19 Comments
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Natalie Anne's avatar

Yeah definitely! I read for fun and entertainment. To me reading a book is like watching a movie in my head so it’s really nice to temporarily folded between pages of book and seeing how these characters live their lives. I also love reading because I do live vicariously through these characters and curious about their journey in life, whether if it’s to find love, fellowship, learn a lesson or just having a nice adventure. Happy reading📖💕

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Andrea Bass's avatar

I love the idea of living vicariously through someone else’s life. Thanks for sharing!

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Chelsey Crouch's avatar

I actually have a post like this in the works for my own Substack. I think your reasons are very similar to mine. I’m usually reading a few books at the same time, all for different reasons. Sometimes I just want some entertainment, especially when my current life feels kind of chaotic. Other times I do deep dive into topics that I am interested in. And sometimes I just want to read a book that is really really well written, no matter what it’s about. I love your Substack. Thank you for writing.

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Andrea Bass's avatar

Yes to deep-diving a topic you’re interested in. Thanks for the kind words!

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Katy O.'s avatar

I loved this entire thoughtful pice, Andrea, but this line made me giggle because it’s so relatable … “though working with teenagers can be mysterious, so maybe that would actually work out” 😆

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Andrea Bass's avatar

Right?! Kids can be so weird. 😀

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

I love this. I love the words you chose, and how you break them down into suggestions. I am hoping to pick up Erin Boyle's book today, so thanks for that reminder. Also, thanks for the shout out. I would love book club even if it was just you, me and Loreley. It is and will always be the best.

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Andrea Bass's avatar

That’s nearly what book club was in the fall. 😀 I love talking books with you two!

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C.D. Landreth's avatar

One reason I read is to know myself better. I've found that the more literary characters I spend real time with, the more I can "overhear" myself from their perspective. Not sure if that makes any sense!

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Andrea Bass's avatar

It absolutely makes sense. I love that concept of overhearing yourself from different perspectives.

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Alicia's avatar

This is such a thoughtful post and I resonate so much with everything you said here! For beauty, I'd like to recommend the without Caleb Azumah Nelson, who writes so lyrically.

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Andrea Bass's avatar

He’s a great recommendation! Open Water was my favorite 2024 read. I just got his second book and can’t wait to start it.

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Alicia's avatar

His second book is amazing too! He’s such a brilliant writer.

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Rayna Alsberg's avatar

Good essay. Great reasons for reading. 📚 Under the Beauty heading, please consider The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl. The text is lovely and embracing, and the author's brother contributed stunning illustrations. 👍🏽😍

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Andrea Bass's avatar

That sounds great! Thanks for suggesting it.

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CT's avatar

I read for autodidacticism and the enjoyment of wordsmithery. For me, there’s profound self-enlightenment in reading well-written books. Thanks for referencing LibraryThing, I didn’t know about it, but after reading your post, started using the app. Very helpful.

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Andrea Bass's avatar

“Wordsmithery” is perfect. So glad you’re enjoying LibraryThing!

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Melissa Maltese's avatar

I read to get out of my crazy head!

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Andrea Bass's avatar

That’s a great reason! 😀

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