or everywhere?

Everywhere. I almost always carry a book (or two) in my purse, and the ebooks on my iPhone are lifesavers. And, if I’m driving longer than twenty minutes, I usually try to listen to an audiobook.

8. Read aloud or silently in your head?

I always read silently. It’s faster. This year I’ve actually been teaching myself how to speed read without subvocalization (when you say the words in your head). It’s much faster, but I only use it if I’m not enjoying what I’m reading. Otherwise, I like to savor the words.

9. Do you read ahead or skip pages?

I will occasionally skip ahead. But only if I really hate the book I’m reading and just want to be done (I’m not good at quitting books). Sometimes, skimming is necessary. But I try not to.

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it new? 

I have a really weird habit of breaking the spine only on mass-market paperbacks. For some reason, I like when those look well-loved. But I try really hard not to break the spine on trade paperbacks. I know that’s a really strange preference.

11. Do you write in books? 

Never! If I absolutely have to write in a book, I always just use a post-it.

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Hope you enjoyed this Reading Habits Tag! I tag anyone who wants to do this – just link back to this blog so I can read them! And if you’ve already done this tag, add the link in the comments – I would love to read your posts!