I discovered something about myself both times when I was pregnant—I couldn’t watch intense movies or read about sad news stories. I know hormones were definitely to blame for this. Pregnancy made me extra sensitive, not just physically, but emotionally, too. And how I felt—cautious, protective, and nurturing—influenced what I did.
This brings me to my question for you today: How does your mood affect your book choices?
I thought this was a timely subject to blog about because I know that for myself, our world’s current situation brings up a lot of emotions for me on a daily basis. Actually, make that an hourly basis. LOL. I can fluctuate between feeling thankful and content to sad and overwhelmed, and back again. Because of this, I find myself gravitating toward more lighthearted and funny books that will make me laugh.
How about you? What kind of books do you find yourself drawn to during this time? How does your mood influence your reading choices in general? I’m interested to hear your answers.
Giveaway: I’d like to give away a digital copy of a book from my backlist (boxed sets included). Two winners will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Sunday, May 3rd.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Hi Liwen! Mood definitely affects my reading. During this pandemic prefer to read a mystery or historical fiction, not happily ever after romance. Romance in today’s world with social distancing and stay in place order in place, confuses my jumbled brain. Stay safe. Best wishes!
Yes, mood affects my reading in as much as it affects my attention span. During stressful times I find myself reading short stories, rather than longer books or series. Thanks.
I have always enjoyed books that are historical, thriller, mystery, hot button topics or love stories with strong underlying themes for Christians such as dealing with trust, giving up control or the like. I guess what it boils down to is I like to think, learn or grow through my reading. I’ve been dealing with physical struggles for the last several years causing me to be mostly home bound so like to have my reading give me things to think about that take mind off my own problems & stress all I really have to be thankful for. All that to say no my reading has not changed. I will say that a HUGE thing I thank God for the most is that the stay at home order is nothing new for me! There are truly so many blessings God has given me through these years!!
At first, I hadn’t really noticed any changes in what I was reading.
But the longer quarantine lasts I find I’m reading less and when I needed to pick my next book a couple of days ago I found I wanted something really light and quick.
Interesting topic, Liwen! I read at least 99% contemporary romance, but now that you’ve made me think about it I realize I’ve read three historicals in the past six weeks! One of those was because it was a friend’s new release after a long hiatus, and I wanted to check it out. But otherwise it might have languished on my Kindle for months before I dove in. I have no idea if the pandemic caused me to choose it sooner for some emotional reason, but it’s possible… backed up by the other two historical reads as well!
I haven’t noticed much difference in my reading habits. Those things you mentioned about not being able to watch the news or intense movies describe me most of the time. I always have gravitated more towards lighthearted romances, especially shorter novellas. I have found that I am continuing the same trend, except with fewer books. I have continued the nonfiction books I’d already started, and those took up a lot of my time. I have a list of books I want to read this year, and I’ve pretty much stayed on that plan. I just prefer shorter books, so I’ve put off any that look too long for now and focused on others on my list that were shorter. I have been watching more Netflix series, something that I can just watch one episode of or I can binge, depending on my mood. But I don’t always feel like I can chop up a book into small segments and still remember what’s going on. That’s why I prefer novellas right now.
I honestly haven’t changed what I read. My life really hasn’t changed much since this started, and I’m refusing to dwell on Covid19. I don’t watch the news much, and prefer not to watch all of the updates and things. Partly because I don’t want to, partly because they really don’t say much that’s “new”, partly because I don’t want Mom to dwell on it so I have to explain it over and over, but mainly because God has this, and I’m going to let Him deal with it!! There’s not a thing in the world I can do about it, so there’s no need for me to worry, or dwell on it, so I’m letting Him worry. None of this is new to Him, it’s not a surprise to Him, so I’m letting God be God, and doing what I know I need to do each day.
Hi Renate! I totally understand. It took me some time to stop yelling at my characters to stay apart! LOL. Stay safe, too! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hi Dianne! That’s so interesting, but it makes sense. It is hard to focus and get lost in a story when there are other things vying for your attention. Thank you for commenting!
Hi Deb! I love what you said – that you like to think, learn or grow through your reading. Books are so amazing, right? They can entertain and teach us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Jessica! I definitely feel you about needing something light and quick. I hope you’ll get back to enjoying reading when all this is over. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Valerie! How funny. :) I guess the real test is if you keep reading historicals after all this ends. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Lila! It’s so interesting—you’re not the first to mention preferring shorter books right now. I’ve been finding it easier to watch an episode on Netflix, too, instead of diving into a book that will take more time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Trudy! It’s so good to hear you say all this because it’s true! Thanks so much for the reminder. :)
I read romance because I’m guaranteed a happy ending. No mood involved.
It depends, but lately I find myself gravitating towards books in foreign locals that I can disappear in and take a trip without leaving the house.
Hi Merrillee! Happy endings are the best! Thanks for commenting. :)
Hi Megan! Reading is definitely virtual traveling at its best—low cost and convenient. Thanks for sharing!
I find I enjoy something more lighthearted and cheerful at this time. Thank you.
When mum was sick on the nursing home and maybe dying I couldn’t read books dealing with people who were having treatment for illnesses like Cancer etc. Then when She did pass away for a long time I cried when I read a book which had a child who had lost a mother or grandmother etc.
Other times when a subject was to close to home and what I was dealing with I often couldn’t read it at that time.
When I am tired and feeling down (due to pain) I need to read something light and will often go for a novella.
Right now I am not reading much. Ironically I am online less and actually more productive than normal.
Today I was really discouraged about our governor’s plan to close all our beaches and state parks, so needed to totally escape – I remembered Jenn Faulk had two new books out & available on Kindle Unlimited, so started one of those. Then I was so thankful to find out the closure will only apply to beaches down south!
Oh, and I already have all your books, so no need to be in the drawing!
Hi Lucy! I’m with you. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Ausjenny! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It’s good to hear you are making good use of this time.
Hi Margaret! Oh, is it only for beaches down south? That’s great to hear. And yay for more Jenn Faulk books—she keeps readers busy! ;) Thanks for commenting!
Got it! ;) Thanks for reading them all, Margaret!!
I can’t read suspense or thrillers under stress.
I find comfort in my bible, of course. I have been rereading many of my Love Inspired books. Debra Clopton, Janet Tronstad and Linda Goodnight are just a few whose books I am rereading. I am 78 now. My family won’t let me go anywhere, except to the mailbox. I truly enjoy all the newsletters from all of you wonderful authors.
Renate, Hi!
Absolutely my moods determine what I read & also the length of the novel I feel I can “take on”. I have also been reading 2, 3, and even 4 books at a time recently. If one novel gets too suspenseful, or angst-filled, or I don’t like the direction the story is taking I just pick up & begin a new book. It’s been working for me. I eventually finished them all, but I believe it is just as you say – I’m less resilient, perhaps less tolerant in my reading right now. And I am grabbing more of my shorter, lighter, reliable HEAs from my tbr pile and less heavy suspense or angst/emotional drama, as well. I’ve been rereading a lot of my “old favorites” too – they’re like that ratty flannel shirt that just feels good.
Hi Denise! That’s totally understandable. Thank you for commenting!
Hi Mary! We are thankful to have you as part of this community of wonderful readers. Please take care. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Penelope! Haha, I like how you put it—old favorites are like ratty flannel shirts. :) Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I really haven’t changed my reading. But I’ve always gone for romances with happy endings so there is that. I try to not watch much news because I know it doesn’t do any good to worry. God’s got this.
I generally like to read happy books that will take me away while reading. But other times I want suspense, mystery that I can get wrapped up in and forget everything till I find out who done it. I especially like to have a little romance in with that.
I don’t think my moods play a part in my choice of reading materials. I Just don’t like to read the same genre for too long and so I will switch back and forth every few books.
Hi Kathy! That’s smart. And you’re so right—God is in control. Take care! Thanks for commenting!
Hi Nancy! Oh, romantic suspense is a great genre. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Linda! Variety keeps things interesting. :) Thanks for commenting!