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Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books
From the internationally bestselling author of Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop comes a warm and reflective collection of essays about reading, language and life.
Why do we read? What is it that we hope to take away from the intimate, personal experience of reading for pleasure?
Rarely do we ask these profound, expansive questions of ourselves and of our relationship to the joy of reading. But in this gentle, philosophical collection celebrating books, reading and language, Hwang Bo-reum doesn’t just tell us, but shows us what living a life immersed in reading means.
Every Day I Read provides many quiet moments for introspection and reflection, encourages book-lovers to explore what reading means to each of us. While this is a book about books, at its heart is an attitude to life, one outside capitalism and climbing the corporate ladder. Readers and non-readers will take away something from it, including a treasure trove of book recommendations blended seamlessly within.
Why do we read? What is it that we hope to take away from the intimate, personal experience of reading for pleasure?
Rarely do we ask these profound, expansive questions of ourselves and of our relationship to the joy of reading. But in this gentle, philosophical collection celebrating books, reading and language, Hwang Bo-reum doesn’t just tell us, but shows us what living a life immersed in reading means.
Every Day I Read provides many quiet moments for introspection and reflection, encourages book-lovers to explore what reading means to each of us. While this is a book about books, at its heart is an attitude to life, one outside capitalism and climbing the corporate ladder. Readers and non-readers will take away something from it, including a treasure trove of book recommendations blended seamlessly within.
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First published January 1, 2017
745 people are currently reading
20079 people want to read
About the author
Hwang Bo-Reum
5 books1,435 followersHwang Bo-reum studied Computer Science and worked as a software engineer. She wrote several essay collections: I Read Every Day, I Tried Kickboxing for the First Time and This Distance is Perfect. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is her first novel, which has sold over 150,000 copies in Korea and been sold into 9 territories. Before its release as a paperback, the novel was initially published as an e-book after winning an open contest co-organised by Korean content-publishing platform ‘Brunch’.
대학에서 컴퓨터공학을 전공하고 LG전자에서 소프트웨어 개발자로 일했다. 몇 번의 입사와 퇴사를 반복하면서도 매일 읽고 쓰는 사람으로서의 정체성은 잃지 않고 있다. 지은 책으로 『매일 읽겠습니다』, 『난생처음 킥복싱』, 『이 정도 거리가 딱 좋다』가 있다.
대학에서 컴퓨터공학을 전공하고 LG전자에서 소프트웨어 개발자로 일했다. 몇 번의 입사와 퇴사를 반복하면서도 매일 읽고 쓰는 사람으로서의 정체성은 잃지 않고 있다. 지은 책으로 『매일 읽겠습니다』, 『난생처음 킥복싱』, 『이 정도 거리가 딱 좋다』가 있다.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,220 reviews
December 14, 2025
I loved this author’s fiction book, Welcome to the Hyunam Dong Bookshop, so I was really looking forward to reading this nonfiction book about books. There were a lot of things I loved about this, I love how cozy and comforting this book felt to read, like someone who truly gets how special books are and the way they can change us and transport us. It was a gentle reminder about why I love reading in the first place, and it was very comforting to listen to this one on audio.
But I also couldn’t help but feeling some of it felt a little surface level or even pretentious? In the second half it was starting to feel like this author had an agenda with wanting people to read more classics or “difficult” books, and that’s fine, but I feel like she also could’ve touched on how it’s also okay to read silly light hearted books for escapism too. The message just got a little muddled for me toward the end and I wasn’t connecting with it as much as I did with the beginning.
But I also couldn’t help but feeling some of it felt a little surface level or even pretentious? In the second half it was starting to feel like this author had an agenda with wanting people to read more classics or “difficult” books, and that’s fine, but I feel like she also could’ve touched on how it’s also okay to read silly light hearted books for escapism too. The message just got a little muddled for me toward the end and I wasn’t connecting with it as much as I did with the beginning.
November 25, 2025
What a pleasant and relaxing read! As someone who also reads every day, I picked up this book to compare my experiences with the author’s. It made me feel comforted and understood, and the many chuckles and smiles I had while reading were an added bonus.
April 16, 2026
From the introduction: "I hope this book will help you discover the joy of reading, the thrill of coming across a quote that resonates, the satisfaction of having found ten minutes in a busy day to sit down and read, the fun bookish discussions with friends, the excitement of finding a fictional soulmate, the reflective moments of introspection . . . I'm glad to have experienced them all. Dear reader, may this book journey with you."
I went into this book with the same expectations. I wanted a cozy read that promoted and celebrated the joy of reading, but I got a read that felt shallow and pretentious. The author attempts to expound upon various reading prompts but the essays fail to impart any sage advice or wisdom, and the author's own reading emphasizes more intellectual titles than a broad cross section of literature. (Maybe the cross-cultural leap wasn't smooth and neat?) I can't say I didn't find anything of value, or that I didn't relate to any of her musings, but for me each essay felt more rambling than revelatory, and each could have been shortened to a paragraph and had the same impact.
I liked this more if I considered it just a brainstormed list of ways to read more, and more about frequency of reading than getting closer to content, theme, or meaning.
If I were to re-read this, I would just read the list of chapter titles, think about them for myself, and talk them over with other readers, especially those looking to read more.
"Resolve to edge in a little reading every day…" – Horace Mann
I went into this book with the same expectations. I wanted a cozy read that promoted and celebrated the joy of reading, but I got a read that felt shallow and pretentious. The author attempts to expound upon various reading prompts but the essays fail to impart any sage advice or wisdom, and the author's own reading emphasizes more intellectual titles than a broad cross section of literature. (Maybe the cross-cultural leap wasn't smooth and neat?) I can't say I didn't find anything of value, or that I didn't relate to any of her musings, but for me each essay felt more rambling than revelatory, and each could have been shortened to a paragraph and had the same impact.
I liked this more if I considered it just a brainstormed list of ways to read more, and more about frequency of reading than getting closer to content, theme, or meaning.
If I were to re-read this, I would just read the list of chapter titles, think about them for myself, and talk them over with other readers, especially those looking to read more.
"Resolve to edge in a little reading every day…" – Horace Mann
April 16, 2026
Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books - Hwang Bo-Reum
4⭐️
لأسباب شخصية...
"كانت الكتب رفقةً وفيّة، سندي في كل تقلبات الحياة."
"قد لا تحلّ الكتب كل مشكلاتي، لكنها على الأقل تحول دون انزلاقي إلى الهاوية."
"قد لا تمنحني الكتب الإجابات، لكنها تدفعني نحو الاتجاه الصحيح. أحتفظ بكلماتها قريبةً من قلبي. وإدراكي بأنني لستُ وحدي في رحلة الحياة يجعلني أشعر بشجاعة أكبر، وبقلق أقل."
...
هذا كتاب جديد لمؤلفة رواية "مرحبًا بكم في مكتبة هيونام دونغ" ورغم أن ترجمته صدرت مؤخرًا إلا أن الكتاب قديم وصدر في كوريا قبل عشرة أعوام تقريبًا.
هذه مجموعة مقالات دافئة وتأمل في التجربة الحميمة التي تجمع بين القارئ والكتب..
تتجاوز الأسئلة المعتادة عن علاقة القارئ بالكتب والقراءة وتستكتشف علاقتنا بكل ما يتعلق بالقراءة من التوصيات إلى المراجعات وارتباطنا بالشخصيات المفضلة، وبين الحين والآخر تأخذنا في رحلة الحياة بعيدًا عن الرأسمالية والاستهلاك..
كتاب صغير وغني بالتوصيات والاقتباسات...
هو الكتاب الذي يحلم كل قارئ أن يكتبه يومًا ما إن رزقنا الله العمر والصبر على كتابة ما يزيد على مراجعة بسيطة.
4⭐️
لأسباب شخصية...
"كانت الكتب رفقةً وفيّة، سندي في كل تقلبات الحياة."
"قد لا تحلّ الكتب كل مشكلاتي، لكنها على الأقل تحول دون انزلاقي إلى الهاوية."
"قد لا تمنحني الكتب الإجابات، لكنها تدفعني نحو الاتجاه الصحيح. أحتفظ بكلماتها قريبةً من قلبي. وإدراكي بأنني لستُ وحدي في رحلة الحياة يجعلني أشعر بشجاعة أكبر، وبقلق أقل."
...
هذا كتاب جديد لمؤلفة رواية "مرحبًا بكم في مكتبة هيونام دونغ" ورغم أن ترجمته صدرت مؤخرًا إلا أن الكتاب قديم وصدر في كوريا قبل عشرة أعوام تقريبًا.
هذه مجموعة مقالات دافئة وتأمل في التجربة الحميمة التي تجمع بين القارئ والكتب..
تتجاوز الأسئلة المعتادة عن علاقة القارئ بالكتب والقراءة وتستكتشف علاقتنا بكل ما يتعلق بالقراءة من التوصيات إلى المراجعات وارتباطنا بالشخصيات المفضلة، وبين الحين والآخر تأخذنا في رحلة الحياة بعيدًا عن الرأسمالية والاستهلاك..
كتاب صغير وغني بالتوصيات والاقتباسات...
هو الكتاب الذي يحلم كل قارئ أن يكتبه يومًا ما إن رزقنا الله العمر والصبر على كتابة ما يزيد على مراجعة بسيطة.
September 15, 2025
ARC for review. To be published December 2, 2026.
Translated from the Korean by Shanna Tan.
4 stars
This was a nice, simplistic little book about the joys of reading (and sometimes writing.). Very short chapters give various reasons to read and suggestions for when you do. Lots of great quotes and I was introduced to the idea of a book bar, which is apparently a thing in South Korea. You go in with your book, get a table, order a drink (and maybe a snack? I’m certainly hoping that there are snacks!) and then you are left alone to enjoy your book, surrounded by other people who are doing the same. I hardly need say how much I love this idea and if I ever hit the Powerball I’m going to start my American empire. Anyone got a clever name? Let me warn you in advance I’ll be stealing it and giving you no credit whatsoever. OK, maybe a free drink. Once. This place has to make a profit, you know.
“You just need one single bond…a person you can truly trust, a person who rejoices in your existence. If there’s one such person in your life, you’ll be able to keep going.” THE UNUSUAL SOCIABILITY, Nakajima.
“Whether it’s fatigue, anxiety, worry, anticipation or anything else, tomorrow, as always, I’m going to replace them all with a book.” BED AND BOOKS, Jung Hyeyoon.
When to stop reading a book? “If I’m no longer curious about what’s next.”
“If I am what I have and if what I have is lost, who then am I? Nobody but a defeated, deflated, pathetic testimony to a wrong way of living…. if I am what I am and not what I have, nobody can derive me of or threaten my security and my sense of identity.” TO HAVE OR TO BE? Erich Fromm
“I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.” Montesquieu
“…it’s impossible to be happy when one lives in fear of the future.”
“Some people think of reading only as a kind of escape: an escape from the ‘real’ everyday day world to an imaginary world, the world of books. Books are much more. They are a way of being fully human.” Susan Sontag.
Translated from the Korean by Shanna Tan.
4 stars
This was a nice, simplistic little book about the joys of reading (and sometimes writing.). Very short chapters give various reasons to read and suggestions for when you do. Lots of great quotes and I was introduced to the idea of a book bar, which is apparently a thing in South Korea. You go in with your book, get a table, order a drink (and maybe a snack? I’m certainly hoping that there are snacks!) and then you are left alone to enjoy your book, surrounded by other people who are doing the same. I hardly need say how much I love this idea and if I ever hit the Powerball I’m going to start my American empire. Anyone got a clever name? Let me warn you in advance I’ll be stealing it and giving you no credit whatsoever. OK, maybe a free drink. Once. This place has to make a profit, you know.
“You just need one single bond…a person you can truly trust, a person who rejoices in your existence. If there’s one such person in your life, you’ll be able to keep going.” THE UNUSUAL SOCIABILITY, Nakajima.
“Whether it’s fatigue, anxiety, worry, anticipation or anything else, tomorrow, as always, I’m going to replace them all with a book.” BED AND BOOKS, Jung Hyeyoon.
When to stop reading a book? “If I’m no longer curious about what’s next.”
“If I am what I have and if what I have is lost, who then am I? Nobody but a defeated, deflated, pathetic testimony to a wrong way of living…. if I am what I am and not what I have, nobody can derive me of or threaten my security and my sense of identity.” TO HAVE OR TO BE? Erich Fromm
“I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.” Montesquieu
“…it’s impossible to be happy when one lives in fear of the future.”
“Some people think of reading only as a kind of escape: an escape from the ‘real’ everyday day world to an imaginary world, the world of books. Books are much more. They are a way of being fully human.” Susan Sontag.
January 8, 2026
If I were 25 when I was reading this, I would have loved it. At the age of 72, it seems a little immature, but that could be the fault of the translation, as it seems to be written on a 7th grade level. However, as the author is only 30, it makes sense. I still enjoyed it though most of the advice on how and what to read has been followed by me for years.
The last paragraph rang true:
"I can't imagine a world without books. Until my last breath, I want to live my life reading, always."
The last paragraph rang true:
"I can't imagine a world without books. Until my last breath, I want to live my life reading, always."
January 27, 2026
This is really more of a 4.5🌟for me. My only hurdle is that some titles you can’t get your hands on due to the Korean aspect not in English (yet?)
November 1, 2025
I saw this book at my local library on a new release shelf. I was intrigued as I read every day and always have a book with me. The author expresses what I feel about books in her 53 essays.
I came away with new ideas on my approach to reading. Using a timer, collecting quotes, keeping a reading list and much more. I enjoyed this book immensely with the author’s passion for reading eloquently expressed in the short essays.
I liked her set of rules on book reviews. “Do not be tempted by reviews that are too emotional and peppered with exclamations - what an amazing book! - and instead trust objective reviews that provide a good synopsis and a selection of quotes from the book. “
I plan to reread it again in a few months. I also loved the type set in Minion inspired by late Renaissance era type.
I came away with new ideas on my approach to reading. Using a timer, collecting quotes, keeping a reading list and much more. I enjoyed this book immensely with the author’s passion for reading eloquently expressed in the short essays.
I liked her set of rules on book reviews. “Do not be tempted by reviews that are too emotional and peppered with exclamations - what an amazing book! - and instead trust objective reviews that provide a good synopsis and a selection of quotes from the book. “
I plan to reread it again in a few months. I also loved the type set in Minion inspired by late Renaissance era type.
March 5, 2026
On the surface, this book doesn’t say anything new that an avid reader hasn’t already known or feltbut reading it was deeply self-assuring and satisfying. It reaffirms the importance of reading every day, of reading for fun, and of engaging in deep, thoughtful reading.
The author reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying bestsellers, while also emphasizing the value of reading classics and longer books. She beautifully explores how we grow as readers and how every book gives us something in return, each in its own way.
It was comforting to realize that readers everywhere share the same feelings and experiences, that none of us are alone in our love for books. This book also inspired me to write more. As a writer herself, Hwang Bo-Reum speaks honestly about the challenges of writing and reassures aspiring writers that we can write too, and that the only way to become better is by reading widely and consistently.
The author reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying bestsellers, while also emphasizing the value of reading classics and longer books. She beautifully explores how we grow as readers and how every book gives us something in return, each in its own way.
It was comforting to realize that readers everywhere share the same feelings and experiences, that none of us are alone in our love for books. This book also inspired me to write more. As a writer herself, Hwang Bo-Reum speaks honestly about the challenges of writing and reassures aspiring writers that we can write too, and that the only way to become better is by reading widely and consistently.
November 15, 2025
First of all, what a gorgeous cover!!! I would hang a print of this in a frame on my wall.
This is a quick read. The essays are short and easy to digest. Author Bo-Reum brings up some interesting points about reading habits and choosing books, and I love her overall passion for it. The way she escapes her problems by spending time with other people’s words is very relatable.
I was particularly comforted by the section about forgetting what you read, because sometimes that happens to me, too. Bo-Reum says that books transform you as you read them, so it’s okay if you don’t remember everything.
I was struck by many quotes in this, but loved this one specifically: “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside of us.” Essentially, we must read to work through the tough things.
This is a nice little tribute to reading and even has book recommendations from the author. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
This is a quick read. The essays are short and easy to digest. Author Bo-Reum brings up some interesting points about reading habits and choosing books, and I love her overall passion for it. The way she escapes her problems by spending time with other people’s words is very relatable.
I was particularly comforted by the section about forgetting what you read, because sometimes that happens to me, too. Bo-Reum says that books transform you as you read them, so it’s okay if you don’t remember everything.
I was struck by many quotes in this, but loved this one specifically: “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside of us.” Essentially, we must read to work through the tough things.
This is a nice little tribute to reading and even has book recommendations from the author. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2026
Šī grāmata ir veltījums visiem, kuri mīl lasīt. Ja pasaule apkārt šķiet nedroša, šīs 53 esejas atgādinās: grāmata ir vieta, kur atgūt iekšējo līdzsvaru un kontroli pār savu prātu❤️
March 4, 2026
I felt a kindred spirit throughout this collection of essays.
I am a voracious and thoughtful reader. My husband continues to assist in feeding my life’s breadth by continually adding bookcases to our home wherever feasible without my asking or expressing desire for more shelving. I am free to continue to explore and expand my reading collection and TBR with unconditional love and support.
My late sister always referenced the “Twilight Zone” episode “Time Enough at Last” when she caught me with books in hand.
What a joy to read Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books.
I am a voracious and thoughtful reader. My husband continues to assist in feeding my life’s breadth by continually adding bookcases to our home wherever feasible without my asking or expressing desire for more shelving. I am free to continue to explore and expand my reading collection and TBR with unconditional love and support.
My late sister always referenced the “Twilight Zone” episode “Time Enough at Last” when she caught me with books in hand.
What a joy to read Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books.
December 24, 2025
Oof, this one was rough. This book felt so pretentious! Instead of giving helpful tips, or asking thoughtful questions for the reader to consider their reading habits, the author talked only about their reading habits and insinuated that if you don’t read like her, you are lesser. For example, during one chapter the author asked a friend why they only read novels. The summary of this book specifically calls out the joy of reading. Can someone not enjoy just reading novels? This attitude was a theme throughout the book; in one chapter the author suggests the reader branch out their reading, and only gives examples of nonfiction books such as philosophical works and scientific texts as a way to branch out. While these genres are not bad suggestions, including just these genres and the tone of the book, I felt it was another opportunity for the author to remind the reader that certain texts are better than others.
I could go on, such as when the author explains that ebooks/digital reading is not actually reading (feels ableist, no?), or when she describes a moment with a friend who doesn’t read translated text and the author reflects that it may be for the best (ironic since I’m reading this as a translated text), but I will just end with this - read for the joy of reading and don’t let anyone else make you feel like a bad reader because of your habits! Reading is so personal, and the author forgot to include the nuances that come with reading in this book.
I could go on, such as when the author explains that ebooks/digital reading is not actually reading (feels ableist, no?), or when she describes a moment with a friend who doesn’t read translated text and the author reflects that it may be for the best (ironic since I’m reading this as a translated text), but I will just end with this - read for the joy of reading and don’t let anyone else make you feel like a bad reader because of your habits! Reading is so personal, and the author forgot to include the nuances that come with reading in this book.
January 3, 2026
Perhaps something was lost in translation here but this book was quite a disappointment. The author would share one opinion in a chapter, only to express the opposite in the very next chapter. Most of all, it was disappointing to hear her share criticism of ebooks, even going so far as to share a quote that stated that people who read ebooks are not readers but "users." I've never encountered such an ableist statement before within a book that's trying to lift up readers and the act of reading. There are many reasons why readers choose ebooks, to disparage that choice is unacceptable IMHO. And the author doesn't even bother mentioning audio books so who knows how she feels about people who listen to books.
My hot take: read what you want. Whether it's literary fiction and philosophy like this author promotes, or the number one bestselling fiction novel this season. Read for enjoyment or to learn or whatever you need. Don't let books like this one tell you what you should or shouldn't do. All readers are welcome here.
My hot take: read what you want. Whether it's literary fiction and philosophy like this author promotes, or the number one bestselling fiction novel this season. Read for enjoyment or to learn or whatever you need. Don't let books like this one tell you what you should or shouldn't do. All readers are welcome here.
January 27, 2026
A collection of 53 short essays about books and reading life. The writing feels comforting, like a friend reminding you that reading doesn’t have to be competitive.You don’t have to race, or to feel guilty if you read slowly or casually. The author also touches on the quiet pressures around reading, such as how some people say they’re “rereading” a classic instead of admitting it’s their first time.
Personal rating: 3.5/5. Reflective, relatable, but not particularly profound ✌️
Personal rating: 3.5/5. Reflective, relatable, but not particularly profound ✌️
November 21, 2025
Loved reading this book so much✨ Hwang Bo-Reum's writing is just so so beautiful and cozy🤍 Every chapter was heart warming and I had to underline soo much, definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Will write a full review once I gather my thoughts together💌
October 18, 2025
This book is the perfect remedy for a reading slump. The 53 short chapters explore the joy of books and reading, There are interesting quotes, good recommendations and lots of new ideas for enjoying and documenting the reading experience.
This is one of the few books I've wanted to read again the moment I finished. There are so many great questions to turn over such as, are books useful? Or thoughts on digital reading, or reading aloud vs reading silently.
The author reads globally, she sites many western writers as favorites. I especially enjoyed her references to Korean authors I hadn't heard of. I am inspired to start a new TBR list. Hwang Bo-reum's book Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop will be on the top of the stack.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this charming book.
This is one of the few books I've wanted to read again the moment I finished. There are so many great questions to turn over such as, are books useful? Or thoughts on digital reading, or reading aloud vs reading silently.
The author reads globally, she sites many western writers as favorites. I especially enjoyed her references to Korean authors I hadn't heard of. I am inspired to start a new TBR list. Hwang Bo-reum's book Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop will be on the top of the stack.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this charming book.
April 8, 2026
What a lovely essay collection. Admittedly, Hwang Bo-Reum is not breaking much new ground for me - a lifelong reader who feels very close to books, but I did feel understood and affirmed and even intrigued as I enjoyed these 53 short pieces of readerly advice.
At first I felt like the “advice” might be almost too simplistic - I do not need any more encouragement to read, but the essays build upon themselves; I was heartened by the many ways she describes how books help us grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. I too believe that fiction can help us make sense of the chaos, both internal and external. I am also a collector of book quotes so I loved the inclusion of those in each essay. By the end I was inclined to read more deeply, read outside my comfort zone and to enjoy reading, to enjoy talking about books and to enjoy writing about what I read.
I’m a sucker for books about books and it’s no surprise that my TBR grew as I read these essays.
At first I felt like the “advice” might be almost too simplistic - I do not need any more encouragement to read, but the essays build upon themselves; I was heartened by the many ways she describes how books help us grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. I too believe that fiction can help us make sense of the chaos, both internal and external. I am also a collector of book quotes so I loved the inclusion of those in each essay. By the end I was inclined to read more deeply, read outside my comfort zone and to enjoy reading, to enjoy talking about books and to enjoy writing about what I read.
I’m a sucker for books about books and it’s no surprise that my TBR grew as I read these essays.
Because I'm lacking in many ways, I hope to fill myself with books.
...
Reading may seem useless, but it's what makes us stronger.
April 28, 2026
This short book is for those who love reading, but want to explore ways to further immerse or enrich our lives. She writes of exploring new books to see what we can learn. She encourages us to try books that we previously discarded, because our tastes and perceptions change with age and experiences. She encourages us to limit our phone and scrolling to try to reverse some of the attention issues many of us have developed. It’s a pleasant book, and I enjoyed the narration.
February 24, 2026
4.25★ LOVED IT
Because I’m lacking in many ways, I hope to fill myself with books.
December 18, 2025
I don't post reviews on here anymore (just Storygraph) once I learned that Amazon owns those words, but as usual I don't care if they own words of my rage so here you go:
This was actually one of the worst books I've ever bothered to read. And I only bothered to keep reading it because I wanted to lean into my rage that I suddenly needed an outlet for.
Why was this book pretentious as fuck? Let me count the ways.
- She barely mentions books published this century.
- The chapter on ebooks / screen-reading was ableist as fuck. And it didn't even TOUCH audiobooks. Weird considering I read this via audiobook.
-There were like two small nuggets of wisdom buried....
-...under hypocritical essays. One essay would say one thing and then she would completely backtrack it two essays later???
-Not one mention of romance, the BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY THAT KEEPS THE REST OF THE BOOK INDUSTRY AFLOAT. How can you write a whole book about a subject while not mentioning the literal backbone of it.
- In fact, there is little to no mention of ANY genre fiction book. Just nonfic or lit fic as your options. Even when she is saying things like 'feeling stagnant in your usual reading genre? Try something different! If you normally read philosophy, try a self help! If you are used to fiction, try something in business!' Like who the fuck reads just those genres. That is not branching out. A lost opportunity to say to try a SPACE ADVENTURE if you are tired of philosophy; you get the same thought provoking social issues turned inside out in a way that is unique and creative and stimulates the brain. But nope, nothing remotely close to that.
The tiny bits of the essays I enjoyed can be counted on one hand. And so I'll share those with you so you don't have to suffer through the rest of the crap.
#6 Underlining and Annotations: She mentions what her thought process is while reading. And even while we are having complex thoughts and emotions while reading, when we finish a book, for most people, you forget a lot. So why bother if you're just going to forget? Well, here she quotes Patrick Süskind's Three Stories and a Reflection. The essay (reflection) at the end of the collection is called Amnesia in Litteris "describes how, despite reading voraciously for more than three decades, he barely remembers details of any book [.......] he arrives at the conclusion that reading isn't about remembrance, but the change. In reading, it is not memory but change that is most important. We change as we read books. We just don't realize it. And this change may have an impact on the course of our lives."
I just realized what I liked about this wisdom isn't even the author's herself, but her quoting someone else.
#8 Choose Books not the Internet: She gets a little into some studies that have been done about focus and our attention span. The book she quotes is 15 years old, so that was a little disappointing as there have been a few more published since then. But the basic ideas still fit, it's just worse now. The essay ends with this from her, "Instead of forcing ourselves to read, we need to ask ourselves this: What's making it more difficult to read these days? There are always other fun activities competing for our time, but the internet is also a distraction. To draw closer to books, we have to distance ourselves from the internet. And according to Carr [author of the Shallows], to rewire our brains and improve our attention span, we should read. The more we read, the better we will be able to focus."
That's in folks. Now you don't have to read it. Stop into your local indie bookstore to chat with booksellers if you want to find your next book or need help on where to go next. Any bookseller worth their salt wouldn't dare hand you this book instead.
This was actually one of the worst books I've ever bothered to read. And I only bothered to keep reading it because I wanted to lean into my rage that I suddenly needed an outlet for.
Why was this book pretentious as fuck? Let me count the ways.
- She barely mentions books published this century.
- The chapter on ebooks / screen-reading was ableist as fuck. And it didn't even TOUCH audiobooks. Weird considering I read this via audiobook.
-There were like two small nuggets of wisdom buried....
-...under hypocritical essays. One essay would say one thing and then she would completely backtrack it two essays later???
-Not one mention of romance, the BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY THAT KEEPS THE REST OF THE BOOK INDUSTRY AFLOAT. How can you write a whole book about a subject while not mentioning the literal backbone of it.
- In fact, there is little to no mention of ANY genre fiction book. Just nonfic or lit fic as your options. Even when she is saying things like 'feeling stagnant in your usual reading genre? Try something different! If you normally read philosophy, try a self help! If you are used to fiction, try something in business!' Like who the fuck reads just those genres. That is not branching out. A lost opportunity to say to try a SPACE ADVENTURE if you are tired of philosophy; you get the same thought provoking social issues turned inside out in a way that is unique and creative and stimulates the brain. But nope, nothing remotely close to that.
The tiny bits of the essays I enjoyed can be counted on one hand. And so I'll share those with you so you don't have to suffer through the rest of the crap.
#6 Underlining and Annotations: She mentions what her thought process is while reading. And even while we are having complex thoughts and emotions while reading, when we finish a book, for most people, you forget a lot. So why bother if you're just going to forget? Well, here she quotes Patrick Süskind's Three Stories and a Reflection. The essay (reflection) at the end of the collection is called Amnesia in Litteris "describes how, despite reading voraciously for more than three decades, he barely remembers details of any book [.......] he arrives at the conclusion that reading isn't about remembrance, but the change. In reading, it is not memory but change that is most important. We change as we read books. We just don't realize it. And this change may have an impact on the course of our lives."
I just realized what I liked about this wisdom isn't even the author's herself, but her quoting someone else.
#8 Choose Books not the Internet: She gets a little into some studies that have been done about focus and our attention span. The book she quotes is 15 years old, so that was a little disappointing as there have been a few more published since then. But the basic ideas still fit, it's just worse now. The essay ends with this from her, "Instead of forcing ourselves to read, we need to ask ourselves this: What's making it more difficult to read these days? There are always other fun activities competing for our time, but the internet is also a distraction. To draw closer to books, we have to distance ourselves from the internet. And according to Carr [author of the Shallows], to rewire our brains and improve our attention span, we should read. The more we read, the better we will be able to focus."
That's in folks. Now you don't have to read it. Stop into your local indie bookstore to chat with booksellers if you want to find your next book or need help on where to go next. Any bookseller worth their salt wouldn't dare hand you this book instead.
November 22, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a really good book for people who are getting back into reading and have that rush of excitement of all the worlds that await them. For someone like myself, who has been an avid reader for such a long time, while there were some really nice anecdotes and a lot of books I have written down to check out. But the essays felt a bit surface level for me.
This is a really good book for people who are getting back into reading and have that rush of excitement of all the worlds that await them. For someone like myself, who has been an avid reader for such a long time, while there were some really nice anecdotes and a lot of books I have written down to check out. But the essays felt a bit surface level for me.
January 21, 2026
I’m very glad that my circle of online reading friends encouraged me and made me get this book. We have been reading this book together for 2 weeks and made reflections for each of the chapters during the reading period. There’s 53 small chapters in total and I did enjoy having my thoughts on every single chapter.
This is a perfect book especially for anybody who enjoys reading ‘book about books’, I would say. Each of the short essays being written was about the author’s journey and her own experience with books. Her words are comforting, knowing that other people enjoy books as much as I do. There’s several tips and recommendations, perfect for those who're new into reading and want to dwell more in the booksworld.
She’s obviously Korean and most of the books she mentioned are Korean books together with some famous English books. Readers could take her recommendation and try to read it ourselves. I guess the reason why I love this book so much is because it relates and resonates with myself. It’s like somebody has been in my head, wrote those thoughts and published it (not all of the thoughts, of course haha). One thing that I relate so much was her experience with her parents who enjoyed reading and literature as well. For me, it was my late mother. She influenced me so much of my love towards reading and books.
This book is a comfort read for me, even though it's a non-fiction book. There’s no magical moments and cosy scenes but what’s more magical and cosy apart from reading itself. I thank God, Alhamdulillah, for my love towards books. It’s amazing, mashaAllah.
This is a perfect book especially for anybody who enjoys reading ‘book about books’, I would say. Each of the short essays being written was about the author’s journey and her own experience with books. Her words are comforting, knowing that other people enjoy books as much as I do. There’s several tips and recommendations, perfect for those who're new into reading and want to dwell more in the booksworld.
She’s obviously Korean and most of the books she mentioned are Korean books together with some famous English books. Readers could take her recommendation and try to read it ourselves. I guess the reason why I love this book so much is because it relates and resonates with myself. It’s like somebody has been in my head, wrote those thoughts and published it (not all of the thoughts, of course haha). One thing that I relate so much was her experience with her parents who enjoyed reading and literature as well. For me, it was my late mother. She influenced me so much of my love towards reading and books.
This book is a comfort read for me, even though it's a non-fiction book. There’s no magical moments and cosy scenes but what’s more magical and cosy apart from reading itself. I thank God, Alhamdulillah, for my love towards books. It’s amazing, mashaAllah.
January 22, 2026
An easy read to finish in one sitting written by one of my favourite author in 2022, Hwang Boreum. This collection of essays on 53 ways to get closer to books lay out what it feels and mean to be a reader whom spends her time reading all tye year long. I love how simple and relatable this book is as someone who loves reading since I got back into reading after degree and have been consistent in it, this felt like a warm hug. A comforting read to feel like you are not alone when it comes to books that you love and the feeling of wanting to share or recommend books you have read to others. In a fast paced wold where it takes time and effort to read like finidng the moment to just relax and read. Like before bed, after work or on the go, especially with my working hours are all over the place, I found scarce time, the precious time to read and they feel fulfilled and one of my most joyous the moment.
Reading these books. i feel I have so much in common with the author and it feels so nice to see that exactly what I'm feeling. Reading doesn't mean we are escaping to the imagined world. i used to think this way when I'm younger but as I get older. i found books that resonates with me the most are books that showed the character's vulnerabilities even in thir bleakness and depressing state, they made me feel less lonely. Books taught us to fully live as a human being, to be empathetic and to discover our own strengths and weakness. Thats why reading is ways to make us feel connected with ourselves better. There were a lot of books and authors mentioned in here, some are known while others are the first time I heard them, I'm intrigued by them that I have to make a list tso I can search for them.
Thank you to Definitely Books for the review copy
Reading these books. i feel I have so much in common with the author and it feels so nice to see that exactly what I'm feeling. Reading doesn't mean we are escaping to the imagined world. i used to think this way when I'm younger but as I get older. i found books that resonates with me the most are books that showed the character's vulnerabilities even in thir bleakness and depressing state, they made me feel less lonely. Books taught us to fully live as a human being, to be empathetic and to discover our own strengths and weakness. Thats why reading is ways to make us feel connected with ourselves better. There were a lot of books and authors mentioned in here, some are known while others are the first time I heard them, I'm intrigued by them that I have to make a list tso I can search for them.
Thank you to Definitely Books for the review copy
December 19, 2025
So many good takeaways and ideas on how to engage with books whether you read a little or a lot.
It was like sitting with a bag of chips and only eating the broken ones. Amazing information presented in bite sized pieces that kind of left me wanting more.
My takeaways (paraphrased)
• Reading is about understanding. Not finishing. Not rushing.
• Look for life changing reads.
• Read widely, then read deeply
• Books help us from sinking into the abyss
• Reading isn’t about remembering, it’s about feeling transformed.
Thank you Libro FM for the ALC of this book! Definitely recommend the audio.
It was like sitting with a bag of chips and only eating the broken ones. Amazing information presented in bite sized pieces that kind of left me wanting more.
My takeaways (paraphrased)
• Reading is about understanding. Not finishing. Not rushing.
• Look for life changing reads.
• Read widely, then read deeply
• Books help us from sinking into the abyss
• Reading isn’t about remembering, it’s about feeling transformed.
Thank you Libro FM for the ALC of this book! Definitely recommend the audio.
March 20, 2026
Обожавам книги, които говорят и препоръчват други книги. Авторката говори с такава любов за всяка една, която споделя, обяснявайки с какво е допринесла в живота и на четящ човек и на писател в последствие!
Ясно ми е вече, че каквото и да напише Хуанг БоРъм, ще е в графа "любими".
Някак си тази е още по-добра и от "Добре дошли в книжарница Хюнам донг".
Цялата книга е едно огромно ревю на книги, което е доста сполучливо! ❤️
Ясно ми е вече, че каквото и да напише Хуанг БоРъм, ще е в графа "любими".
Някак си тази е още по-добра и от "Добре дошли в книжарница Хюнам донг".
Цялата книга е едно огромно ревю на книги, което е доста сполучливо! ❤️
May 7, 2026
This was a series of 53 essays about reading, most of which really helps me to think about why I love to read so much, how I choose the books I read, and how I discuss them with other readers. A provocative book.
March 14, 2026
Sometimes a book comes at exactly the right time and is written in exactly the right way. This is the case for Boreum's non-fiction delight.
In each of the 53 brief chapters, she provides suggestions and advice and asks her reader probing questions which function to inspire and motivate. Taking her own love of books and vast reading experience, she breaks the process of choosing a book down into small, digestible categories - like Reading Beyond Bestsellers, Reading Difficult Books and Reading Beyond What You're Interested In. In this way, she makes plain the gaps or narrowness of my own reading list.
She isn't just encouraging me to read untouched genres; she suggests reading in different settings, getting recommendations from new sources and pushing my reading out of my comfort zone more often.
Often in her chapters, she focusses on a single book which serves to illustrate her point. Using a quote, a synopsis or a scene, she connects to that book's content, describing how it made her think more deeply or relate to the characters/author. I loved these metacognitive snippets and added SO many books of these books to my TBR.
So often with talented and voracious readers, advice is given with a tone of condescension or elitism, making my own book choices look light, fluffy and inconsequential. But Boreum is nothing like this. Her approach is inclusive, supportive and commending. She is simply so enamoured with the millions of book choices out there and would appreciate anyone's book list as long as it brings joy and drive to that reader.
ATY (non-fiction) - Korean author
In each of the 53 brief chapters, she provides suggestions and advice and asks her reader probing questions which function to inspire and motivate. Taking her own love of books and vast reading experience, she breaks the process of choosing a book down into small, digestible categories - like Reading Beyond Bestsellers, Reading Difficult Books and Reading Beyond What You're Interested In. In this way, she makes plain the gaps or narrowness of my own reading list.
She isn't just encouraging me to read untouched genres; she suggests reading in different settings, getting recommendations from new sources and pushing my reading out of my comfort zone more often.
Often in her chapters, she focusses on a single book which serves to illustrate her point. Using a quote, a synopsis or a scene, she connects to that book's content, describing how it made her think more deeply or relate to the characters/author. I loved these metacognitive snippets and added SO many books of these books to my TBR.
So often with talented and voracious readers, advice is given with a tone of condescension or elitism, making my own book choices look light, fluffy and inconsequential. But Boreum is nothing like this. Her approach is inclusive, supportive and commending. She is simply so enamoured with the millions of book choices out there and would appreciate anyone's book list as long as it brings joy and drive to that reader.
ATY (non-fiction) - Korean author
January 27, 2026
Hwang Bo-Reum is a Korean writer. Her book Every Day I Read was originally published in Korean in 2021; I listened to the audiobook narration of the 2025 English translation by Shanna Tan. This is a short volume (240 pages/4 hour audiobook) consisting of a series of brief essays on why Hwang reads, different topics and genres she enjoys reading, and how books have been a constant companion for her from her reluctant student days to her ill-fated career as a corporate computer engineer to her new career as a writer, all couched as encouragement for others to read more.
As a voracious reader myself (if I were ever to try to publish a book, it likely would be on exploring why I read so much and what I get out of it), I definitely applaud Hwang encouraging others to read more. I think a well-read society is a better society. That being said, we all read for different reasons and toward different aims, and Hwang's reading is definitely for different reasons than mine.
Further reading: on reading
Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World by Maryanne Wolf
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading, edited by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
My statistics:
Book 24 for 2026
Book 2330 cumulatively
As a voracious reader myself (if I were ever to try to publish a book, it likely would be on exploring why I read so much and what I get out of it), I definitely applaud Hwang encouraging others to read more. I think a well-read society is a better society. That being said, we all read for different reasons and toward different aims, and Hwang's reading is definitely for different reasons than mine.
Further reading: on reading
Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World by Maryanne Wolf
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading, edited by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
My statistics:
Book 24 for 2026
Book 2330 cumulatively
March 27, 2026
I really connected with this book. The tone and pacing felt thoughtful and engaging, and I often found myself thinking “Yes, I know exactly what you mean.” I wasn’t overwhelmed by the ideas; instead, they gently unfolded in a way that felt personal and easy to mull over.
The idea of having a personal ‘niche’ of around 500 books, really got my attention, creating a sense of a more intimate and manageable experience.
I also liked the sense of freedom running through it:
• To read slowly.
• To follow my own interests.
• Not feel pressured by what I ‘ought’ to be reading.
More than anything, it made me reflect on how reading can be a mirror, those quiet moments when I catch myself in the pages and left me seeing my bookshelf not just as a collection of books, but as a reflection of my own life.
The idea of having a personal ‘niche’ of around 500 books, really got my attention, creating a sense of a more intimate and manageable experience.
I also liked the sense of freedom running through it:
• To read slowly.
• To follow my own interests.
• Not feel pressured by what I ‘ought’ to be reading.
More than anything, it made me reflect on how reading can be a mirror, those quiet moments when I catch myself in the pages and left me seeing my bookshelf not just as a collection of books, but as a reflection of my own life.
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