Book Review of I'd Rather be Reading by Anne Bogel.

Thank you Baker Books for the free review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

“We are readers. Books are an essential part of our lives and of our life stories. For us, reading isn’t just a hobby or a pastime; its a lifestyle.” - Page 14

Anne’s love for books is inspiring and contagious. I still remember the day I first discovered her blog. It was in the middle of the night and I was desperately trying to get my newborn baby to fall asleep. I was so tired and so discouraged. I loved to read growing up and had read some books as an adult, but that night I was keenly aware that something was missing in my life and that was reading and books. It suddenly occurred to me that I could read a book while I was up at two o’clock in the morning feeding my son instead of endlessly scrolling Instagram hoping a new photo would pop up. Once I made this revelation I was faced with the real problem and that was, What should I read next? I knew about all of the classics, but I had no idea where to start with contemporary literature. I did what any person would do, I googled blogs for readers, and sure enough, one called Modern Mrs Darcy was popped up. I was quickly brought to a page filled with happy pictures of books and a picture of a woman who was genuinely excited about what she was reading. I started at the beginning. I read every single blog post Anne had written and after that, I knew I needed to arm myself with a library card. I toted my very small baby with me to the library and applied for a library card. After I was given access to thousands of free books I stood with my phone in my hand at the new release shelf. To my complete surprise, I was greeted by books that Anne herself had talked about in glowing terms on her blog. I took home ten books that day and never looked back. The year my son was born I read one hundred and eleven books. Most of which came recommended by my new friend Anne. I think it was at this point that I just decided that she was my bookish friend because we had so many late night book conversations. Sure she didn’t know about them, but that didn’t matter to me. I finally had a book friend and I was thrilled. Several years later I would get the amazing opportunity to meet Anne in real life and it was just about the most fun day ever. 

I have been honored to be on the launch team for both of Anne’s books, but I will share a secret with you. I was most excited when I heard that this book was released this month.  I learned so much in her previous nonfiction book Reading People and have recommended it to so many people. But a book about, “The delights and dilemmas of the reading life," just thrilled me. Plus I knew the cover was going to be beautiful and each chapter would appeal to my bookish heart. This book does not disappoint. It gives you peace to be the reader you want to me without judgment. Throughout my reading of the book, I kept nodding my head thinking, YES THAT’S ME TOO!!! I have turned on way too many movies for my son so I could finish my book, I have packed a book with me during an emergency, and I have read those beach books on the beach with no shame. The life a book lover is a real thing. Reading gives life and should never ever be considered silly or time wasting. This book is for book lovers and will be a delightful addition to your library.

Happy Reading,
Rachael