Reading Log: What have you read this year?
This year, I’ve been diving back into one of my favorite pastimes—reading. I fell off for a couple of years, but now I’m fully back in the swing of things. So far, I’ve been averaging at least two books a month, which is a huge improvement from last year!
When I realized it was my anniversary from my book club last month, it hit me just how much I love reading fiction now. It reminds me so much of watching TV except now I have to play the scenes out entirely in my head. And I have to imagine what the world would look like and how the characters dress, which if you are a great writer you already provide for your readers. And since I already love watching TV, it makes perfect sense that I’d love books just as much. I don’t why it took me so long to figure that one out but I finally joined the other side.
What’s changed most for me this year is my openness to book recommendations. Before, if someone’s taste didn’t align with mine, I wouldn’t even consider their suggestions. I was acting too snobby and too educated. I read for only educational purposes and I made it my identity. My brain was so used to reading that way from AP course in high school to college that I forgot the other side of reading. Which is where my book club comes in. Curated books that a whole community reads together and at the end get to yap about over drinks and food.
I think another reason why I have been so hesitant about reading fiction is because at the end of it, you want to express your own thoughts and opinions about the book. Personally, it has become my favorite part about reading a book. But when you read solo you have to seek others that read the same book as you and hopefully remember enough to have a dialogue. So many hoops to jump through just to talk about one book like no duh we make a book club.
As for recommendations, I’ve learned to let go of the idea that reading popular or “basic” books is a waste of time. In truth, they’ve become a way for my brain to unwind— a peaceful form of mental rest. Sometimes it’s nice to just sink into a simple story and let yourself peacefully rot in the best way possible. Before I had the excuse that I am broke and couldn't afford buying books I don’t love. And yeah, books are expensive, and they take up a lot of space after you’re done but I’ve found ways to get around both of those hurdles. I used to be a die-hard physical book reader, the kind who swore nothing could replace the feeling of turning real pages. It was satisfying to watch yourself dwindle down the content, day by day, you watch progress. However some time ago, I began reading on my phone or Ipad and it became just too convenient to resist. I always have my phone in my hands and I could easily pull up a book on it was the best way to increase my screen time. A habit too hard to cut, I have come to accept my fate. Technically, I still “buy” books since I’m too impatient to wait for library holds through Libby so I haven’t really worked on that but it's okay.
Recently, I have read The Poppy War by R.F Kuang and can I just say, the best book of 2025. The main character alone is one of my favorite things about this book which is props to the very good writing done by R.F Kuang. This is a series so I have been debating on picking up the second and third, my curiosity will be consumed by the end of the week I am sure of it. Furthermore, another thing I love is history, more specifically Chinese history, although it is fiction, using this as a place and world building as some call it makes it easy to grasp and tangible to think about. I am a logical-detailed person so when authors don’t close all the holes to their world building I question every aspect. So when things don’t fit I can’t stop thinking about the issues and since I am not the author I can’t answer my own resolutions. You would hope in 600 pages the author wouldn’t have any plot holes and I can confirm she didn’t. She left no crumbs.
When I get this excited to read, I feel like a kid again. The girl who used to go to the library on weekends, after dinner at my favorite pizza place. So excited to return my books and catch up on the series. It is funny how life has a way of coming full circle when you least expect it. Creates a fuzzy feeling of home that you never knew you missed until you feel it again. I’m hooked!
Truly what scares me the most is how much once I get to law school. I’ll be reading court cases, textbooks, articles etc. while diving into new realms and new worlds afterwards. I have found a new appreciation for reading, it’s essential. It’s a part of everyday life and enjoyment, it’s versatile and important. I can only hope the next generation after those after can appreciate the beauty too.
