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Short Book, Kinda Slop ➡️ Long Book, Challenging ➡️ Short Book, Kinda Slop ➡️ Long Book, Challenging
Particularly, I've enjoyed finishing long challenging books I put down 2 years ago and just getting through the last half. The rhythm lets you take a break, gives you variety in your reading, and excites you to finish what you're reading to get to the next book.
I enjoy reading a lot, but I'm not particularly good at holding myself to do it. Still though, since March I've read a time travel novella, then finished a book on Medieval medicine, then jumped into a self-help book about cleaning, and am now about to finish up a book on Medieval Executioners. It's a pattern that's worked for me, but of course we'll have to see if it maintains its allure after a couple more months. Nonetheless, three books in 3 months is a faster pace than what I've done in a while AND it's just really satisfying to finish the books I've wanted to for a long time.
Jun 20, 2025
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This is more of an aspirational rec since I have made it my goal to finish my current stack before the end of summer (I have nine books to get through). Since I started PI.BKCLB (the official unofficial book club of PI.FYI, shameless plug) on Discord over a year ago, I’ve had a steady stream of new books, and It’s helped me back into reading and filled my shelves with colorful spines, but I’ve also been gifted so many books recently and chosen even more for myself. It’s becoming an issue. Reading at a marathon pace right now, lets hope I can go the distance. If you’re reading this, put down that phone and pick up a book!
Jul 13, 2025
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📚no matter how long it takes me, the satisfaction of reading a book cover to cover is unmatched. i like to give myself as much time as i need to read and not force a deadline on myself. i’ve found this makes reading much more enjoyable and i actually retain much of what i read.
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📚In the last few years, maybe around the writing of my own book, I've developed the yips when it comes to finishing things. Even books I love. I just feel the page stack getting thinner in my right hand and then something comes over me and I start something else and another one gets added to this growing pile next to my bed, 60-80 percent creased. But there's something comforting about them all sitting there (and more on my ebook apps), because I really do feel like I'll get to them, and in the meantime, I can sample more widely while still scrolling on my phone for seven hours a day. (The end of Rap Capital is good, though.)
Nov 9, 2022
Top Recs from @funnyfish321
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👓On occasion when you are waiting in a stationary location, you have to put the phone down and observe your surroundings. Lean on something, get comfortable looking around, get a sense of how your body naturally wants to rest.
Jul 1, 2025
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Only started when I got a regular 9-5 and could adjust my schedule to wake up a little earlier. Not great at it, but I try when I can. Notice what you can't usually when you're a nightowl. Right now, birds are singing, maintenance guys are driving up to houses, the breeze is cool for the season, and a big ass bumblebee just checked me out a little.
Jun 5, 2025
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⭐Feels like less of a commitment than 30 minutes, feels more substantial than 15. "Write every day!!!!" is advice I've seen in every comedy book, self-help video, whatever, but didn't really internalize until a few months ago. No big ritual attached, no pressure no strings, just put on a timer and write on your phone, laptop, notebook, napkin, whatever you can find. It's a good way to gather your thoughts, slow down for a bit, and look around your own little mind palace for a moment. I like to do it the first chance I get at work. I put it on my Outlook calendar as BUSY: PLANNING DAY (I'm never ever planning my day)(Well, maybe only sometimes!) Plus, you get to look back and recognize the, y'know, patterns?
Jun 4, 2025