Thursday, June 11, 2015

Want vs Need ♥ Differentiating between review copies & books you want to read.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Feminist Reflections is a feature I created to share my personal thoughts and to provoke a discussion.

How do you differentiate between review copies and books you actually want to read?

So, as for review copies most of them are my own personal requests that I want to read. Other times, the books are unsolicited. There can be times when you request a book, but once it arrives - you might not be excited about it anymore? The books you actually want to read are books that have been on your TBR for quite some time now. I aim to read a book a day, sometimes I'm capable of reading 2-3 if I have more free time. I read faster on my kindle than print books, although I love print books much more. I can usually finish a book in 2 hours unless it's super long. A lot of people ask how I read so fast, here's why.

I always have a book with me. I try to read two books at at the same time. I read a different book with me on the train or bus and I read a different book at home, it's just more faster for me then.
If my professor isn't here yet, I read in class.
On the train, bus, or airplane I read and read.
When I'm at home, I walk around usually with two books in my hand in my free time.
I'm a night owl, I usually stay up until 4:00 am to pray and read, unless I have to wake up early.

What to do now?

I dedicate my Fridays to read books I want, and my Saturdays are all for review copies, the same for Sundays if I have time.  I'm not a complete book a holic, I have college and I do go out inbetween, although I rather stay home and cuddle up with a good book. During the weekdays, I'm a mood reader so I usually read a book I want to read, but other times if I have to meet deadlines, I read the review copy. A lot of times, I finish a review copy months before the deadline, that usually helps out a lot because then in the end you're not cramming and you don't feel pressured. Sometimes, I can slack off when I'm just not feeling it, but I usually get over it in two days.


Some of my review copies.

Books in my TBR.

What about you guys? Are you a mood reader? What do you read first, review copies or books you actually want to read? 

Thank you for reading this! Have an amazing month of June - Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & drop by :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures..

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron 
femmmefatalee@gmail.com



58 comments:

  1. I tend to read review copies first. However, sometimes I'm not in the mood for my review choices, and sneak something else in between from my TBR or books that I've purchased and haven't gotten around to. Great Discussion Post Benish! I like the pictures too :) My co-blogger, Ria, loved The Kiss of Deception, so I'm curious to see what you end up thinking of it!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. Yes, I'm hoping I enjoy The Kiss of Deception as the reviews have been raving ♥ Thank you Lindy!

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  2. I never used to think I was a mood reader, but since blogging and reviewing, I have definitely become one, especially because of review copies, I mean, before, I would buy a book and if I wasn't feeling it, i would just leave it and move on, and maybe go back to it if I wanted (I usually didn't, which is, uhm, why I have a huge box full of DNF'S I'm currently giving to my cousin to review, haha.) but now I try to stick to it and actually finish it (definitely if they are physical review copies, EARCS I'm not too bothered by.) and then if I didn't like it, I need something fun and fluffy and a quick read to get me back on track to get me back in a good reading mood. I am like you though, I usually try to get review copies out of the way for the month they're due and then read a few of my own. I only had 4 books left for July-August so thought I'd read a few of my own...and now review copies have gone up to like 10 for July-August, so yeah, bad idea. So behind right now, haha, but I'm still reading one of my own, because I need to. But it is funny how you really want to read this one book, request it, get it, then like...nope, don't fancy reading it now (happens to me all the time). :(

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Kristy, I'm glad you have similar thoughts to my own. I usually like to get review copes out of the way but when they just start piling up, I tend to ignore them for a while which isn't the wisest move lol & YES, agree with your last statement. That happens to me a quite a lot which I'm not sure why :/

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  3. I have to read what I'm in the mood for even if that means cutting it close to review time when it comes to ARCs. It's made a huge difference in my reads. :)

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  4. I wish I knew. My reading taste is as unreliable as the weather. It's been especially sporadic lately. So much so that my review books have started piling up on me.

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    1. I agree, my review copies are piling up as well along with my TBR books.

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  5. Kiss of Deception and Damage Done look like wonderful books that I would love to try at that time! Personally I am someone who although loves reading - doesn't have much time for it. I have a lot of hobbies, do a lot of after school activities, and then there is also homework :/ I do read about 100 pages a day though xD I usually read 5 books at once because I am a multi-reader and finish about one every week, or two sometimes.

    Personally, I find review copies are mostly what I do want to read anyway, so I am fine with that. I am always reading 2 books from my TBR pile, and 3 review copies. Which makes me happy because I feel like I am conquering both types of books at once!

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    1. Wow 5 books o.O That's a lot! I could never do that, although my limit is about two books. I'm glad you're on track with your review copies and TBR pile :) ♥

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  6. I'm definitely a mood reader, and prefer to read what I FEEL like reading, rather than what I feel like I SHOULD be reading. But that can't always happen because of bookish deadlines and the such. Sigh.

    I usually do one review book, and then one "me" book. Because most of the books I read for review are ones that I have requested, it means I am usually reading a book I have interest in. But then there are the unsolicited books (which I generally want to read, because I feel super bad if I don't), and the cases where the review books I have requested just aren't doing it for me.

    I try to keep a balance, but sometimes I have to spend heaps of reading time on review books because they overwhelm me!

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Chiara ♥ I try to keep a balance as well, but nowadays the balance is getting unbalanced lol the review copies pile is just piling up a long with my TBR pile.

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  7. I'm definitely a mood reader which can make ARCs tricky sometimes. And sadly I am one of those that gets a book and then later wonders why in the world I picked it up. I have been trying lately to make more time for my TBR pile though and I have found that I'm much happier for it. When reading starts to feel like work or blogging even, then I know I need a break and I'm doing something wrong.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts <3 & I so agree with you, I hate it when reading starts to feel like a chore.

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  8. I read two books at once. One ebook, and one physical book. Usually, the ebook is an eARC, and the physical book is a book I bought or won or whatever that I want to read. That way, I can still read the ARCs, AND the books I purchased. Still, I DO feel like I read more books I "have to" read, but I requested them all, so I DO want to read them too!

    Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight

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    1. I usually read two books at once nowadays, eventually I do get to my review copies - but it does take time to get to them all eventually ♥

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  9. I try to read my review copies first, I am pretty particular about reading them and reviewing them ASAP so I don't end up rushing them when they are about to be released. In saying this, I am finding a lot of the time lately, they aren't holding my interest so I am reading whatever strikes my mood at the time.

    I have been really eager to read The Kiss of Deception but I can't get it on eBook in Australia as yet :-( I enjoyed Alienated.

    A great post Benish! Sharon – Obsession with Books

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    1. Aw, I hope you get your copy of The Kiss of Deception, the premise sounds really exciting though :) I have a library copy of Alienated as well, thank you for sharing your thoughts ♥

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  10. I read review requests about one or two weeks before they are do. Then I read the books I want to between those times. I read every chance I get.

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    1. Yes, reading every chance I get works for me as well ♥

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  11. I am a super mood reader. I'd be looking forward to a book that's set to be released in a few months, get a review copy, and STILL not read it immediately or until the release date has passed because I'm not in the mood for it yet. I'm trying to train myself to be more responsible for the books I request, though, because I end up forgetting about all the books! And of course, a balance, so I don't feel too "trapped", so right now I read a review book and a Me-Book at the same time, so I can change when I feel like reading the other :D

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. LOL I so agree with your post, once I get my hands on an anticipated read - I might not be as excited that much anymore. I just need to find the right balance sometimes, that usually works out better sometimes.

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  12. I wish I had your capacity to read so much! Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely LOVE reading–why would I be a book blogger otherwise? But just sometimes life gets in the way and with too much work I barely have time to read during uni semesters. Summer and Winter holidays though? Pshh yeah I’ll read book after book after book. And as for the books I read I try to keep a balance between review copies vs books on my TBR, but I often find myself having to read more review copy books. Great post! :D

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    1. Yes, life can get busy sometimes. I mostly have free times these days since I don't work anywhere. When I work, I'm limited to reading how many books I read as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Rabiah ♥

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  13. I'm 100% a mood reader, but I have a shelf of just review copies that I pick from. If I don't feel like reading any of those at the present time, I'll pick something else up. It's hard though, I have to put in some "leisure reads" in there otherwise I'd get into a reading slump if I've read a few review copies that are mediocre. Lovely discussion Benish!

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    1. Yes, reading slumps are horrible .. I'm currently in one myself - hopefully, I can recover soon lol thank you for sharing your thoughts Jeann ♥

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  14. I am kind of struggling with this. I have so many ARCs and it feels daunting (granted I really want to read them all that's why I requested them). I also have so many I have purchased or at the library I want to read. I have been trying to alternate and take out more audiobooks from the library since I can read a book and listen to one at the same time - Great post!

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    1. Yes, my library haul and review copies - I'm sooo behind on them! I'm going to try catching up on a lot of them this weekend though. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Grace ♥

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  15. I'm not a big mood reader - and most of the time, I end up reading books that are unsolicited or I requested. Yes, there are times when I change my mind completely, but that could be because the desire to read it is gone or a reviewer I trust didn't care for the book.

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    1. I'm glad you're on track with your review copies, thank you for sharing your thoughts ♥

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  16. I always try to read my review copies first, but there are times where I just don't feel in the mood. I don't like feeling forced to read something (even if yes... I was the one that solicited it at first). I think my apprehension comes from the fact that "what if I don't like it? I'm going to have to write a review and send it to the publisher. GAH!" which makes me NOT want to read the book.

    My reading schedule normally consists of a physical book from my TBR and an eARC. That helps me somewhat, lol.

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    1. I agree, I hate being forced to read a book as well. I do the same as well, I try reading two books also ♥

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  17. I'm also a mood reader, so that's why I always read several books at the same time. At least two: One is always a review copy, one is always something I read for me. You should check out Scarlet soon, it's a great series :D

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    1. I hope Scarlet is as wonderful as it sounds, thank you for dropping by Mel ♥

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  18. Books you want to read vs books you need to review, the biggest debate known to bloggers! Cool post!

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  19. I would say 80% of review books are ones that I want to read/would purchase and then there is that 20% where they send it or solicit me and I am curious enough to give it a whirl. I try to mix books up like review, review, mine etc. Since I schedule out my month and usually I am reading for the next month. At the moment I am reading for July reviews. So I look at my calendar like it is a bookshelf and pick and choose.

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    1. You're always so organized with your reviews, I really do admire that ♥ I'm still planning out my June reviews ahhh slacking..

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  20. Most of the books I get for review are ones I request so I actually want to read them. I find that I can lose interest in a book if it stays unread for over a month so I do try to read whatever I am in the mood for when I get a chance to.
    Blue Books and Butterflies

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    1. Yes, that's very true - it's better to read the review copy once it arrives ♥ Thank you for dropping by!

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  21. I only request review copies of books I really want to read, so there's no problem with that for me. :) Typically I try to finish reading a review copy at LEAST before the month of its release. Though I am a huge mood reader, there are times where I can override my moods. For example I want to read something fluffy, but there's a review copy that's going to be published soon and I need to read it... When I start the book I find that I *am* in the mood for it, haha. xD I know, I'm weird.

    Aimee @ Deadly Darlings

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    1. Haha aw no you're not weird :) & reading review copies a month before the release date is a great idea! I find unsolicited copies sweet, but when the release date is in the same month, it can get a little irritating even though they're just for consideration.

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  22. Great post! I worry a lot about obligations and freak out if I have things looming over my shoulder so I always feel the need to read my review copies first, even if I want to read some other book. I like your system much more though, especially how your weekend days are for specific things. I think I would get a lot more done if I did that, I'll have to try!

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Alise, and I do hope it works out for you! It just helps me read more when I have an organized plan ♥

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  23. Reading a book months before the deadline is certainly a good thing, it makes me feel less pressured and mroe like I can read the book when I want to. If a book has a deadline I try to read it as early as possible to make sure I read it before the deadline and not feel pressured. I don't really have a tactic for when I read books for review and books I want to. I mostly sort of alternate between the two, but I also have months where I only read reviews books and months where I only read books I want to read. I try to follow my mood when deciding what to read next and combine that by making sure I do read books in time for the deadlines as well. I only read two books at the same time.

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  24. You're such a diligent reader! I too stay awake till 4 AM a lot on holidays but I get so distracted by anime, TV, baking, movies and just everything. How on earth do you shut out all those distractions? Maybe I'm just a mood reader but it'd be nice to read at a less sporadic pace. That's probably the reason why I don't request a lot of review copies although I'd really want to read them >.<

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    1. aha aww once I'm in my reading zone, no one can really distract me unless there's a really loud noise. I can read while I listen to music too, reading just makes me forget everything else :) Thank you for dropping by! ♥

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  25. Review copies firstly. All my current review copies are unsolicited, I rarely request anything anymore, mainly because I'm not under pressure to read and review. I feel like if I'm requesting, then I need to force myself to read quickly, and then it can become a chore. I'll read two or three review copies, then treat myself with one of my own books to read. I find that balance works for me, and stops me falling into a book funk as well. I used to get through a normal sized 300 page book a day. I do most of my reading at night too. But this tear especially, I'm finding most books are taking me three to four days now to get through. It gives me more time to write reviews and visit other blogs as well. Great post Benish love seeing everyone elses reviewing methods as well <3 <3

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  26. I'm a mood reader so I read what I want. Most of the time it's review copies because I requested them for a reason. Because I want to read them :)
    OMG, The Opportunist! I love that series. Every character in that book is so fucked up, I'm nervous to see what you think.

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    1. I loved the author's other book Mud Vein, so here's to hoping this series is fantastic as well! ♥

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  27. This is so weird, but this year I started barely reading books that aren't 2015 publications. I don't know, it's like the ''new'' appeals better to me, now. Although I still DO read ''old'' books (lol), it's more like one out of ten books. Crazy, I know. I'd say that I'm a mood reader because, obviously, if you feel like reading something then there's a good chance you end up liking it more than if you weren't feeling like reading it in the first place.

    Also, damn. You read crazy fast. I envy you.

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    1. I agree, I mostly read upcoming releases now since the books are getting better, although I'm still catching up on old reads. You read pretty fast too aha :D♥

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  28. I used to read that fast/much, but I've slowed way down. It's possible that I've been reading too much YA, because sometimes all the books start to blur together. I need to mix it up!
    Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. Same here, I've been reading a lot of YA lately - time to read more new adult and adult books!

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  29. I'm such a mood reader so I read whatever I feel like reading whenever :) I try to pick the ones I'm most wanting to read from my review stash. If some non-review book calls to me though, I'll drop my arcs and pick up the lovely thing. Nice discussion!

    Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Rachel :)

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  30. CONGRATS, Benish, on being such a fast reader, and writing such a great post!!

    As for the fast reading, I don't know how you can do it....I'm a very slow reader myself. I think it's because I have this habit of pronouncing words in my head as I read. I don't know how to get rid of this....lol.

    As for the topic of this post, I can definitely relate! I receive very few unsolicited review requests, because I have made it very clear to visitors that I am unable to do so. I have TONS of books on my TBR, and I REALLY need to get to them! However, I do find myself being tempted to accept review books from blog tour companies, especially if they are print books. I'm a HUGE sucker for FREE printed books!! Lol. So I sometimes find myself signing up to review blog tour books, because they just look SO good. Then I feel guilty because the books on my TBR (especially the ones already sitting on my shelves) make me also feel sad that I'm not reading them.....

    I don't know how to solve this problem.....there are SO many interesting, fascinating, enchanting books out there! You know,I think this is the eternal bookworm's dilemma, especially with bookworms who are also bloggers.....

    Thanks so much for the AMAZING post!! : )

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    1. Yes, I am a very fast reader. I read kindle books much faster than print books for some reason although, I prefer books in print much more. I think the easiest and hardest solution is to stop requesting more books until you are done with your previous TBR, I tried it before and it does work, but it requires a lot of patience! Thank you for sharing your amazing thoughts! ♥

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  31. Definitely a mood reader. I was in a reading mood and read a whole bunch of books, but now I'm in a movie mood so I've been slacking off. Also, I tend to read my ARCs first.

    Jo @ http://adreamfrommyheart.blogspot.com/

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