
I'd Rather Be Reading
The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
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Narrated by:
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Anne Bogel
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By:
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Anne Bogel
About this listen
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 AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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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)
What listeners say about I'd Rather Be Reading
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- C Major
- 12-23-20
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.
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- David Thomas
- 03-12-23
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.
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- AngCaiRan
- 04-18-23
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Jamie
- 03-21-23
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.
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- Joseph
- 01-24-25
Like keeping a travel photo album.
I like the various tips on reading she gave through out the book. For example the chapter “I’d rather be reading” spoke about the benefits of keeping a reading journal. Though a reader “would rather be reading” and enjoying the moment, keeping a reading diary, like keeping a travel photo album would help you re-enjoy precious moments in the future.
Finished listening- Jan 24, 2025.
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- Lili
- 09-30-18
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.
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- Kindle Customer
- 09-01-23
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 ♡
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- lexvettech
- 12-29-18
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
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- Ari@The Bookish Coven
- 07-10-23
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.
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- LiveFasted
- 11-10-24
Passion for books
I really enjoyed this book. Part autobiographical, part a celebration of all things books. More and more I'm finding that I love when authors read their own writings and Ms Bogel does a superb job of reading this work. I was constantly laughing out loud and shaking my head in agreement. She is an excellent writer and a great communicator.
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