How has your reading changed as you’ve gotten older, if at all?
From a materials standpoint, I find it harder to find books I really love; too often they don’t seem all that original. They’re OK, but I often feel just a tad bored around the edges. This is especially true of sci-fi/fantasy, books I used to read constantly when I was younger. I think that’s why I tend to gravitate toward nonfiction these days.
From an attention standpoint, I find that as I get older it’s become really hard to stay focused. If a book is super complicated, I’ll have to go back (“Who was that character again???”). That’s one the reasons I like ebooks - they’re searchable. And I don’t remember books as well after a few months. I remember I read it & the general plot, but not always the finer details.
My reading has definitely changed. For one I read genres I never read when younger. I now read history,biography and memoirs to learn and to get point of views other than my own.
I am also reading classics, and prize winning books like the Booker and Pullitzer prize winning book. I was never into that before.I have discovered authors amd genres that I never would have tried when I was younger.
I have read the same genres all my life, but I do read and enjoy historical mystery more now.
Great question.
When I was younger I read a lot of classics. Besides classics I now enjoy mysteries, historical fiction and all of the new releases being published each month. I wish that I would read more non fiction. I try but not very successful.
Unless it’s a book that has really captured me, I don’t read as fast as I used to. I’ve always read mysteries & they continue to be my book of choice but I’m finding it more difficult to find ones that I’m a real advocate for. I’m also a sucker for WW II fiction, perhaps to remind me that the good guys win in the end. SInce COVID, I find myself gravitating towards more uplit titles–books with an unlikely group of individuals coming together to form a supportive community to achieve a goal. I don’t always need a happy ending but justice must be sesrved.
I find myself not finishing more books. The market is flooded with so many self published books. There are so many great books that I chose not to waste my time on books I do not enjoy.
From as far back in my childhood as I can remember, I have gravitated towards nonfiction. As I have grown older, I am still more interested in non-fiction than fiction, but find that the proliferation of literary historical fiction has created for me a new go-to genre. That said, I do love a riproaring humorous lighthearted beach type of read from time to time.
My reading as I’ve reached my “senior” years exactly reflects what Kim Kovac’s wrote in her post. I have found that in the last few years I’ve become more easily distracted. I believe this is due to how information is disseminated electronically and instantly via short snippets. Because of this, I have deactivated my social media accounts and am also focusing on limiting exposure to the political turmoil in our country. I will stay aware, but I’m not going to let it turn me into a basket of anxiety.
Gravitated to authors in other parts of the world. I love books with unique points of views, especially objects telling their story.
Audiobooks were not a “thing” when I was younger. I am grateful for them every day! eBooks were also not available, but provide my weakening arms with the ability to “read in the dark” without holding up a heavy book. As I child, I was often chastised for reading by the hall light or a flashlight. Another gift to me! I used to say I led an accompanied life, as often Mozart, Stravinsky, Baez ran through my mind. Now I lead a literary life, as I am accompanied by words.
I always liked a variety of genres and continue to do so. I am part of a group of women friends who share books, and I find that I try more different types of books this way, compared to only choosing books at a library or bookstore. I am also a retired educator and now I am reading more for myself, rather than trying to find what would interest different ages and varieties of students. I do find that I don’t feel bad anymore about just putting a book down if it has not engaged me after the first few chapters. So many books left to read!
I used to read tons of mysteries and thrillers but as someone else said they now seem pretty hohum and lacking in originality.
I read a lot of reviews (thanks BookBrowse!) and try to limit my fiction reading to primarily the books that are consistently getting high quality, rave reviews. I also seek out small presses to get off the main path. There is some great lit that just doesn’t get a lot of promotion.
I read more books in translation now than ever before. Europa Editions publishes some wonderful titles as do some of the small presses. I’ve found a couple of wonderful novels from Ukranian authors.
Finally, I read a lot more nonfiction. Social justice is extremely important to me and I am constantly hoping to better understand what the “other guys” are trying to accomplish and what makes them tick. Always curious…
I used to primarily read nonfiction. The fiction that I read was limited to a small group of authors. My exposure to fiction widened a lot when I joined a monthly book group. Three years ago, my reading broadened a lot more after joining Book Browse. I’ve read even fiction from so many different authors that I would not have made time to read.
On a related note: I’ve kept a book journal for over 30 years. It’s interesting to look back at the phases or interests that I’ve had each year. I really encourage everyone to consider keeping a book journal if you aren’t already keeping one.
I continue to enjoy historical fiction. Always have. But now I have a 50 page rule. If I"m not hooked in 50 pages, then I move onto another book. So many good books, so little time.
I also keep a book journal, like Jill. It helps me to remember booksthat I enjoyed and details about it.
I find that I’m rereading a lot more than in the past. I’ve pulled some that struck me as keepers in the past and am reading again to see what had intrigued me about them. Things like Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier and The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I know when I finish these I will find others on my shelves that I’ll want to go back to.
Like several have mentioned I am reading more genres now than when I was younger, although I lean more heavily into non-fiction and historical fiction. Also, I used to seek out the books with all the buzz and sizzle but now I find that the majority of those books, especially contemporary / women’s fiction, hold less (if no) appeal as they often lack originality. Finally, not finishing a book was unheard of whereas now I have no problem setting a book aside even in the first few pages.
In terms of format, I rarely read physical books, especially paperbacks, anymore. My preference is strongly for the digital formats - ebooks and audiobooks.
That’s really great that you have data from 30 years of reading!
That’s a great rule to read by.
As an English major, I felt compelled to read as many classics as possible just because I thought that’s what I should do. In my 30s I was all about nonfiction and wanting to know more about things. In my 50s, it’s about fun and mood reading, mostly fiction. Yay!