I starting writing this blog post a loooong time ago (yep, I'm not even writing a fresh original blogpost, this is a long forgotten blog post that I'm using to my advantage to achieve my goals. I have no shame.) and I rediscovered it just a few days ago when I was wondering what the heck I was going to blog about. The main reason why I never finished it? Because I didn't have a silly photo to include in it. Well in just thirty seconds, I took the blasted photo and uploaded it onto the post. So be proud of that photo when you scroll down, I worked the midnight oil for it. Ba!
For those of you who follow me on Facebook and Instagram, you've probably noticed that a while back (I've been slacking as of late, I'll get back on that) I've been posting a lot of pictures of books I have recently finished reading. It may or may not have crossed your mind that, "Gosh, Kenra sure has been reading a lot of books lately." Which may come as no surprise to hopefully anyone, but I sure have been reading more books than usual, in a much faster rate lately.
Why is that, Kenra?
So, as all good bookaholics know, we tend to not have any control on our wallets when it comes to bookstores, whether it be in person or online, we just can't stop. It really doesn't matter that our To Be Read pile reaches the height of Isengard, there is nothing that will stop us from buying that new book that we just have to read.
For me, the fact that my bookshelves were starting to have more books that I hadn't read versus books that I had read was causing me much grief. I was starting to feel conflicted because while I probably should be reading my new books, I seemed to be turning to old books instead. In the midst of grief and chaos, I decided that very second - more like a few days later - that something just had to be done.
So I made myself a book jar.
Then came part two: reading! Which for me, is the funnest part of all.
I pull out a slip of paper and whatever book or series is on that list, I am required to read it. I may have only just begun, but so far it has been so much fun!
A lot of people make book jars with just books that they want to read. For me, I wanted to return to books I hadn't read in years and feel that nostalgia, and also try my new books too. So I added all of them into my jar so that I could experience both. It has been so nice to not have to stress over what book to read next. With the jar, I have allowed myself to put my 100% focus on that one book or series, rather than multiple books. I have gotten more out of my reading lately because of it, which is the most important thing to me. It has also helped me to gain some space on my shelves because I've gotten rid of a few books when I discovered that I was no longer interested in them anymore.
The goal is to empty the jar, and with that knowledge, I have actually pulled back on buying books, which has saved me a lot of money, because if I buy a book, I have to add it to the jar along with all the other ones. I also made a goal that if I own any series that has a missing book in the series, I would complete the set, which is exciting for me. I have a thing for matching and complete sets of things, especially books and movies.
One of my favorite parts about it is the anticipation I get every time I finish a book and have to pull out a slip for a new one. I usually have a friend or family member pull it out for me, and it's great to see their reaction when they read the title to me, and then I just jump right into the next one and keep going.
I highly suggest this for anyone who loves to read, it has been so so so much fun! It's a good on-going challenge to make for yourself. If you decide to make one, I'd love to see how it turns out!
Happy Reading!
P.S. Hopefully with this blog being summoned from the Cemetery-of-Forgotten-Hobbies, I'll include book reviews of my book jar adventures!
