Thank you for all your emails! I thought it might be easier—and more fun—to respond to everyone here, sharing a little about my bookish habits. I hope it inspires you to discover new favorites or revisit old loves.
1. Book Storage – How do you store and organize your books?
My book collection is spread across multiple spaces in my home. Some are neatly arranged in bookcases in my loft and on the first floor, while others find a cozy home tucked away in old trunks.
My vintage and antique books usually occupy accessible shelves, because I love being able to admire them on a whim. As for my digital library, I keep my ebooks and audiobooks organized in a dedicated folder on my laptop, so they’re always at my fingertips.
2. Tracking – How do you keep track of what you’ve read and what books you own?
Organization for me comes through my blog, which doubles as a personal log of books I’ve recently read and reviewed. It’s also my home for my ever-growing TBR (To Be Read) list. In essence, it’s my little database of literary adventures—a place where I can reflect on my reading journey and plan the next exciting chapter.
3. Borrowing – Do you lend your books out?
My love for books began at home, thanks to my mom. She took time from her busy schedule to bring me to the library, a gesture I didn’t realize would one day shape my career in the literary world. I never expected to work in a public library or freelance for a publisher, but those experiences fueled my lifelong passion for books. Even now, my mom and I share a deep love for reading, especially our mutual fondness for Mary Higgins Clark. (If you’re curious, I even have a dedicated page for her books on my blog!)
4. Buying – How do you acquire your books?
I tend to acquire books based on what sparks my curiosity in the moment. Sometimes it’s a recommendation from an author, agent, or publisher; other times, it’s a serendipitous find while browsing a bookstore. I also receive books and ebooks from publishers, which is always a treat. Books are at the top of my gift wish list, naturally followed by coffee beans, tea, and taffy. One of my favorite pastimes is simply wandering through bookstores, discovering new titles, and often reading snippets while exploring the shelves.
5. “How do you read so much?”
I try to dedicate at least ten hours a week to reading—not just books, but also articles, magazines, and other materials. For me, reading is a habit, a daily rhythm that I make space for in my schedule. It’s less about speed and more about carving out intentional time to immerse myself in stories and ideas.
6. Choosing the Next Book
My next read is usually determined by what resonates with me in the moment. For instance, I recently stumbled across a copy of Fire From Heaven in a bookshop. After just a few pages, I was captivated and knew I had to take it home. It’s often intuition, curiosity, or a spark of inspiration that guides me to my next literary adventure.
7. Travel Reads
When I travel, I usually bring my tablet and laptop for ebooks. Occasionally, I’ll pack a physical book—often poetry or nature-related—but I tend to favor lighter, portable options. The goal is to have a book that fits the rhythm of the trip, whether it’s quiet reflection on a plane or relaxing in a scenic spot.
8. Annotating
Oddly enough, I rarely mark up my own books. I do enjoy buying secondhand books, however, many of which bear the notes and highlights of previous readers—a kind of shared conversation across time. If I feel the need to jot down thoughts, I keep a journal handy, and when planning a review, I often take notes either in my journal or directly on my laptop.
9. New or Backlist?
I’m drawn to books based on what captures my attention at the moment, so my reading list is a mix of both new releases and backlist treasures. As a reviewer, I often receive ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) of upcoming books, but I also delight in discovering older, less-known works. Ultimately, it’s not the age of the book that matters—it’s whether the writing speaks to me.
10. Sequels
I tend to read books in a series as they are released. I like to savor them as they come, without limiting myself to only a few authors. Life is too short to miss a book that calls to you in the moment!
11. Bookmarks
Yes, I always use bookmarks! I have a small collection, but one of my favorites is a handcrafted gift that I keep returning to for my current read. It’s a simple pleasure, a reminder of the personal connection books bring into our lives.
Books are more than objects; they’re companions, teachers, and gateways to new worlds. Thank you again for your emails, and I hope you find both new and familiar books to love.
