BOOKISH THOUGHTS AND UPDATES

Hello my lovely readers!

Here's just  a few bookish thoughts and updates on my mind....

1. Differences in reading habits
   Since discovering Libby, getting a Kindle and becoming a mother, my reading habits have changed dramatically!
   
   For example, on my recent re-read of Plum Bun, this year, I was able to get through the book in roughly four days. That's half the time it took for me to read it back in 2022 when I only read the physical version and didn't have a child. I mean 10 days to read a book, isn't anything to sneeze at (in my opinion), especially when you have a full-time job, an active social life, are planning a wedding and researching genealogy. 
   
   This second read of Plum Bun,  I got through quicker because I was constantly reading it, thanks to its audiobook. I love doing an audio/physical read because I am able to get through books quickly. When I'm driving, cleaning or getting dressed, I'm listening to it on audio. And when I have the chance to sit down and read...I read it! I still feel guilty if I'm listening to too much of it on audio, because I just love physical books! I want to make sure I'm giving them equal attention. Ha!
   
   Is it odd to say that sometimes I get intimidated by books that have no audiobook? Yes, it is, but this is where I am in life. I just have to give myself grace and time to get through it. Lord knows, Zora Neale Hurston's biography and Langston Hughes' biography don't have audiobooks, but that just means I get to take my time with them.
   
   
2. My Favorite Books of All Time!
   If anyone ever asks me what are my favorite books I can immediately say these: Plum Bun, The Ice Cream Girls, The Awakening, Their Eyes Were Watching God. I've recently re-read them all and UGGGGGGHHHHH, I just love them so much!
   
   
3. Reading Challenges for 2026
   I've unintentionally joined numerous reading challenges this year. I'd planned on only doing the 10 Books 10 Decades Challenge, 12 Lives Challenge and the Personal Five ReRead Challenge.
   
   But now....I've joined 50 States, Reading Europe, Read Africa Month (May), Mega May, Read Across the Caribbean, Hefty Tomes, and the Asia Reading Challenge.
   
   I should clarify that I'm using the above challenges more as trackers than anything else. So far, I've read 15 states, 3 European countries, no African authors (yet), no 500 plus page book (yet for May), no Caribbean authors, one Hefty Tome and 7 Asian countries.
   
   Hopefully by the end of the year, I can beef up these stats...but no pressure!