Paperback or Hardcover? Why?

I’ve been thinking a bit about pop culture references these last few days, and how they can really ruin a book for me, and I’m just wondering if I’m the only one? Or is this something that’s as universally disliked as stickers on book covers.

I’m not the most pop-culture savvy person, so half the time I just don’t get the reference and it leaves me feeling like there’s a joke I’m just not getting. And then there are the references that I do recognise but leave me feeling uncomfortable. Harry Potter references are very jarring now - even in books written years ago, they still gives me a moment of pause.

I’m also aware that I’m a lot more forgiving of older pop culture references, though I suppose those might be better termed cultural references. I’m more likely to be put off by a book referring to insert currently popular singer here than Queen or the Beatles – but what’s the cut off? No one would consider Shakespeare or Austen pop culture (though it was at the time it was written) but why should I give that a pass when I would sigh if someone referenced more modern literature.

Personally, if we need to know what the main character listens to or watches, then I'd rather the author just make something up. I probably have a better chance of working out what something is from the name and what I know of the character than I do of understanding most modern references.

So what are your thoughts on pop culture references? Do you love them or hate them? Does your opinion change based on how dated they are or whether you get them?

Right now, in my last semester, I have a lot of projects and tests to do, but I really want to read books. How do people with tight schedules and little time manage to read without losing interest or losing track of the story? Or do I just have to accept my fate and read after everything is done? For me, that would take 1–2 months until then.

I've been wondering how people "cast" the characters in the books they read... I mean... how do you decide what faces they have in your mind? Do you picture actors, people you know, or do you invent new faces, or maybe you imagine cartoons? If the book got a movie adaptation it's easier, but do you stay loyal to that? Personally, I picture a lot of actors and people I know, usually based on the description provided, even if sometimes I change some details (Jace Wayland was always brunette in my head for example 😅). Sometimes I get really proud of my casting, I'm not going to lie ☺️

Can’t believe I’ve never read this, my favorite movie ever. Excited to dive in!! In other news, I appreciate the book is subtly giving context to her stepmothers behavior. Sophie is to naive and kind to see how her stepmother is exploiting her and getting rid of her other daughters.

What's on the tin, really. If you don't have a social media/youtube, how do you keep track?

I don't want to go back to social media, but I also struggle to remember my (soft) goals and I kind of miss the social, accountability aspect of them. And cheering other people on with their own challenges.

I'm thinking of maybe creating a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly post where people can share their progess here on PB but I'm not sure if it's allowed? Give me a peak into your system, pretty pretty please.

Edit to add : by social media I mean places with short form content and endless scrowling. Ads every two posts, rage bating, AI made, ... I know forums are technically social media but they feel different and I hope you get what I mean here.

What are your most-read authors?

I think the three authors from whom i've read the most books are Tahereh Mafi (9 Books), Leigh Bardugo and Jennifer L. Armentrout (both 7 Books). I've also read a lot by the German author Sebastian Fitzek, but i don't know how many of his books i've read. I think at least 9 or 10.

I’m headed up to York next weekend for a little city break and I’m wondering if anyone has any recs for bookshops there? (Or any other cute ideas for a relaxing weekend trip)

That one genre that you want so badly to get into but every time you try you hit a brick wall. For example, I have personally tried to read Epic Fantasy many many times, and for some reason every time i try I have never been able to finish a single book. I feel like I love hearing and reading more about epic fantasies than ever actually reading them. However im stubborn and will likely continue to try this genre cause im so sure at least one book or series will be for me.