How I Started A Reading Habit

When I went for a job interview, the interviewer asked me what kind of book I read. I answered, “I’m not a book person. If anything, I’m more of a magazine person.” I have a different answer now.

Actually, my pile of books are still nicely wrapped in dust (geddit?) after redeeming them using my student book voucher at least 6 years ago but I’ve completed 5 books in the past 1 year! I know it’s probably little compared to many people but it’s a lot when you compare that to 1 book in 6 years. FYI, I miraculously completed The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini but don’t know what I read 😅.

And before you think I don’t make sense finishing 5 books without touching my books, let me spill the beans: I completed the 5 books electronically.

Fun fact: I have the physical copy of 3 out of the 5 books I read but I never made it past the quarter mark.

My ebook journey started 2nd half of last year when I realized that RK downloaded an ebook to read in flight. I thought it’s so brilliant because my feedly feeds are not available offline.

So I wanted to buy him an ebook as a gift after I realized he reads ebooks (disclaimer: once in a blue moon). But he didn’t want it so I ended up reading the ebook myself… 😒 That first ebook was Elon Musk’s autobiography, Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance.

I took many months to finish the book and even dropped it for a while in between. I thought I’d never find the motivation to pick it up half way again as usual but I somehow finished it.

I thought, “Wow, autobiography book is interesting! Maybe that’s my kind of book!”

Feeling motivated, I picked up another ebook. This time, a free ebook about genetic testing because of a genetic profiling talk I attended. I think I dropped it before the quarter mark because it was so scientific.

Fast forward to early this year, I decided to try again. I saw How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie for only RM9.48 on Google Play Book. I have this book on my shelf at home but I’ve never touched it after more than 6 years. Why not bet RM9.48 on myself to see if I’d finish the ebook version instead.

And I did 😲.

I picked my next book. And another. And another. Now I can’t wait to start reading all the other books I have on my shelf, electronically.

I don’t know how long this ebookworm Staci is gonna stay but through this 5-ebook journey, I realized a few things.

It’s not that I’m not a book person. I just never discovered the method that works for me, which is electronic book reading.

I think there are many many people out there who are in the same position as the old me, simply because you’ve never tried ebook thus my purpose of writing this post.

Ebook, particularly Google Play Book, has converted me because:

1. I’m so much better at holding my phone than a book. It’s true! I can’t decide if I want to open the book wide and wear it out or be delicate with the book to pretend lady-like 😂.
2. I don’t have to worry about misplacing my bookmark! I can stop at any page, especially when I’m abruptly distracted, but not risk losing the page. Google Play Book always pick it up where I stop.
3. I can highlight, make note, add bookmark, screenshot, copy, share, translate or find dictionary meaning seamlessly. I love it when I can share a clear and neatly highlighted screenshot instead of a blur awkward photo of a page in poor lighting.
4. I have the ebook with me all the time because it’s in my phone. I don’t have to worry forgetting to bring the book out or having to decide which book I want to pack before heading out. Don’t have to worry wrinkling, wetting or tearing the book too. #love
5. It’s so easy to make a purchase! I don’t have to go to a physical store or wait for a book delivery. I get my book instantly within a finger click, literally. #TypicalGenY
6. Certain books even have audiobook for when I don’t feel like reading. How cool is this? Total goal for lazy people like me, even though I’ve been reading 99% of the time. So far, I only use audiobook when I drive.
7. I get to read sample before paying for the book. Sample is good for me to decide if I’m interested to read further. Paying is good because I invest a stake as motivation for me to finish the book.

Some people say reading ebook is not good for eyes so I shouldn’t. But if I’m not reading ebook, I don’t think I’d read physical book either. I’d use the time for more screen time on my phone so there’s no difference. On the other hand, I would consider getting a Kindle if I’m certain that this habit is staying. But reason #4 (see above) would be compromised.

Anyway, I think many people are like the old me. Why not try ebook to see if we’re in the same boat when it comes to reading?