Original post by Tiffany Wincek, Product Liaison at OverDrive | July 27, 2020 | OverDrive Blog
“I’m not one who sets reading goals. Unless it was for a free personal pan pizza. Remember the BOOK IT! program? Anyone? Turns out it’s still a thing…
I tend to read whatever and whenever I want to, but I am pretty much always reading a book, listening to a book, or both. I have been trying to read more nonfiction, whether it pertains to current events or self-growth. However, I have seen my love of fantasy grow even more. Is it because of the pandemic, the social issues, and being cooped up? I’m not sure, but I bet it’s played a part. I have also been reading more fantasy with super strong female characters (lots from authors Sarah J. Maas, Victoria Aveyard, and Claire Legrand). Having a series to immerse myself in is like the comfort food of books for me. Not unlike a personal pan pizza.”
-Lisa, Training Specialist
“My attention span and focus has fluctuated throughout the first half of 2020. Lately, I’ve been reading short stories, poetry, or articles. Content-wise, my focus is more on nonfiction, education, and current events than the fiction I usually crave during the summer months. Most recently, I’ve put a majority of my energy toward awareness and educating myself on news and issues. “
-Gabby, Training Specialist
“I am a lover of audiobooks. In the past, I would listen to them in my car going to and from work. Now that I am home most days, I have been listening to audiobooks while taking a daily walk. For me this is a win-win. I am getting exercise and a way to continue enjoying wonderful stories.”
-Stacey, UX Analyst
“I’ve read more in the last four months than I did in all of 2019. I’ve circled back to my TBR list and finally read books I’ve long been meaning to: A Discovery of Witches, A Little Life, The Cruel Prince Trilogy (all of which I LOVED). I reread books to see if my opinions changed: Twilight (I fully get why I devoured them as a young adult), The Divine Comedy: Inferno (it just made sense to revisit Hell), and The Lovely Bones (harder now as a mother but still one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read).
I read buzzworthy books like Darling Rose Gold and My Dark Vanessa — if you read those both in succession, I suggest a much lighter, feel good book immediately after, like In Five Years. You might cry, but you won’t be knuckle-white clenching your couch pillows like I was with those first two. I also read and listened to books I needed to, books that challenged the view I had of my own seemingly open mind: White Fragility and Me and White Supremacy.
I learned a lot. Reading is still an escape for me, but in our world today, I don’t know if it always should be. We should feel uncomfortable and challenged. We learn more by listening and reading than we do by speaking. Going forward, I hope to continue to choose books that challenge my world view.”
-Christina, Outreach Specialist
“I’ve definitely increased my listening of political podcasts, which has then influenced my reading choices via interviews with authors or recommendations from guests. Since we’re trying to cook more at home to a) pass the time and b) improve our cooking skills, I’ve been working my way through way more audiobooks whilst in the kitchen. Most recently, I’ve taken advantage of the Black Lives Matter: Community Read titles being offered through my local public library, and I’ve also been seeking out more books from Black authors in general. I’m doing what I can to educate myself so that I can be a better advocate.”
-Ben, Account Manager
“Usually my goal is to read one book per month, but I’ve only read one in the past several months despite having more time at home since I’m not commuting to work. While that feels disappointing, my kids have started to take an interest in my all-time favorite comic, Calvin and Hobbes, to balance out the reading joy. The best moment so far was when my son quoted Calvin out of the blue when we were playing outside and said, ‘Dad, I’m telling the newspapers about you.’”
-Beau, Team Lead
About the Author:
Tiffany Wincek, the Product Liaison for OverDrive Education, taught in New York public schools for 10 years prior to joining Team OverDrive. She holds degrees in English, education, and literacy and loves making authentic connections with and providing solutions for OverDrive partners. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, lifting heavy things, and listening to nothing but Nothing But Thieves.
