Off Topic Tuesday: A Post About Reading

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." ~Groucho Marx

There have been several times in my life where I thought I needed to read more.
I go through phases of finishing a book and moving quickly on to the next, but then, for some reason, I stop in lieu of technology, or TV, or....well, nothing.

There's really no excuse for my lack of enthusiasm when it comes to books.
I've mentioned before that my love of books and reading came somewhere between 6th and 9th grade, when school forced me to read some BS drivel that I had no interest in finishing.

There are so many freaking books out there, this is obvious.
I feel like if I'm not reading, I am missing out on some great experience.
The thing is, as an adult, I have discovered that I really do like reading.
(I prefer writing, though. I am a much better writer than I am a reader. But that's beside the point.)
I can be transported to a world beyond the pages, to a place where my imagination runs wild, where I can see the characters and situations in my head...so why the resistence?
As mentioned above, I blame technology. It's much easier to pick up my phone or put on a movie or scroll around online than it is to invest time, effort, and thoughts into a book.

Bottom line: I need to change this way of thinking.

Almost one year ago on this blog, I wrote a post about the books I wanted to read last summer. Looking back on it now, I see I have only read one of those books. ONE. And my list was only 8 books long! I know some of you go through that many books in a matter of a few weeks.

My post today, a year later, is about how to get into it.

• What makes you love reading? 
• What books affirmed your love of reading?
• What are the best books you have ever read?
• Is it wrong for adults to want to read books meant for young adults? Because seriously, I love "The Hunger Games." (My answer to this is NO, by the way)
• Do you read a book and then want to go watch the movie to compare?
• Do you have any tips or tricks for people "just" getting into reading? 
• Any tips or tricks to stay focused on reading?
• Do you do anything while reading? Maybe have a candle going (AHHHH, SEE??? We cannot escape the world of wax)? Do you drink tea or coffee?
• When do you read? At night, in the morning, any time you get a spare moment?

If I have missed any questions, please feel free to add to my list. I am at a crossroads in my imaginative life here, folks. I NEED TO START READING!!!

Off Topic Tuesday: Summer Reading List!

I used to love reading...
...but high school happened and ruined everything.
They force you to read "classic," but classics to who?
Because I'm just gonna come out and say it: "Beowulf" is effing terrible. And long. And boring.

I want to start reading again. I like reading, I just can't seem to get over my high school experience!
So, this is my summer reading list. I know, it's nothing earth-shattering, but I am opened to suggestions.

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett: Saw the movie, loved it, my mother-in-law loved the book, and now I want to see how it's different. The time has come.

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins: The second in The Hunger Games series; really enjoyed the first one, so I want to read more! I want to see it before we watch the second movie in November (shouldn't be hard, they are addicting.

"Pride and Prejudice and Zombie" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith: zombies are all the rage right now, and I've heard decent things about this book. Anyone read it?

"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn: another book I've heard awesome things about from all over the internetsz and in magazines I read. Looking forward to this thriller the most!

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky: A coming-of-age story I've always wanted to read but never have. Prepare to be depressed?

LOL JK I ALREADY READ THIS RUBBISH AND IT'S AWFUL AND REPETITIVE AND MY BEST FRIEND MADE ME READ IT SO BLAME HER.

"World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War" by Max Brooks: I had a teacher in college who told me I should read this book, and he even gave it to me audio-style to read. I forgot about it. Now it's time.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson: everyone I know raves about this book, so I will give it a try!

What's on your summer reading list, waxy friends? Do you like reading? Any suggestions for me? I like pretty much anything!