The start of the year is the perfect time to cozy up for a nice bookish chat, don’t you think? Okay, I know some of you are way farther south than I am, or in another hemisphere entirely and are experiencing record heat levels, but, for today, let’s pretend you’re up here with me in the chilly, very snowy North. That way we can gather around an enchanting fire and sip some hot cocoa (or lemon ginger tea with a splash of honey if you prefer) and talk bookish hot topics.
Books vs Audio Books
Who knew that my social media feed would be rampant with controversial bookish chats in January? It started with the heated debate over whether audio books should count as reading. I’m still gobsmacked that there is a very opinionated faction among the larger reading community who are adamantly opposed to considering audiobooks as actual reads! I mean…whhaaaattttt?
I was encouraged by the pushback these naysayers received and moved by the myriad of heartfelt stories about the difference listening to audiobooks made in readers’ lives. I know first hand how audio books have provided distraction and encouragement in my battle with chronic pain. And isn’t listening to a book while engaged in other activities a mood boost? I’ll never do housework without audio accompaniment again! Or tedious garden tasks like weeding! Don’t know how I survived before audio books!
So, what do you think? Audio books – yay or nay? And do you think they should be counted as books read in a Good Reads Challenge?
Category Romances don’t count
Think Love Inspired or Love Inspired Suspense or Harlequin Heartwarming. Again, there are well, literature snobs I guess, who don’t consider these novels to be legitimate reading material. Critics can be quite scornful not only of the books, but of their readers. I’m like, seriously, aren’t there more important things in this world to worry about than whether folks are spending their time reading a category romance as opposed to a 600 page literary tome?!
Opinions? I know my Love Inspired Suspense giveaways aren’t as popular as other books but I’m hoping just because this genre niche isn’t your cup of tea that you don’t look down on those of us who do enjoy them?
Books under 400 pages don’t count either
Seriously, the same literature snobs think that longer somehow makes a book more valid! Most of the books I read are in the 300 – 400 page range. I find that’s the perfect pacing for me, though, of course, I’ll read longer books if the story warrants those extra words. I don’t have patience for authors who extend their word count with excessive flowery descriptions, or copious unnecessary scenes that don’t propel the plot forward. Maybe it’s because I mostly read romance and I figure if a hero and heroine can’t get their act together within 400 pages then they need to go to therapy and try again later! Bwahahaha!
How about you? Do you worry about word count? Make specific goals to read very looonnnggggg books? (That’s a thing on booktube.)
If you read over a hundred books in a year, you aren’t a serious reader!?
Seriously, I had no idea reading could be so controversial! But yes, those same literature snobs maintain that people who read over one hundred books in a year can’t possibly comprehend, retain or appreciate what they read. I can only speak to my experiences so here we go:
I read a lot (and I include audiobooks in my book count) and I feel that it’s been reading time well spent. Do I remember every detail of every story? Not always…but, hey, that’s what rereads are for, right? And I’d challenge any reader to give a detailed accurate recall of a book they read ten years ago.
Plus, I think we have to look at lifestyle as well. I live alone and have a medical condition that restricts how much I can do. I have a three hour daily activity threshold before my pain levels spike to a point that will take hours to bring back down, so I spend a lot of time at home. Alone. Not a huge TV or movie fan (though I am dedicated to some British murder mystery series) so what’s a reader to do but read? 🙂 Then I share what I read on this blog (or Good Reads if it’s a cozy mystery) so in away, my reading is my job too. Love the motivation blogging gives me and the readerly fellowship here so that’s a huge mood booster for this not-quite-shut-in. Talk about appreciating books and reading!
Any thoughts on this controversial subject (at least, I think it’s controversial!)
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Kav's Best Reads 
I’ve heard the same criticisms. I also read a lot of audiobooks, and have done for over a decade. They make exercising more bearable, and as you mentioned, household chores. Sometimes I can even listen at work while doing certain tasks. But my own personal enjoyment aside, it’s such a great way for visually impaired people to enjoy reading. Braille books are expensive and hard to come by sometimes, and only a limited number of titles are selected for this treatment.
Remember everything I’ve read?! That’s never going to happen. As soon as I close the book at The End, the story is already fading, and I’m already into the next book. There have been a few books that I’ve had to take a little break, but not often.
Trade paperbacks like Love Inspired and such have their place. When I’m under long periods of stress, or going through grief, I find it hard to focus for lengths of time. I had a terrible job for close to 2 years, and every bit of mental and emotional energy was drained by the time I got home. Love Inspired books were all I could handle.
Most of the books I’ve read are less than 400–I’m not complaining. I recently read an amazing novella that felt like a novel because it was a decent length, and the pacing was meticulously balanced. (One Nine by Sara Davison.)
I’m of the opinion that however you enjoy reading, take advantage of it. Audio, ebook, physical books…they’re for your enjoyment and edification.
Karen (kcrhoadesATroadrunnerDOTcom)
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Oh, yes to listening to an audio book while exercising. It’s the only motivation that works for me! And you’re right about audiobooks being a huge blessing for visually impaired readers. Their choices were so limited before audiobooks became so accessible.
Thanks for the tip about One Nine — I might have just ordered a copy! 🙂 As you say, shorter novels that are written well can deliver all the depth and emotion of longer books. And shorter reads are a nice way to balance out a TBR.
Excellent right about enjoying books anyway that works for you. We’re all different with unique lives and what works for one reader might not work for another and that’s okay. Good luck, Karen!
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This is a controversial one, Kav! I really enjoy audiobooks! Like Karen, I will even listen during work, when I have the chance. And I know they are a huge blessing/mitigation in the face of health issues.
As far as book length, I tend to gravitate towards shorter reads in print. The longer the book, the more likely I am to veto it, or to keep thinking about how much is left to go. If a book is longer to begin with, it feels longer to me, and depending on my interest level, that may make it feel even longer because I get impatient haha. (Although if I’m looking for books for my mom on Hoopla, I look for longer ones due to the monthly limit. Or the “boxed set” borrows are awesome!).
Of course, I also really like middle grade books, so I’ll often do jags of childhood favorites like Baby Sitter’s Club or even my old Full House books, which are all less than 200 pages with nice, comfy sized font. For the most part, I’m going to feel really intimidated by a book over 400 pages, and I’d say my sweet spot is more in the 200-300 range. 300-400 is fine if I’m enjoying the book, but if not it will start to feel like a drag, for sure.
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Audiobooks have risen in popularity over the last few years for a reason! However we use them, it’s great to enjoy a good book.
We’re likeminded about really long books. There’s a fad going around book tube where readers are joining challenges that focus on reading super long books. Totally fine if that’s your thing but when I listen to their reviews, or really reading journey since it takes so long to read the books, the reviewers always talk about how the story is dragging and they have to piecemeal out their reading time in order to get through it. It’s like they’ve traded enjoyment for endurance and I just don’t see the point.
I like that you revisit your childhood favourites from time to time. I’m planning to do that this year for middle grade March. Nothing like visiting old friends even if they are fictional! Good luck, Stephanie!
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I like audio books but I’m waiting until I can’t read print anymore to start listening to them. For me it’s more fun reading in print for as long as I can.
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There’s nothing quite as cozy as curling up with a good book! Good luck, Kim!
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Wow! I was shocked when you 1st mentioned there was a controversy over listening to audio books not being classified as reading. Some ppl have problems especially as they age & can’t see the tiny print in books these days. My eye Dr said I just need low strength reading glasses & I still have probs seeing the print in some of these major publishing company’s books!
I don’t do audio books bc I can’t grasp the beginning (especially) as my mind has a tendency to wander. I recently tried listening to a book using text to speech from the book’s beginning on my Kindle & there were so many siblings, I had to keep turning the pgs back to get them all straight. After I learn the plot & characters I enjoy listening when I’m in one place doing something boring. It sure makes flat ironing my thick hair more pleasant. lol Definitely audio books is reading imo! Lifestyle does play a huge role. Hubby has his own business & comes home to eat, get tools, etc, & when he does I can’t listen to a book; way too much distraction.
I enjoy LIS books but have trouble holding them, so I typically read them on my Kindle. Book length doesn’t affect me, but I tend not to like novellas much. Except around the holidays for obvious reasons. After reading a deeply detailed, looong book I’m quite happy to read a shorter length, lighter book around 250 pgs!
And there’s such wonderful camaraderie on your blog! You’re an amazing hostess! I’ll take a blueberry muffin with my hot chocolate this morning. Thanks for the discussion & giveaway, Kav!
dianalflowers at aol dot com
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I know, right? And why do some people think it’s okay to judge audiobook readers anyway? It makes no sense. Some books take awhile to get into on audio — like placing the names to characters and figuring out who is who in a complicated first chapter. I find that usually everybody gets sorted out in my mind by the second or third chapter but sometimes I have stopped and made a character list with notations to keep things straight, though, honestly, there are some print reads I’ve had to do that as well. I’ve recently discovered an Icelandic author and my library has some of his books in audio so I’ve been listening to them and it takes a while to figure out the names because they are so different from what I’m used to. For one book I actually checked out the print book as well just to see how the names were spelled because some of them sounded quite similar.
Yay for enjoying LI and LIS on your kindle. I am so happy that some of the books are available in audio now because, like you, I find reading the print books rather irksome. 🙂
Blueberry muffin with a hot chocolate coming right up. Excellent pairing, by the way, but if you still have room, do try a slice of my cranberry orange loaf, it’s wonderful with hot cocoa as well. 🙂
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Why do people think they can judge anyone for reading audio books, ebooks, short books, long books—it’s all reading! And to say that a person who reads over 100 books isn’t a serious reader? To me it means the opposite. I promise when I hit 120 books last year I comprehended what I read and I was a serious reader! I had to be . . . intermingling it with baseball. ⚾ hahaha If people are so busy judging others’ reading habits they need to busy themselves with something else! Like read a book, perhaps? Ooh, cranberry orange loaf sounds yummy! 😋 Don’t mind if I do!
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You make so much sense because, really don’t all readers want to read more? So why diss the ones who do?
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Exactly. And reading much less doesn’t make a person a less serious reader either. Maybe they have a newborn, home school, take care of a sick parent, or work full-time. They’d probably love to read more if they had the time. I know I sure did when I was younger & life was crazy busy!
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Great topic! I am an audiobook fan for long drives and workouts. I am not an auditory learner, so it makes me focus harder, yet it sure breaks the tedium of long activities!
The length and genre of books depend on my mental state. If I am really stressed, a light-hearted romance is just the thing. My normal go-to reads are longer, yet there is a place for everything. I also like the 300-400 page length. Most novellas are too short for my liking, unless I am in my stressed state!
Thanks so much!
kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom
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I think audiobooks have so many wonderful applications in a reader’s life! I don’t drive, but I can totally see how listening to an audiobook would benefit a long drive! I used to have to bus for an hour and a half to work back in the day and I couldn’t have endured those trips without a book to read. Alas, I hadn’t gotten into audiobooks back then or that would have been an excellent distraction too.
Variety is the perfect way to create a nice reading balance – some short, some long, the occasional novella when the mood strikes — they all have their place in our reading lives! Good luck, Kathryn!
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I had no idea book shaming was a thing!!! There are actually book police out and about trying to spoil all the bookish fun with rules and regulations? what horror, inconceivable!
I’m only in a few Christian FB groups and this blog, so I really am unaware or what’s happening in the general market, and now I’m glad of it! Of course audio books count, visual or auditory makes no difference. I still remember when my book count maxed out at 150 books a year, but there were so many more I wanted to read. Through the wonders of text to speech I’ve been able to double my book count and I’m thrilled with this option. Apparently, I can listen faster than reading visually. Many times I do both simultaneously.
In my opinion any book counts, whether it’s audio, category romance or under 400 pages. Over recent years I have read a lot on KU and there’s a plethora of books in the 150-250 page count range and I’m liking that just fine. Most CF publishers are between 320-375 pages and I read my favorite authors of those but think twice with new authors.
At this point in my life there are very few authors that can entice me into 400 pages of story. Laura Frantz’s new release is 400 and I’ll be reading that for sure. All of Francine Rivers books are between 400-500 pages and most of the time I don’t even realize it because her stories are so good.
Lastly, I so appreciate you keeping Best Reads going when I know it costs you in time and money! This is the only blog I read. I do get monthly newsletters from favorite authors and follow a couple CF groups on fb. That’s all the extra time I have to give to talking about books, otherwise there’s no time to actually read them. So, phooey on the critics who want to think themselves superior and spoil the reading fun with all the rules. (Why does this make me think of Pharisees and Sadducees for some reason?)
Thanks for the super interesting topic. I’m sure I’ll be pondering the nerve of the book police today while I’m over here in my own lane just following my own guidelines 🙂 tracey14567 atgmail.com
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Oh and I meant to add, I sympathize with your 3 hour window to get things done before the pain issue ramps up. I am in the same boat with you, but sometimes I can go 4 hours. At that point all my joints are screaming at me, so I take my arthritis med, get in my recliner and read the afternoon away. When I was younger, working and raising a family, I used to dream of the day I could read all I want. Well, that day is here. I think God knew there would come a day when I would be less mobile and He blessed me with a love of reading to fill in the down time. I thank Him for that and all my many blessings.
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Bwahahaha! Yes, horror indeed. Sad because the bookish community is usually so welcoming and nonjudgemental…or so I thought.
I’m thrilled that you’ve discovered the joys of listening to books! It really does open up all kinds of possibilities and what reader doesn’t want to read more books?! Laura Frantz is one of the 400+ authors I’ll read too. None of her words are wasted and her descriptions and research make me feel like I’ve traveled back in time.
Thanks for your kind words about this blog, Tracey. I sure enjoy doing it. Sorry I got your dander up over the book police! 🙂
Interesting that your pain threshold is similar to mine. I wonder if that’s a common thing? I’m so thankful for my love of reading too. Books have gotten me through some of the worst times and celebrated with me during the good times. To everything there is a season and it looks like we are in the season of reading! Good luck, Tracey!
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Sorry to all those nay sayers out there, but whether it’s a physical book, ebook, or audio – it’s READING! To say an audio book doesn’t count is like saying an ebook doesn’t count because you can’t physically turn the pages. I say – do what you enjoy, the way you enjoy and pay not attention to the man behind the curtain.
Saying a romance doesn’t count if not in a certain category is very misguided. If an author can give the strong feeling of romance in a story – from beginning to end while satisfying the reader, to me it doesn’t matter what genre it is in.
The length of a book should be dictated by how many words it takes to tell a fabulous story. Not for a word count by some author/publisher! In fact, kudos to the author that can give all the feels and emotions of a romance giving the story its rightful due in a shorter paged book. To me, it means they are an excellent author in giving the reader what they want and have them wanting to read more of their books.
If “someone” is going to say what if the right or wrong number of books to read, shouldn’t their criteria also have all these blocks to check to better be the “judge”? I mean the mother of 4 kids has less time to read than the one not married – right? The executive with many employees to keep employed and a business running smoothly has less time to read and someone just working 8 to 5 – right? Someone with health issues had more time to read than someone in good health – right? Each of these questions should be answered NO because you still don’t know other circumstances that effect one’s reading time. As for me, each year, while I may keep a list of books read and reviewed, I never had a number of books read until after the year has pasted. Then I find out only out of my own curiosity and to see how I compared to the year before. To read more or less books in order to fit into someone else’s idea of the number of books to read in a year’s time, is nuts! Some weeks I read more because of the effect of “things” in my week. The same goes for reading less. After all, life happens sometimes and most times not in our control. Reading should be for enjoyment. I enjoyed each and every book I read and want to keep it that way with no lists or requirements dependent of what someone else thinks.
Well, that my 2 cents, and with pennies soon to be extinct, that doesn’t seem to mean a whole lot. LOL
2clowns at rkansas dot net
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Bwahahaha, ‘don’t pay attention to the man behind the curtain.” Exactly so. Read your books in whatever that engages you with the storytelling. Romance novels have always had critics, but it’s also the most sold genre and keeps publishers afloat so….take that man behind the curtain!
Interesting point about the length of the book being dependent on the number of words needed to tell the story. You’ve got to trust the author though. I recently read a book that repeated the same scenes twice, just from two different POVs — you could literally cut the book in half and not affect the story at all, except to make it shorter and therefore better!
Love your very logical ‘rant’ (last paragraph) — totally makes sense to me, especially the fact that reading time can be erratic even within your own life depending on what else is happening. I do set the Good Reads number goal, but I don’t angst over it. I mean, it is a goal and it’s fun to see if I can meet it but I don’t push myself either. Good luck, Kay!
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Good Sunday morning, Kav. Thanks for such thought-provoking comments! I’ve loved to read since learning my ABSs and I tried to read the back of the cereal box. I can’t imagine being denied the joy of the written word!
But who knew that the pleasurable act of reading could create such “reading snobs” I read many LI books.I don’t count pages so novellas are wonderful when I don’t have a lot of time to read, and even though I don’t often listen to audiobooks, I think they’re great for people who can’t find the time to read print or ebooks. I read many genres but I WILL NOT read books with graphic sex, vulgur language, or extreme violence. This is why I choose clean or inspirational fiction!
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
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I’m with you on your reading criteria. And I do like to mix up my book lengths by throwing in novellas now and again. I guess there will always be people who like to criticize just for the sake of being ornery. 🙂 Good luck, Connie!
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I am going to sound old when I say this, but with the increasing amount of and availability of social media and everyone (or many) feeling free to “not always be tactful” it is not surprising to read your list of concerns. So many things that border on or are plain bogus become highly circulated. I feel you are correct in all your rebuttals, and your comments are simply common sense and indicative of understanding there are ranges of needs or enjoyment in a variety of books.
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Yes – social media can be a power of good or…not so good. And I guess the chance of being anonymous is a boost too so tact goes out the window. Happily it’s easy enough to stop following any naysayers and surround yourself with likeminded book lovers which is what I am doing. 🙂 Good luck, CC!
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Since I only follow family and a few favorite authors/publishers on social media, I was not aware of all the negative opinions on how people read. I think there are so many options available because readers are all different, and it’s wonderful to have those choices. I personally tried an audio book once and found I prefer to hear my own voices in my head, so I read ebooks or print copies. I also read short, long, and medium length books and they all count as books read. The reading is what’s important whichever way you do it!
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Yes, reading is all about choice and lets celebrate our differences. I think I stumbled onto audio books at the right time. I never even considered them before my health issues cropped up, but once that happened and I was cut off from my ‘normal’ world, audiobooks opened up a whole other world…print books too, of course, but the audio books were a huge blessing for times when I wasn’t capable of reading and then I was hooked. Good luck, Sandy!
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I love books and audiobooks. As long as you are reading, or listening, no matter the size, it all counts! I used to LOVE Love Inspired books, but I just kind of got tired of them. I still read them, just not as much. And, of course, like all books, some are way better than others. Have a great rest of your weekend, Kav.
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I don’t read as many Love Inspired books either now but that’s because there aren’t as many available in audio format and I can’t read the print books comfortably anymore. Good luck, Cindy!
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Audiobooks absolutely count as reading in my book (pun not intended). My son struggled with reading while growing up but has now embraced the fiction world through audiobooks. Why are people knocking something that builds a persons love of story? Speaking of building the love for stories, I also think the length or type of fiction doesn’t matter as long as a good story is being told. Jesus told great stories and they were flash fiction. 😉
momrain(at)aol(dot)com
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Great pun. 🙂 I love that your son has bonded with audiobooks! As far as I’m concerned, the story will make just as much an impact whether it’s read or listened to! And, when you think about it, books origins began as oral storytelling…so there! 🙂 Bwahahaha — never thought about Jesus’s stories being the original flash fiction! That’s brilliant! Good luck, Loraine!
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Wow! I never knew that there were a lot of book police out there criticizing people’s reading habits! They must have a lot of extra time on their hands and a sense of superiority. What a waste of reading time! LOL My opinion is that a book is a book, whether print, ebook, audio, 1000 pages, 50 pages. I certainly am not going to judge someone else’s reading criteria. I generally read a lot of historical fiction that runs 300-400 pages. I also read some LI and LIS, although it’s usually special author friends I’ve been reviewing for a long time.
I seldom listen to audiobooks, because I can’t multi-task well anymore. I would spend too much time re-playing parts I missed. If I listened while I drive . . . well, let me just say there would probably be accidents and lots of lapses in the story line. Most likely the accidents! I’m also a visual learner, so auditory is harder for me to concentrate on. I like print books, because they are easier for me to read, and I tend to flip back to check on things, which is harder to do in an ebook, especially if there is a glossary, map, etc. in the front.
I do keep track of the books I read on Goodreads. I set a goal, but I don’t stress about it. I used to read over 100 books a year, but now hover around 75 or so–mostly because I read mostly historical fiction, and my favorite authors tend to write longer books.
I’m with some of you that have commented on health issues. I also have health challenges which limit my activity. Along with getting much older, I don’t get out and about as much as I used to. I do read a lot but find that every once in a while I need a little break from reading. I also tend to need a light-hearted, easy book after I’ve read an intense, lengthy, or highly suspenseful one. It’s nice to have a little variety.
Thanks so much for all you do to promote good books and reading, Kav! You’re amazing! I look forward to your posts and comments!
Hugs!
Winnie
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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Some people have too much time on their hands that could be better used actually reading (as Diane pointed out.) I like that you don’t judge a book by its number of pages and read a little bit of everything. Ohhh — too funny, I don’t drive but my first thought was that I’d likely become so absorbed in the story I was listening to that I’d forget I was driving! I’m not an ebook fan either. Screens are not my friend so I prefer print books as well but I appreciate the different formats we have now that can reach so many more readers.
Good Reads goals can be fun sideline in our reading lives as long as we don’t take it all too seriously. I think that’s where some of these naysayers’ discontent began – comparing themselves to other readers’ stats maybe and feeling competitive which is just as silly as expecting every single reader in the world liking the same book.
I like to balance my books out too, switching over to a rom/com after a heavy read or a shorter LIS book after a lengthier one. Keeps things interesting. Thanks for your kind words, Winnie. Good luck!
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These pretty much all made me roll my eyes. I see why the audio vs visual debate exists, but I think it’s only relevant in very particular circumstances – if you’re in school and needing to work on your visual comprehension skills, then yes, there’s a difference between reading and listening. But if the point is to consume the contents of a book, why should the way you’re taking in the story matter? I surely do count them in my Goodreads challenge!
Page count is mostly nonsense. With a lot of shorter books, all it would take is some tweaks to the formatting and they’d be over 400 pages without changing a word. Just look at the different editions of classics – Goodreads has over 9,000 editions for Tom Sawyer, in within the first 20 editions listed they range from 192-352 pages! One version is almost twice as long as another!
So I mostly laugh at the ridiculous things people decide are so important. True readers love to read regardless!
rdalquist AT gmail DOT com
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Exactly right, Rachael. Audio and print books can be interchangeable in most situations. Never thought about visual comprehension skills — that’s a good point, but we are all well past that stage of our reading lives, I’m sure.
Whoa! 9000 editions of Tom Sawyer on Good Reads?! And all with such a difference in page numbers. I often wonder about how accurate that page count stats on GRs is. Often audiobooks have 3 or 4 pages as the word count so how does that accurately reflect the actual length of the book?
‘True readers love to read” that should be our Best Reads Motto! 🙂 Good luck, Rachael!
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Hey Kav, It’s finally feeling like January here in Texas with low’s in the 40’s. Enjoy your winter wonderland as you are snuggled in with an epic novel and hot beverage.
I’m not an audio book fan since I’m a visual person. I didn’t know these “controversies” existed. I simply enjoy reading. I don’t get hung up on these other issues.
Have an amazing week!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Best to keep your nose in your book and out of other people’s reading business, right? 🙂 Good luck, Caryl!
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I enjoy a “drama free” zone!
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I want your winter weather! 😜 It was over 70° on Christmas and hasn’t really cooled off yet where I live.
I’m honestly quite surprised that there are such strong opinions on those topics! They’re all new to me since I don’t have social media. 😂
let’s see if I can put this the way I’m intending… I feel like the idea of counting audio books as books you’ve read is a silly thing to argue over. While someone might not be physically “reading” the books (i.e. actually looking at the words which make up the story), you’re still listening to them. Whether or not those books are counted as books someone has “read” should be up to the reader. I don’t really know what else to call it aside from “listening” to books? Overall, reading is supposed to be an enjoyment so I don’t understand why people would have to jump on others to tell them some made up rules. 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve read and enjoyed several Love Inspired books. I don’t know how those books wouldn’t count! So silly.
I read as a form of enjoyment. Most of the books I read do not hit the 400 page mark, one of the reasons is because the books I like are simply not that long! To be completely honest, if a book is too thick and it’s an author I haven’t read yet, I tend to put it off because I don’t want to be stuck reading a book I don’t like! 😂 The thought that a book under 400 pages doesn’t count as reading is preposterous. What about children’s books?
Some years I’m lucky if I can read 20 books, I think I read close to 60 in 2025 so I can’t even fathom being able to read 100 or more. However, I think it’s awesome if people can! I don’t understand why reading needs to be considered “serious” anyway.
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Ugh — not my idea of Christmas weather at all, but I guess it makes travel easier and safer. We’re always eyeballing the forecast and trying to figure out when it’s safe to visit everybody.
Interesting that you don’t have social media. It really does show the best and worst of people. I’m only on instagram and am selective of who I follow and friend so it’s mostly a positive experience for me. And I follow a number of booktube reviewers. They are who I usually hear about the controversial stuff…not often, and they are reacting to it, not promoting it.
I agree, reading shouldn’t be serious — it’s an enjoyable hobby…er, life choice 🙂 Good luck, Bridget!
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None of those things matter to me. I read what I want to read. I’m not reading to please anyone else. Audio books are fine if you enjoy them but I’m a visual person so they just don’t work for me. Blessings! leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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You maverick bibliophile, Lucy! I love it! Good luck!
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I think I like being a maverick bibliophile. 😂
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I read for enjoyment which means I read what I like. I don’t care that my selections aren’t “literary” in the eyes of some. I can see why some people don’t consider audio books to be reading because technically it isn’t “reading” but I have no problem with counting them as books read. Maybe the term should be “books consumed.” If you are being a literary snob, are you really enjoying reading?
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Yes, we are all consumers of books! Yum! I need a steady diet of them! 🙂 And good question, I wonder if literary snobs are happy readers? Or just cranky ones? 🙂 Good luck, Pam!
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Kav, like so many others, I didn’t realize there was such controversy over all these bookish topics. Goodness! I haven’t gotten into audiobooks yet but can see how they are such a blessing for so many. I’ve wondered at times about calling them books read as opposed to books listened to, but when it comes right down to it, I think it’s just easier to say books read. Pam had a pretty good idea with “books consumed” 🙂 As far as all the critics out there, they kind of need to get a life, huh? 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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I guess people will complain about anything, including our beloved reading habits. Yes, those critics need to get a life — a more varied reading life! Bwahahaha! They don’t know what they are missing! Good luck, Cheryl!
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I don’t personally read audio books, because it’s hard for me to focus, but I certainly wouldn’t discard them for others!
Average page length, between 300-400 for me, but any length is good as long as they are able to fully and completely tell their story. Sometimes those shorter novellas are great, especially when I’m trying to reach my yearly book goal! 😂
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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Audiobooks can be an acquired taste. 🙂 I like a variety of book lengths as well and I’ve been reding more novellas lately, not just at Christmas. They are a nice, fun break after a heavier ‘tome’. Good luck, Kimmy!
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Hi Kav, Happy New Year! It never fails to amaze me how some people seem to thrive of being mean hearted. I listen to what they say—they are telling us who they are—and stay away. Life is too short. Who needs the high school drama? They could benefit from getting a fun-filled life where they can read 150 audiobooks in 2026 that are all category romance/short novels and discover the secret to reading happiness. They’ll be so busy reading and connecting with fictional friends they’ll catch amnesia from a compelling amnesia romance storyline and temporarily forget how to be mean and judgy now they have fictional friends who are a good influence. We can only hope… 🤣
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Bwahahahaha! I like that plot line, Narelle! And you’re right, life is too short to bother with these literary snobs. We could put our time to better use…like reading (or, gasp, listening to) a category romance! Three cheer for reading happiness for everyone!
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I don’t really listen to audiobooks or read love inspired and I actually prefer longer books and don’t usually read more than thirty or forty books in a year. But! Readers come in all varieties and even though I’m about as opposite from you as I can be on these things, I still consider you an avid reader!
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Thank you, Elly. We are reading opposites at times but, more importantly, we are a hundred per cent united on our love of reading! And your book choices might be rubbing off on me since I have a few – gasp! – fantasy books on my TBR at the moment! 🙂 Good luck, Elly!
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Wow, I didn’t realize reading could be so controversial! I’ve always enjoyed the Love Inspired books that I’ve read, and I love the size/page count that they are. Sometimes I’ll read one when I’m trying to decide what (bigger) book I want to read next.😁 Which brings me to word count… My happy book size is somewhere around 350 pages. However I will gladly read a longer book when it’s by a favorite author, or if it’s just so good I don’t want it to end! Also, one of my favorite books last year was Karen Witemeyer’s “To Love a Beast” – and it was only 200ish pages!
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Love Inspired books are easy fits for your purse so great books to carry around with you…and they won’t put your back out lugging them around. 🙂 I’m of the same mind when it comes to book length – and good point that the length actually doesn’t decide whether the book is a best read or not! Good luck, Sabrina!
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Books Vs Audiobooks
I’m not a huge audiobook user, because I find that I listen too slowly (hearing impaired). I’m not like others who can do housework or chores and listen. I just can’t follow the storyline if I’m distracted with something else. I use audio as a “treat” to slow myself down for favorite authors. I only do this with two authors so far. And yes, audio is definitely counted on my Goodreads Challenge!
Category Romances
I used to think this back when I helped in the church library many, many moons ago because nobody ever checked them out. But I am warming up to them with authors like Virginia Vaughan and Jamie Jo Wright. Plus, the length is a nice break from a really long book.
Books Under 400 Pages
I don’t consider myself a book length legalist, I’m with you and probably average the 300-400 page books routinely. I also don’t mind the LIS length, but anthologies are another story. Last year I read one that was 666 pages and weighed in at 1.93 lbs for a paperback. It was simply too much! I also don’t think I could ever read 100 books a year, I think my average is around 80.
I don’t get into any reading controversy or legalism, I just read for pleasure. I’m also not a fan of TV, it’s very rare that I watch anything. I review most everything I read (unless it’s out of print) and read some pre-releases for Net Galley. I nearly drowned in Net Galley copies last October!
I also don’t think we have any book snobs on this blog.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
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I find it so interesting that what works for one reader doesn’t work for another which just convinces me that we need to have books made available in different formats so that they can reach every reader. And, yes, I think that category romances have their place in our reading lives. And there are some stellar authors out there. It’s too bad that they tend to be judged, especially when that judgement comes from other readers. Gah! So annoying…and unnecessary!
Anthologies have a valid reason for being longer but over 600 pages?! Whoa! That would be hard to read in physical form, I bet. The great thing about those collections is that you can read one novella at a time and put the books aside for something else and then come back to it. But, goodness, you could get carpal tunnel syndrome from trying to hold up a book that big!
Ohhh, drowning in Net Galley offers sounds like a reader’s dream! 🙂 And I agree, I don’t think we have any literary snobs here. We’re a welcoming, accepting group! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Perrianne. Good luck!
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Definitely should be counted. A book is a book. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com
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Totally agree! Good luck, Kathleen!
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Wow, Kav, I as well did not know that reading is such a controversial topic. I experienced a traumatic brain injury several years ago. Reading is not as easy as what it used to be for me, but I still love to read! I definitely think audiobooks should be counted! It’s a form of reading. And I don’t think that page length or quantity should be a big yank either. I mean, maybe not the length of a child’s chapter book, but I think Love Inspired books should definitely count. I love to read Love Inspired suspense books! If the authors are going to write them for readers, why can’t we count them? It’s a shame that it’s such a touchy subject. I think that anybody who wants to read should be able to experience the joy of reading without being judged. You never know somebody’s situation and grace should be given.
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Oops! I forgot to leave my name & email.
Alison Boss
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
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Some people can make anything a controversy, it seems. 🙂
Love this: “I think that anybody who wants to read should be able to experience the joy of reading without being judged.” Well said! And sorry to hear about your injury. That would definitely affect the way you read. Glad you can still find enjoyment in stories. They’ve been such a blessed distraction for me on my worst days and an extra boon on my good days. Good luck, Alison!
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Thank you, Kav. I’m sorry to hear of your struggle with chronic pain. Reading is such a wonderful blessing!
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Any book is a book!
I like books around 300 pages or less. Then I can read more!!
I read 175 books a year and I am very serious about reading because I read for review for my favorite authors. Because I want to promote great Christian Fiction!
paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom
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Yay for promoting Christian Fiction! Good luck, Paula!
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Personally, I don’t enjoy audiobooks. I’ve listened to a few, and it’s really hard for me to get engaged with the story especially when it’s a female narrator doing male voices or vice versa. I love my physical books! However, I totally think audiobooks should be considered reading and counted for reading challenges. It’s just reading with your ears instead of your eyes. 😀
Same with with Love Inspired books–they are books, so they count. And, why should it matter if my books are shorter than 400 pages? Books are books no matter the page count. I mean…I add to my GoodReads challenge the kid’s books I read to my nephew, and most of those are fewer than 20 pages. ;D
Honestly, I can’t believe that people criticize and judge other readers about this stuff. My sister-in-law has a difficult time reading because of an eye issue, but when she does finish a book, she’s so excited, and I’m thrilled to celebrate with her.
bookgurl60 at gmail dot com
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Audiobooks were an acquired taste for me but now I couldn’t do without them! Love that you celebrate books read with your sister-in-law. Every person has a different reader story and we all deserve to be celebrated. Good luck, Elizabeth!
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