Top Ten Reasons I Love Being A Reader/Blogger

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, she posts an idea relating to books and encourages other book bloggers to respond with their own top ten lists.

This week’s topic is “top ten reasons I love being a reader/blogger. I’ve been an avid reader since I was really little, and I’ve been blogging for almost a year now, so this week’s topic is actually an easy one. There are so many things I love and appreciate about reading and blogging, but here are a few of my favourite reasons:

1. The blogging community
This is easily my favourite part about being a book blogger. While I’ve been failing at my New Year’s resolution to comment more, I really enjoy all of the interactions that I have with you. Whether it’s a recommendation, a discussion, or just getting to know you on a more personal level, I can easily say that my blogging experience wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without you guys. <3

2. Visiting new worlds
As a university student, I don’t have the time or the money to properly travel the world. As a reader, I’m able to travel to magical new worlds free of charge, giving me a very welcome break from the demands of the real world. I’m also able to go on wonderful (and sometimes terrifying) adventures from the comfort of my bed – which is perfect for someone who isn’t quite brave enough to try some of these things on her own.

3. Discovering new books
Discovering new books has definitely been a highlight of blogging for me. Before I became a book blogger, I had never heard of a few of my current favourite books – in fact, my local library didn’t even own a copy of them. Through the reviews that come across my dashboard and the activity of my Goodreads friends, I’ve been able to expand my reading horizons so much, and I’m so thankful for that.

4. Sharing my opinion
Only a few of my friends are readers, so in my pre-blogging days I had very few people to discuss books with. I love the fact that I’m now able to carry on conversations with people who are just as passionate about reading as I am. Reviewing has increased my confidence when it comes to giving recommendations, and the idea that (just maybe) my opinions can help someone find their new favourite book is a truly amazing thought.

5. New perspectives
One of my favourite things about reading is finding those books that truly impact my life. Whether it’s learning new information (about a culture, history, art, etc.) or learning more about myself, I love books that challenge and change my worldview.

6. Inspiration
This goes hand in hand with #5, but there have been so many books that have inspired me in various ways: to create, to do research on specific subjects, to love more, to make positive changes in my life. For me, it’s a reminder that words have the power to change and influence people, as well as a reminder of the magic of reading as a whole.

7. Book shopping
I can honestly say that I’ve never gone on a shopping trip and not returned with a new book. Whether it’s from a chain bookstore, a secondhand store, or even a library, I absolutely adore searching the stacks and the shelves for the perfect book.

8. Libraries
When I was in high school, I was employed as a student page at my local library. And it was the best job I’ve ever had. Not only was I surrounded by one of my favourite things – books – but my fellow librarians were incredibly lovely, and I formed meaningful connections with some of the patrons. Whenever I return home for a school break, it’s not complete without a visit to the library, which is very much a “third home” to me.

Of course, personal libraries are also wonderful. Ever since I was little, I wanted a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast. A room filled with shelves lined with beautiful books, so large that it requires spiral staircases and those moving ladders to access all of the volumes. While I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to afford such an extensive library, I cannot wait to have an entire room dedicated to by book collection once I get my own house.

9. Finding out that someone else loves your favourite book
It’s always such a beautiful moment when you meet someone who likes the same things that you do, so when I find out that someone else has the same taste in books as I do, I get really excited. There’s a nice, instant connection filled with love and fangirling that I just adore so much – to the point where I’m fully ready to pledge best friendship to them.

10. More motivation to read
My first year of university was particularly difficult for me because I had such little time to read for pleasure. I started this blog in the summer between my first and second years when I finally had time to read books that I wanted to again, and I’ve been surprised to find that I have managed to read several books while at school. Having this blog has definitely motivated me to find the time to read – not just because I feel awful when I go without posting for weeks at a time, but also because it’s the perfect study break/destresser. And seeing all of the wonderful reviews of books that I had never even heard of definitely helps, too.

What are some of your favourite parts of being a reader/blogger? Leave me a list or a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post below.