I’d rather read a few extra books in a year, than make notes on all of them while I’m reading. My “to read” list is already longer than I can finish in this life-time. But, if it makes reading more enjoyable for you, by all means continue and don’t worry if anyone else takes notes, too.
Some days 20 minutes; some days 6 hours. But I read every day.
I’m the outlier here, but I didn’t like Project Hail Mary. I loved the Martian and Artemis as I thought they were excellent science fiction, eg, events that could possibly happen in the future. The Martian might be a bit far-fetched, but the science was sound. Unfortunately, for me Project Hail Mary crossed the line into science fantasy. I just can’t do fantasy. I need to have a chance of a story actually being able to be believable.
One of my favorite authors, Nevil Shute Norway (1899-1960), was a British aeronautical engineer who wrote under the pseudonym, Nevil Shute, to protect his career in engineering. He was afraid his employers and co-workers would not view him as a serious person if they discovered his writing ability. I think this view has changed 180^(0) in the past 97 years since he wrote and published his first novel.
One of my favorite authors, Nevil Shute Norway (1899-1960), was a British aeronautical engineer who wrote under the pseudonym, Nevil Shute, to protect his career in engineering. He was afraid his employers and co-workers would not view him as a serious person if they discovered his writing ability. I think this view has changed 180^(0) in the past 97 years since he wrote and published his first novel.
I read James Lee Burke novels for the pure pleasure of how he puts words together. I enjoy his good vs evil stories and flawed characters, but his words are what really draw me in.
Just like I don’t trust most movie reviewers analysis on what I would like, I don’t trust book reviewers. I have no problem going to the library, looking at the dust cover on 3 or 4 books and taking them home. If I find a book or two I don’t care for after reading a few pages, back it goes. I read what I like, not what someone else thinks I’ll like.
I have a three point rating system: I would read it again, I would recommend it, I would not recommend it.
There are probably two dozen authors for whom their books are automatic. If they write a new one, I read it. Beyond that, I pick books by genre or by the little blurb on the flyleaf, giving new (to me) authors a read. I really don’t mind reading a few chapters and sending it back to the library. There are more good books out there than I can possibly read in my lifetime. I’ve been reading for 67 years with over 3000 books and I still have no trouble finding something to read. Not everything has to be a great read; good or even OK is perfectly acceptable to me.