I'd Rather Be Reading

The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

By: Anne Bogel

Narrated by: Anne Bogel

Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

For so many people, reading isn't just a hobby or a way to pass the time - it's a lifestyle. Our books shape us, define us, enchant us, and even sometimes infuriate us. Our books are a part of who we are as people, and we can't imagine life without them.

I'd Rather Be Reading is the perfect literary companion for everyone who feels that way. In this collection of charming and relatable reflections on the reading life, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads people to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them who they are today.

Known as a reading tastemaker through her popular podcast What Should I Read Next?, Bogel invites book lovers into a community of like-minded people to discover new ways to approach literature, learn fascinating new things about books and publishing, and reflect on the role reading plays in their lives. The perfect gift for the bibliophile in everyone's life, I'd Rather Be Reading will also command an honored place in the audio library of any book lover.

©2018 Mission Audio (P)2018 Mission Audio

Critic reviews

"Bogel doesn't mull over the reading life--that would be too sedate. Instead, she busts with enthusiasm and joy, and it is infectious and absolutely charming." (AudioFile)

Short Book About Books

This is a short, at times charming book about reading books. It is narrated by the author. It is a page turner.

The performance is terrible

The book is read so fast. I tried slowing down and it sounded like it was coming from inside a can. The written version is good, the audible is so fast that it hard to focus on what the written word is saying. Too bad. I like her podcasts.

Touched my heart

Everything Anne wrote about as a reader I can relate so much. Even though I have only become a reader couple years ago, I have found myself enjoying reading so much that this has become the reason that I would rather be staying home than partying and socializing.

Positively delightful and so much readerly fun!

In just 2 short commutes to and from my office, I enjoyed the Audio version of this charming book. I chuckled to myself and thought "that is so me!" more time than I care to count!
Absolutely delightful, charming, and felt oddly like catching up with an old, bookish friend.

great for book lovers!

if you love what should I read next you will love this book! it's a must for those who love to read

A love letter to readers

If you don't know Anne, she is a bibliophile who shares her passion for books with the world through her blog Modern Mrs Darcy. That's how I found out about her books, by reading her recommendations first. I have also read (or more rather listened to her other book: Reading People, which explores her other passion of psychology and personality types). I prefer this one by far. It's was a lovely fast read, a love letter to readers, of all types of books. Because it doesn't matter if you have read all the classics or none at all, you are a reader, and I'd rather be reading too.

Quick fun read, for readers

I don’t think this book would convince someone who isn’t particularly interested in books, to start reading. But it wasn’t written to that end. No this book is for people who already make books and reading a big part of their lives, and they want to hear from someone who feels the exact same way. It’s like having a long lunch with a friend, 2 hours and 23 minutes, to be precise, because you both can’t stop talking about your favorite reads.

It’s a lovely light read, tho there are a few passages that go on long after a point is made. And the narration is a smidge choppy. But the love and enthusiasm the author has for books, is well conveyed, and if you love reading, I think you will enjoy this book.

Lovely Book

This book made me smile on bads days. When I buy a home, it will be close to a Library. She has a lovely voice. Excuse me now while I go to watch 'You've Got Mail' and begin a reading journal ♡

"Cup of Steaming Coffee For The Soul."

I'm inspired and encouraged to be a lifelong reader after listening to the author. I will listen to the audio again many time.

Great little book about books.

I enjoyed the book immensely. I enjoyed it more reading it on kindle. I slowed down the speed and it was a bit better of a listen.