Chapter 1: The Ghosts of Books

At the start of this year, I took a moment to reflect on my reading journey in 2022. Out of the 90 books I managed to read, I found it surprisingly difficult to recall the specifics of roughly half of them.

While aging and the accumulation of information may contribute to this lapse, I suspect that the formulaic nature of certain genres also plays a role, blending narratives into an indistinct haze. However, the primary reason, I believe, is my tendency to binge-read.

I often skipped breaks between novels, particularly when engrossed in a series. There were nights I would finish one book at 1 AM and immediately dive into the next, disregarding sleep. Although I can vividly recall the impactful reads, if pressed for details on those other books, I would struggle to remember much. It feels as though a significant portion of my reading list is now inhabited by shadows—faint memories of plots and characters, while the rest fades away into obscurity.

As I attempted to write about a series I explored last year, I found myself combing through summaries to reconnect with the narrative and its characters. While I remembered the overarching themes, the finer points required a refresher. Admittedly, my lack of detailed notes contributed to this, yet my ability to recall entire song lyrics from high school indicates that my memory isn’t entirely diminished. I think I was simply engaging in phantom reading.

This paragraph will result in an indented block of text, typically used for quoting other text.

Section 1.2: The Pressure to Read

After years of distancing myself from books, I felt compelled to dive back in with intensity. I feared that taking even a single day off between titles would lead me back into a reading drought. What I was doing was akin to cramming for an exam—retaining information temporarily but losing it just as quickly.

Just like writing, reading should be a natural process, not a chore. Upon returning to writing, I discovered that a long absence from reading had left me devoid of inspiration. The blank page mirrored my empty thoughts.

Subsection 1.2.1: The Art of Mindful Reading

Reflecting on the books that truly captivated me, I realize they linger in my mind long after I’ve closed their covers. Titles that demand to be read in a single sitting are not the issue; rather, it’s the rush to finish due to external pressures or trends that often leads to a shallow reading experience.

In a world where content creators race against time to review and share the latest releases, the question arises: what is the normal reading pace? For instance, the average reading speed on platforms like Medium is around 265 words per minute. With that in mind, how are some individuals managing to read over 300 books annually? What do they genuinely retain from such an experience, and are they at risk of burnout?

Chapter 2: Embracing Reflection

The first video, "Phantom Readathon | Reading Sprints," explores the concept of reading sprints and their impact on comprehension. This approach can resonate with those who find themselves rushing through books.

In the second video, "Reading Books That Sang For Me I Phantom Romance Readathon," viewers are invited to reflect on the emotional resonance of the books they read, highlighting the importance of connection over speed.

As I reflect on my reading this year, I’ve completed eight books and can recall details about each one. This is largely due to my conscious choices and a desire to remember my reading journey. While I acknowledge that some content may slip into the recesses of my mind, I accept that not every book needs to be a profound experience.

I look forward to taking my time between reads, allowing each book to settle within me. After numerous phantom reads, I long to truly be haunted by a story, in the best sense of the word.

If you found this piece insightful, I would appreciate your support through claps and follows for more book-related discussions.