Inspired by Nerro’s post weired reading habits, I decided to write mine :) So, here are some of my reading rituals:

Most of my “deep” readings are done in bed. I prefer reading alone in order to minimize interruptions and also because I sometimes talk to authors like “eih el gamal dah ya Kundera!” which is something would make others declare me an official lunatic for! On my bed, there are always 1-2 books. When I am heading to bed not too exhausted and intending to read, I bring along something nice to drink or chew on like juice or chocolate. It’s like a combo pleasure experience; a good book for my heart and mind and happy food for my stomach :)

I used to underline the lines I like using any pen or pencil until I found out about the colored flags (thanks to Nerro!). I have a database of all the books I have with a very important column; “borrowed by”. Yes, I lend my books to friends because I like to encourage people to read. Of course I stress that I need my books in the same condition I gave them in. In my whole life, I have given away almost five books (besides my adolescence “Ragol el Mosta7eel”). I don’t borrow books. When I do, I don’t read them. I think I get scared of liking the book and not being able to give it back.

I usually read one book at a time unless they’re from two different genres (one poetry and one novel) or different languages. I am a fast reader. If while reading I skip even a word, there would be something nipping at my mind and I am never at peace but when I get back and read the whole line again.

I do not look at page numbers. Whenever I catch myself peaking at them, I know I am bored.

I don’t spend too much money in anything except books. I have unread books that would suffice my needs for the coming two or three years. So, a few months ago, I had a serious stop with myself and took a decision of not buying any books for the rest of the year. I am committed to the decision so far :)

From college days, I still have the habit of reading parts of the English books out loud, something I used to do to fix my accent. One weird habit I miss very much is reading dictionaries! Yes, I used to read Al Mawred English-Arabic during college days and used to enjoy it very much. I think I stopped because there are many, many other books that are snatching me to read them.