Finishing War And Peace

A Little Bookish Life Update

Photo by me

Happy Sunday guys!!!

Does finishing a book count as a life update? To me it surely does, and especially when said book is War and Peace. Especially in the current age when everyone everywhere is talking about people’s diminishing attention span, reading a book as bulky as War and Peace definitely feels like an achievement.

It was definitely daunting, when I started listening to the book on Audible seeing the 61-hour duration. But once I got started, the story pulled me right in. I also started keeping a reading journal for the first time because I was afraid I won’t remember things. Although that didn’t happen, I’m still glad I started the journal, it really transformed my reading experience and I’m definitely going to continue with it.

I finally finished the book yesterday, after two and half months. It’s the longest I’ve ever taken to read a book, but once again, it’s War and Peace. Also, this is the first time I have read a book without letting it take over my whole life, I’ve read slowly, a little bit at a time, without neglecting the other responsibilities of my life.

There’s a lot I haven’t understood, and only a year ago it would have made me question myself. I have often felt like I’m not smart enough because I don’t always understand a story’s every aspect right away. But now I know that that’s where re-reading comes in. Every time I re-read a story, I am able to see it in a new light, to understand it on a deeper level. So, I’ll leave the deeper understanding for my next reads, for now, I am happy to have just read this story. It was such an experience, that’s what I’d call this book. An experience.

If you have ever considered reading this book but have been intimidated by its length, then I’d suggest don’t think of the length. Take one chapter at a time, and the chapters are rather short, so they’re easy to tackle. Maybe join a book club or a buddy read if you can, and don’t shy away from audiobooks. I myself have used both an audiobook, an e-book and a physical book. And most importantly, take your time to fully enjoy what you’re reading. Reading a book is about actually experiencing it, not about hitting a number.

With that, I’ll end this week’s post. I hope you’re having a nice weekend. What are your bookish life updates? Don’t forget to let me know.

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Also, if you’d like me to write for you, you can contact me at joyiewrites@gmail.com