I’d Rather Be Reading Summary

Books are not only a reflection of our souls but also a mirror to our lives, marking every chapter with memories, emotions, and growth.

1. Favorite Books Reflect Your Identity

Books serve as windows into a person's personality and experiences. When asked about her favorite book, Anne Bogel found herself hesitant to respond, realizing that her choice could shape others' perceptions of her. This shows how deeply personal book preferences can be.

Our favorite books often change with time. As people evolve, so do their interests, and these shifts are captured in the titles they cherish. A book that resonated with someone during adolescence might not hold the same appeal later in life, yet it remains a snapshot of who they were.

Books also serve as markers for key moments in our lives. Whether it's a novel read during a life-changing vacation or one discarded during heartbreak, the books we interact with act as timestamps, capturing a piece of us in that period.

Examples

• Anne hesitated to mention Brideshead Revisited to a friend, fearing it might seem "too serious."
• She recalls different phases of her life through the books she was reading at those times.
• Bogel keeps a simple reading log to remember the books she’s read and revisit the memories they stir.

2. Books Amplify Life’s Emotions

Books have a unique way of intensifying our emotional experiences. They can move us to tears, laughter, or deep reflection, often influencing how we see the world. For instance, children's books like Old Yeller have long left young readers mourning over loss and courage.

Reading helps us live vicariously through fictional characters, experiencing their joys, fears, and sorrows. This builds empathy and helps us prepare for real-life experiences—whether first love, heartbreak, or loss—that books might have already navigated for us.

Even more fascinating is how books can align with life at just the right moment. Bogel recounts reading The Divine Conspiracy about living in the present, only to have it guide her through a family health challenge, creating a strong emotional connection between life and literature.

Examples

• Bogel cried listening to A Man Called Ove, overwhelmed by its poignant storytelling.
• Old Yeller teaches children deep emotional lessons about loyalty and sacrifice.
• The Divine Conspiracy gave Bogel strength when her son faced a medical crisis.

3. Reading is a Lifelong Evolution

Our journey as readers is ever-changing. In childhood, books might spark wonder or curiosity. By adolescence and early adulthood, they challenge our thinking and broaden our horizons, often pushed forward by recommendations from others.

As readers grow, they shift from consuming suggested literature to choosing books that speak to their personal interests. For Bogel, this came in her early 20s when she discovered engrossing classics like Rebecca and Jane Eyre, which expanded her understanding of storytelling.

Ultimately, past reading experiences never really leave us. They layer onto our identities, reminding us of who we’ve been. Bogel still sees herself as the little girl enthralled by her father’s bedtime stories, the young adult tearing through Jane Eyre, or the new mom reading Frog and Toad to her child.

Examples

• As a child, Bogel stayed up late, reading Emily of New Moon by flashlight.
• Rebecca captivated her in her 20s, showing her the magic of older literature.
• Childhood books like Frog and Toad take her back to reading with her own children.

4. Books Build and Test Friendships

Books are inherently social, working as bridges that connect people rather than solitary escapes. Discussing literature, sharing recommendations, or participating in book clubs can deeply bond individuals.

On the flip side, books can sometimes strain relationships. Bogel warns against book "bossiness," where readers push their preferences onto others or make judgments based on someone’s bookshelf. This approach can come off as imposing or dismissive.

To recommend effectively, focus on understanding what your friend would enjoy rather than projecting your own tastes. Thoughtful suggestions based on someone’s quirks or preferences can strengthen connections rather than isolate them.

Examples

• Bogel cherishes her “book twin,” a friend whose reading preferences perfectly align with hers.
• Misguided “fix-it” recommendations, such as giving someone a book to change their mind, create unnecessary friction.
• Bonds over shared dislikes, like mutual indifference toward hyped novels, can form new friendships.

5. Tackling Book Organization is a True Endeavor

Organizing bookshelves presents unique challenges for any book lover. Should books be sorted alphabetically, by genre, or by personal sentiment? Each method has its pros and cons, often reflecting the owner’s personality and priorities.

Bogel emphasizes that a proper library needs enough shelves. This might mean stacking books horizontally or creatively doubling up shelves to make space for a growing collection.

Duplicates add another element to the equation. Instead of keeping every edition, Bogel suggests maintaining only the copy with the most sentimental or aesthetic value while sharing the rest with others through donations or gifts.

Examples

• Alphabetizing ensures easy access but might feel sterile compared to thematic organization.
• Horizontal stacking creates extra room but can look cluttered.
• Personal shelves, such as Bogel’s “friends and family” collection, add sentimental value.

6. Books Resonate Differently Each Time They’re Read

Rereading offers an opportunity to uncover new layers of a book. A story read once may offer entertainment, but reading it again with new life experiences can reveal deeper meanings and connections.

For example, Bogel struggled with the start of Crossing to Safety initially, finding the characters confusing. The second time she read it, those characters felt familiar, and their grief hit her much harder, taking her by surprise.

Every re-read speaks to the reader’s current state of mind, environment, and life situation. It’s like encountering an old friend with whom new conversations always unfold, making the experience unique each time.

Examples

• Rereading books like Crossing to Safety brought deeper emotional connection to Bogel.
• Moments of grief and love hit differently depending on the reader’s stage in life.
• Books that felt mundane decades ago might suddenly seem profound upon revisiting.

7. Books Are Markers of Life’s Journey

Books, like photographs, can act as time capsules. Specific stories are forever tied to particular periods or experiences, representing growth and change over time.

A book might remind us of a past phase, like the joy of a teenage romance novel or a meaningful self-help book read during trying circumstances. Bogel finds comfort in logging her reading experiences to keep these reflections alive.

Such records allow lifelong readers to revisit their literary journeys, connecting them with memories otherwise forgotten.

Examples

• Anne logs her books with a simple star system to mark special reads.
• She associates discarded books with moments like heartbreak, as if closing those chapters.
• Books read during vacations or pivotal life events remain vivid reminders of those times.

8. Acknowledgments Hold Hidden Gems

Acknowledgments and author notes—often skipped by readers—offer valuable insights into the storytelling process. They reveal the author’s personal struggles, inspirations, and efforts behind the work.

For example, Louise Penny's A Great Reckoning shares heartfelt gratitude for the caregiving that allowed her to write during difficult times. This intimacy gives readers a richer understanding of the book itself.

These sections also highlight the tireless work of research that goes unnoticed. Bogel loves the stories behind books, such as Laura Hillenbrand scouring obscure archives while writing Seabiscuit.

Examples

• Louise Penny’s acknowledgment reveals gratitude during her husband’s dementia battle.
• Laura Hillenbrand placed “information wanted” ads for Seabiscuit, uncovering hidden gems.
• Acknowledgments humanize authors, creating deeper connections between readers and creators.

9. A Bookworm’s Passion is Never a Waste

For Bogel and fellow book enthusiasts, the act of reading isn’t solely about information or productivity. It’s an art, a hobby, and a joy worth indulging in. The richness it adds to life is more than enough reason to embrace the identity of an unapologetic bookworm.

Even if faced with unending reading lists or book-buying guilt, the challenges and passions connected with books remain some of life’s happiest problems to solve. After all, a library—organized or chaotic—is a mirror of passion, not perfection.

Books are companions, shaping and enriching our lives as they journey with us through every stage.

Examples

• Dabbling in books without guilt reflects a true love for stories.
• Re-reading cherished favorites reignites a love for old, familiar friends.
• Exploring libraries and bookstores is a shared joy among all booklovers.

Takeaways

1. Set up a reading log to track books, memories, and impressions—it will help preserve experiences tied to reading.
2. Organize your bookshelf in a way that blends function and creativity, whether it’s alphabetical or based on personal themes like “friends and family.”
3. Reread favorite books periodically to discover new interpretations and connect them with your changing self.