I don't know about you, but I am an obsessive page checker when I read. How many pages are in this book? How long is this chapter? How many more pages until I finish? Those are all questions I find myself asking almost constantly when I read. My question to you is: do you do the same?
I have been told numerous times whilst reading that it's odd to constantly check page numbers, that it makes reading less enjoyable, and that I'm one of few who does it. I still continue to do it, and it seems it has become a habit that I can't break, because I just need to know how many pages I have left. It's become a bit obsessive, if I'm being totally honest, and I've found that I can't relax and properly enjoy a book unless I check. Some would argue that this defeats the point of reading for enjoyment, but it's something that's very important to me. Why, I don't know. It just is.
But what I want to know is: am I alone in this? Do other readers care about the number of pages in their books? If yes, do they become obsessive about it and constantly check, like I do? In short: do pages matter?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
OH I thought I was alone in this, I tend to get pretty obsessive with the pages too and I can relate to you so much. Like, if I start a chapter I need to see how many pages I have left until the chapter finishes. I have to see how many pages are left! And it doesn't necessarily mean I'm not enjoying the book or anything. I really am. But like you said, it's become a sort of habit so it's heart to break. I'm so happy to know I'm not the only one!
ReplyDeleteThat exactly how I feel! Except I also tend to get uncomfortable starting a chapter if I don't check the pages first, which I guess is really pathetic and obsessive. I just can't stop though. I'm glad I'm not alone though!
DeleteI check the number of pages constantly. It's borderline obsessive. I don't think it ruins the enjoyment of a book, I think it helps the reader set timely goals so one can read as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on setting goals. Especially if I've only got half an hour before I need to leave for college and the next chapter is over 40 pages long and the story isn't particularly fast to read.
DeleteI didn't even consider that my page checking was even weird until I read this. Wow I thought everyone did it. I always check page length, how many pages I've read how many until the next chapter etc It doesn't ruin the experience for me at all I like doing it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't find checking weird at all, but most people I've spoken to/mentioned it to in real life think it is and say that they don't bother. I like doing it too because I like to see how much progress I've made with the book.
DeleteI also do it but it never occured to me that it's weird or something like that. It's just a habit I developed over the time ... I mostly check how long I have left in a chapter and it's a goal I'm working towards then. For example, how long it takes me to finish it - it's actually more fun then! :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, I just discovered your blog because you commented at Prescription Fiction! Your blog is really lovely and I'm following you now! :D
I can't even remember when I started doing it, it's just always been something I do. I agree though, making goals of reading chapters was fun, and it helped me read in a timely manner (like I'd let myself read 2 chapters before bed so that I didnt stay up too late).
DeleteThank you! Do you have a blog at all? :)
Exactly! Although that mostly didn't work with me ... then I'll read another chapter and another one and before I even know it's already 2am. :D
DeleteI have one, yes! It's also a book blog - A world between folded pages :)
Oh dear! But sometimes books are just too good to put down so reading until the early hours is something you have to do.
DeleteOoh, I'll definitely go check it out! :D