20: stack of hardbacks, tree lights, reading several books at a time

my book stack

I love a good stack of books. 

Something so wonderful to just look at them.

Truth is: I am a reader who can dip into and out of books over and over and keep going. I am capable of keeping the threads of the story together and I really love.

I do not enjoy finishing books that I love. As weird as that may seem, I love reading them, not finishing them.

That may be why I struggled a bit with being on BookTube (though in 2026 I am coming back ;-)

I have several bookshelves. They aren't huge ones and I am sure I could use one or two more, but they are filled with novels I have read or am very excited to read.

I am not a book collector. Sure, I have several editions of my favorite novels, but I generally keep books that I am desperate to read and then I pass them on in one way or another. 

Reading several books at a time allows me to keep pace with my internal heart that longs for great literature. I use books to help me live a fulfilled life and while I do demand a lot from the literature I read, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I have zero judgment for anyone. It seems fashionable now to judge people for what they read, how much they do or don't read, and elitism runs deep within the book community.

I, on the other hand, can truly see the value in every reading style. For me? there is a certain complexity I demand from my literature and from the stories I consume. 

Every time I try to read more contemporary or lighter literature, I personally feel like I've eaten a lot of cake. It starts off great, but 1/2 way through I am sick to my stomach. I am longing for mashed potatoes and lentil stew. This was a horrendous analogy, but you get my point!

Now I'm off to organize these stacks of books and put together all of the books I bought myself this holiday season. 

Happy multi-book reading ☕️