Reading Habits

Reflecting on reading that brings us joy

by Kelly D. Belmonte

I come from a family of readers. Books were gifts for birthdays and Christmases, and friends for the journey. It was no great surprise then that I eventually became an English major in college (though I didn’t start out that way… a story for a different time). Nor is it shocking that I read daily, always at bedtime and often at other times throughout the day.

What is a bit interesting, at least to me upon reflection, is the type of books I choose to read, and why I choose those particular books. With some exceptions, I read primarily murder mysteries, fantasy (e.g. Lawhead, Eddings), poetry, and nonfiction having to do with some work-related subject (I earn my keep in nonprofit fundraising and development consulting). These days, I also read novels and memoirs assigned in my book club and some books recommended by my college-age son (because he’s fun and smart, and maybe I’ll learn something from him).

I mainly borrow books from the library, unless it’s poetry by friends in which case I’ll definitely buy my own copy for keeps, or if it’s a book I’ll want to reference later. I don’t have enough space or money to purchase every book I want to read, so it’s the library for the rest of it. For the past few years, I’ve kept track of the books I finish in a little notebook, so I remember what I’ve already read when I go back to the library. In looking back through that notebook, I definitely read more murder mysteries than any other genre.

I can’t remember when I started reading mysteries, but I know I’ve kept reading them for several reasons:

1. My mom reads mysteries as well. In fact, she has read so many that she keeps a running e-catalog of all those she’s read with notes on what she liked or didn’t like about each book. It’s nice to be able to get and make book recommendations with her and compare notes. Books are bonding in this way.

2. Murder mysteries are usually compelling enough to keep me engaged but they’re not so dense that I can’t understand what I’m reading. I mainly read late at night after using my brain all day, so my book choice has to fit into that sweet spot. Mysteries fit.

3. If I especially like a mystery, I’ll read everything that author has written (especially if there’s a series with a particular protagonist). Which keeps me reading more mysteries. I like how the protagonist’s character arc can develop over the course of several books. There is a point of diminishing returns, however, particularly when an author gets to the point of writing with a co-author. That’s usually the sign for me to move on.

4. I like the puzzle aspect of a mystery. I like to feel like I’m figuring it out, but I also don’t want to be able to guess it too early in the story. If I identify the killer by chapter 2, I probably won’t be reading any more from that author. (Sorry!) I like being surprised at the end, which is what I like best about Agatha Christie.

5. The best mysteries (for me) deal with the same deep issues of life, death, morality, theology, relationships, etc. that good poetry deals with. P.D. James was great at this.

It’s funny to write all this out now about mysteries, because to be honest, I’ve often felt a little embarrassed by my book preferences—like I should be reading something more literary, having graduated with an English Lit degree and being a poet and whatnot. This exercise is helpful to me, though, because I can kind of sit outside myself and say, “Hey, those are pretty decent reasons for picking up a book.”

As if any of us needs an excuse to read.

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