What does reading mean to me?

Today I refer to a post I wrote years ago on my personal/photoblog; a blog I had to let go due to time constraints.

Few things have change since I wrote this post years ago. I didn’t call myself a writer back then but only a reader. I was sceptical about the digital platform. But now I realise it’s a gateway to worlds I couldn’t otherwise access, considering the exorbitant shipping fees when buying print books.

Reading is my “ME” time. The time is as precious as the writing time, and so I treat both with respect they command.

Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere. ~ Jean Rhys

I enjoy armchair travel more especially, when I explore the world through the written word than through an Idiot Box. Reading allows me to employ all my senses, and let my imagination run wild.

The other day, I visited a bookstore with the intention to buy one of my colleagues a gift. I ended up buying myself the books in the picture, instead. No surprises there, it’s one of my bookaholic tendencies. And just like that, I managed to increase my reading list …*sigh*

In my defense though, it’s not very common to find poetry books in English here (in my city) though there is a decent selection of poetry in Finnish. I made a point of showing my appreciation by thanking the cashier for their efforts so that she can pass on the message to the buyer.

I could go on and on about reading, but at this point I would love to hear what does reading mean to you.

2018 Summer Reading

Beware the barrenness of a busy life. – Socrates

In the depths of busyness, I neglected one of my most treasured pastimes – reading. And so, I’m making amends by finally dedicating time to read from my ever-growing TBR list.

While I won’t be writing blog reviews about my reads, maybe only for poetry books, I’ll try to leave a trace on Amazon, etc., whenever I can.

If you’d like to join the challenge, welcome! The challenge starts June 1st and ends August 31st.

Pick 10 books (any genre, any form) you want to read this summer, and of course, you can keep adding to (or changing) your list. In your list include:

  • at least, one book that dared to push the envelope. You can find inspiration, for example, here and here.
  • at least, one book in translation (from any language to the language you’re comfortable reading in)
  • at least, one book by an indie author
  • during your reading, please do share snippets/images of your reading experience, either on your blog, Facebook or Instagram with a tag #summerreading2018. You can let us know (link or handle) in comments section if you’ll reading, so we can follow along.
  • At the end of the challenge, please recommend at least one ‘must read’ from your list, and tell us why.

HAPPY READING!

My Reading List (in no particular order)

Life in Bloom

I want to capture Spring but I can’t…I can’t
For it blooms reckless and thaws frozen fears
So, I let love define all seasons

Sunny Greetings, Fellow Bloggers!

You’ve probably heard of short Nordic summers. But did you know that spring is even shorter? It came late this year, and is now disappearing faster that I can finish writing the sentence. The last time I checked we were in the depths of winter, and now there’s already talk about summer with high temperatures (28℃) I’ve never witnessed during a Finnish summer, before.

What kind of talk! When I’m still resurfacing like a crocus buried under a pile of debris. So, it seems (as usual) that I grab spring by its tail. But I hope you’ve been revitalized by the bloom and beauty of the season.

On other news, I’ve been working hard on my debut poetry chapbook. I promise to deliver it to you soon. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for latest developments!