I wasn’t much of a reader as a kid. It just wasn’t something I really liked spending my time doing. And up until the last few years, it wasn’t something I made time to do. It would take me months to finish a book. But then, somehow, I discovered how much I like reading! Being a part of a book club with East Idaho Moms helped me be accountable and have a book finished by a certain date. I’m not a fast reader by any means, but I really do love it.
We all have favorite genres. For me, I love historical fiction and romance. But I’ve decided to try and read books that I wouldn’t normally read, and I’ve found some amazing books! Here are a few of my favorites so far this year:
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- Educated by Tara Westover
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
All of these are very different. One is historical fiction, another a memoir, and the others are fiction. I love switching it up frequently to different genres. I’ve found that I like pretty much any genre. I haven’t read many thrillers, but The Silent Patient, dang that was a good one!
As a stay-at-home mom, it’s hard to find hobbies that we can make time for with young kids. I’ve found that reading is something I can do while the baby naps and my toddler plays or watches a show. It provides a great escape from the stress and demand of motherhood. Plus I don’t have to do any prep work, or really any work. I just grab my book and find a comfortable place on the couch. I get to travel to Europe, Mexico, and the mountains of Idaho. I fall in love with characters that I feel like I have met and know well. I love the satisfaction of finishing a book, especially when it doesn’t take me very long because it’s such a page-turner.
Reading may not be everybody’s favorite thing to do, but I say give it a shot! Join our book club or even make your own. You can focus on self-help books, parenting books, or even religious books. I’m part of three different book clubs because I love the variety of books I get to read. I love finding like-minded people to discuss books with. Even having people that didn’t like a book you loved gives you a different perspective. Make the time to do some things that you love, especially when motherhood can take so much out of you. You deserve to escape from it all, right from the comfort of your couch.
Join East Idaho Moms for our next book club, May 13, 2021.
