Chapter 1: The Shift in Reading Habits

As I have begun to appreciate a more leisurely way of life, my approach to reading has transformed accordingly. Rather than hastily devouring a book within days and quickly moving on to the next, I now find myself reading only one or two titles each month. This slower pace enables me to fully engage with the book—not just the narrative, but also the underlying themes, significances, and insights. I take the time to contemplate the characters and their journeys, allowing their experiences to resonate with my own, almost as if I'm accompanying them on their adventures.

In my school years, I often immersed myself in extensive fantasy series, spanning anywhere from three to fifteen volumes. However, my current full-time job, which often involves long hours, has curtailed my reading time significantly. Hobbies like gaming, baking, and watching movies further consume my leisure hours. Nevertheless, I choose to view this constraint positively: when I do read, each moment becomes precious, allowing me to dive deeply into the story without the risk of burnout. I always look forward to the next opportunity to open a book.

One of my favorite reading spots is during my commute on the train. There’s something soothing about turning the pages of a captivating book while the train glides along the tracks. The scenery is often beautiful, reminiscent of a scene from a Studio Ghibli film, which heavily influences my outlook on life and how I wish to experience it.

I used to feel like I was lagging behind my peers, but discussions with friends have revealed that many of us share that sentiment in various areas of our lives. I’ve consciously decided not to perceive life as a race. I take pleasure in a slow, deliberate approach, savoring each day as it unfolds. While some thrive on speed and urgency, I find that it doesn’t suit me.

When I maintained a Bookstagram account, I often felt overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with current literary trends. While others shared their thoughts on the latest bestsellers, I was still navigating through my extensive to-be-read list, which was becoming quite costly as well.

Reading should be a delightful experience, not a burden. I now focus primarily on books that nourish the soul—those that impart a feel-good quality. If you have any recommendations in this vein, I’d love to hear them!

If reading starts to feel like a task, it might be time to reassess your habits. Perhaps you're consuming too much too fast, or maybe the genre you once enjoyed is no longer appealing; exploring new genres might reignite your passion. Personally, I seldom read fantasy these days. Currently, I gravitate toward slice-of-life and travel fiction.

Here are a few titles I recommend:

• One Thousand Stars and You by Isabelle Broom
• The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern
• Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

I’d also like to mention a book I’ve only partially read but have been enjoying immensely: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum.

This has been a delightful read so far, and I believe it’s perfect for summer! If you've read any of the titles mentioned or have suggestions of your own, please share in the comments!

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this post; your support is always appreciated.

Chapter 2: Books for the Soul

Reading has the power to heal and inspire, acting as a remedy for the soul. Books can be a source of comfort and wisdom, enhancing our lives in ways we often overlook.

The first video, "Books for the brain, heart and soul; better than a doctor actually!" delves into how literature can profoundly impact our well-being and mental health.

The second video, "Books I'd sell my soul to read again for the first time," explores those unforgettable reads that leave a lasting impression, inviting us to revisit their magic.