Bookish Confessions

We all do it. We try to be good little readers - to always use bookmarks, to never crack the spine, to read the classics or the latest 'hot' novel. But we know in our hearts that something has to give - even the best book lover can't be perfect all the time. So here, for your amusement, are my Bookish Confessions. You'll never get me to admit to them out loud but that doesn't stop them being true!

I Break The Spines

Yes, I admit it, I like cracking the spines of my paperback books. There will, I know, be some readers of this post who will gasp in horror and never let me darken their web browser again. I can't offer any defence - I just find them more comfortable to hold once I've done it, especially when I'm around the halfway point. Plus, I like my books to look a little read when I'm done - we've been on a journey together, that book and I so we might both be a bit weather-beaten when we're done. I don't crack the spines on hardbacks though - I'm not a monster.

I 'Tent' Books

Another sin for quite a few readers of my acquaintance. For the most part, I do use bookmarks - bookmark collecting being second only to the acquisition of the books themselves as a retail activity that brings me pleasure. But sometimes you just want to pop a book down for a few moments while you grab a fresh cup of tea or a shawl to snuggle up in. And then...well, then I'll probably just pop the book upside down on the coffee table or the sofa for a bit. Usually only for five minutes or so. It's not like it's book neglect after all - for longer non-reading intervals, a bookmark (or train ticket/receipt/piece of paper randomly grabbed from my handbag) is always in use.

 I Read In The Bath

Water and books do not a good mix make but nothing beats a hot fluffy bubble bath (complete with Lush bath bomb, obviously), a mug of tea and a really good book. Write off the evening because that is me done. I've only dropped a book once or twice - a rapid trip to the airing cupboard followed by a couple of days in close proximity to the radiator whilst being weighted down with hardbacks (to combat wrinkly pages) usually rescues them enough to remain readable. I do (whisper it) sometimes take library books in to the bath though and also my Kindle. Yes, I like to live life on the edge...

For Every Book I Read, I've Probably Buy About Five

I don't keep a lot of read books - just a few favourites and reference books, along with signed editions and presents from friends & family. Which means the majority of the books in my office/library are unread. This has no impact upon my buying and borrowing habits whatsoever. I have a problem. I have accepted this. I believe there is no known cure.

I Have An Overambitious TBR

This is especially true when I take out multiple library books (current stack pictured). Only three weeks to read them? Huge hold list of eager readers waiting for me to finish? No problem, it'll be a cinch - I'll have them read in a weekend. My brain clearly thinks I'm still in uni with endless days ready to be filled with books, games and larking about. Instead I have a full-time job, a house to clean, clothes that need washing and ironing and a husband who occasionally wants to talk to me instead of my book cover. Renewals are my friend and library fines my old nemesis.

I Will Judge A Book By It's Cover

I mean, they're the first thing you see right? Publishers have been putting considerably more effort into cover design in recent years, with foiling and gorgeous artwork abound. But there's still the occasional dullard out there. All book lovers know them - there are memes and Buzzfeed posts filled with images of covers featuring stereotypical tropes; women turned slight away from the reader (often to be found on female centred historical fiction), sinister looking woodland in the fog (crime/thrillers), pastel line drawings of wine, cakes and svelte women in stylish clothing (chick lit) etc. Covers are supposed to be something of a guide to what's inside a book and, as such, I'll freely admit to judging them as a result. Yes, I know I might be missing out but a girl has to have some way of thinning out the crowd of books calling for attention right? Also, film tie-in covers are just a no, always.

Do you do any (or all!) or the above? Have I committed crimes against books and you'll never read my blog again? And what are your bookish confessions - don't try to pretend you don't have any! As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts and have a natter so do come and say hi over on Twitter (@amyinstaffs), drop me a comment down below or find me on Litsy, Goodreads and Instagram. This is a slightly more irreverent post than normal so if you like it (or even if you don't!) do let me know - I want to vary the blog content a bit so thought it might be nice to do something different. And, as always, until the next time...

Happy Reading! x