Favourite Reads of 2022: Super Normie Edition

TL;DR

After a challenging year, the author reflects on their struggles with work, the overwhelming choices in reading, and the consolidation of attention in the book and music industries.

Transcript

I know it's been a minute but this has been a year of languishing I mean we're sort of post coveted I'm fully vaxed boostered and we've seen a return to travel with the family and for work but it's hardly been a return to normal I mean I love working from home my wife and I are luxuriating in our own personal home office space and rediscovering our... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Despite some positive aspects, such as increased genre exposure and representation, the author struggles with work-life balance and feelings of inadequacy.
• 🥺 The vast availability of books online has made it challenging for readers to keep up with new releases, leading to a desire for guidance and recommendations.
• 🖐️ Social media platforms have played a significant role in expanding the reach of genre fiction and increasing representation in literature.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the pandemic affected the author's work-life balance?

The author shares their struggle with maintaining boundaries between work and personal life, finding themselves working long hours and extending their workweek into evenings and weekends.

Q: How has social media impacted the exposure of genres like romance and LGBTQ+ romance in the book world?

The author highlights how social media platforms have expanded the reach of genre fiction, particularly romance, bringing it into the mainstream and increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ romance.

Q: Why does the author feel lost when it comes to new book releases?

The author explains their difficulty in keeping up with the abundance of new book releases, citing their lack of awareness of books listed for prestigious awards and feeling out of touch with the current literary landscape.

Q: How has the paradox of choice affected readers' attention?

The author explores how an overwhelming number of choices in the book and music industries have led to a narrowing of attention and a preference for being guided on what to like, resulting in a consolidation of attention.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author discusses how the past year has been marked by a lack of normalcy due to the pandemic, causing extended work hours and an inability to disconnect from work.

• They reflect on their steady reading habits, acknowledging the increased exposure to a wide range of genres and diverse representation in literature.

• The author expresses feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of new book releases and a consolidation of attention, leading to a desire for recommendations and guidance in choosing what to read.