The first Thursday of every month I will post something deep – or more often than not, not so deep – to think about.

Just a minute ago I was staring at the blank screen of my computer, one hand in a bag of Aldi dried mangos, the other hand cradling my forehead – no idea what to write about for this month’s Think About It Thursday.

And then – I kid you not – I said out loud “I’d rather be reading”.

Boom. This month’s topic. I threw the bag of mangos across the room (if I don’t I’ll eat the whole bag!) and here we are.

If you follow me on Facebook, you might know that each month I post a collage of the books I’ve read that month. A few of my friends online started it and I loved seeing their recommendations so decided to share my books, too! Oddly enough, it actually keeps me motivated to read.

Here’s an example from September:

And August:

I also host a reading challenge group on my What’s a Neko? Facebook page. We’d love to have you join us! At the beginning of the year I create a reading challenge with 20-25 categories (read a self-help book, read a book with a rainbow on the cover, read a book from Oprah’s Book Club, etc.) Throughout the year we discuss different books we’re currently reading or suggest new books. You can join here!

Anyway, back to why I’d rather be reading. I’ve found that reading is my happy place. I can find a comfy spot, grab a fluffy blanket, a drink, and maybe a snack (hold on while I walk across the room to retrieve my bag of mangos). And then I dive into a good book.

Why do I read? Several reasons.

First, I use reading as motivation. If I have a dreaded task that needs to be completed, I’ll motivate myself by allowing myself to read my book when I finish said task. Or better yet, if the task is cleaning, I’ll find a good audiobook to listen to while I clean. The ultimate motivator! I have a killer audiobook I’m listening to right now and laundry in the washer and dryer. It’s not as daunting now that I have something to motivate me! (Will the famous-but-recently-fired tv star find true love in her small hometown she was forced to return to after her grandpa died? As soon as I hear my dryer buzz I’ll find out!)

Second, I use reading as a gentle way to fall asleep. I love to cuddle in bed with a good book. The only problem with this is if it’s a super good book I sometimes stay up way too late to finish it. (Midnight is late people!!) Also, I typically fall asleep pretty fast so if I’m already tired I’ve been known to fall asleep with a book still in my hands (ask my husband, he’s had to pry books out of my sleeping hands more than once).

And finally, I use books to escape. I refuse to watch the news, it’s too dark and ugly. Sometimes social media is too. I also refuse to watch a majority of the shows on tv. Maybe refuse is a strong word, I just really don’t have an interest in most of the shows on right now. I will put down my book for Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Survivor, and this season’s Dancing With the Stars (Cody Rigsby is one of my favorite Peloton instructors!). Other than those, I choose reading almost every time. Sometimes it’s nice to have something to look forward to that will bring me joy. Thanks, books!

What do I read? A variety!

I go back and forth between fiction and non-fiction. I can read fiction books super fast. I love a good rom-com type book. When I get sick of the same storyline (girl finds boy, girl and boy have conflict and almost break up, boy and girl stay together and live happily ever after), I like to mix it up with other genres. I’m definitely not into anything that will scare me or devastate me, but I don’t mind a good thriller or mystery.

When I choose a non-fiction book, I like to take my time reading it, highlight and take notes (not library books, silly!), and make sure the information sinks in. I tend to read a chapter or two at a time and mix it in with my daily Bible reading.

Speaking of Bible reading, for the last couple of months, I’ve been doing a “read the Bible in a year” program (not to brag but I’m 15 days ahead, don’t act like you’re not impressed). This summer my friend told me she’s doing it with The Message version and I’ve really been enjoying it! My daughter has volleyball practice most mornings at 6am so it’s the perfect time to get some reading in since I’m already awake.

How do I keep track of what I’ve read? Goodreads!

Goodreads is an amazing app to track the books you read. I’m pretty sure it has every book known to mankind in its database. Each book has a brief description of the book, book details, author details, a rating, and reviews. You search by author or title OR you can scan the cover of your book and it will find it. Amazing technology! You can create a list of books you want to read, are currently reading, and/or what you have read. I wish I would’ve discovered this app years ago! So far my book count for 2021 is 97. Don’t judge, I told you I love to read.

I hear you saying, that’s nice Neko, but what are you asking me to Think About on this Thursday?

I’m glad you asked.

I guess what I’m asking you to think about is picking up a book. Download an audiobook. Visit your local library. Reading is an amazing escape from the ugly surrounding us right now. It’s good for your brain, heart, vision, and soul. Ask any kindergarten teacher. Maybe try a family read night? Join my reading challenge? Even if you haven’t read in years, I challenge you to pick up a book and dive in.

If you are an avid reader already, please send me your favorites! I love recommendations!

Until Next Time,

Neko