I've realized that I almost never want to read just one book at a time. I always seem to have a duo going: one book that emotionally destroys me + one book that lets me breathe. 😆

For example, I'll have something heavy, dark, or intellectually demanding on one hand, and then something cozy, funny, whimsical, or just plain fun on the other.

I think I need the balance because if I read two emotionally devastating books back-to-back, I might simply be sent to an existential crisis and go on a long reading slump. 😭

I'm curious, does anyone else read like this? Do you also happen to have a specific formula for your reading?

Ever since I got into reading this year, books have become one of my favorite hobbies. I genuinely want to read.

But with this second half of the year, I can already feel the responsibilities piling up—deadlines, goals, and everything I want to accomplish before each month or season ends.

It's just that every time I look at my bookshelf, instead of excitement, I feel... guilt(?) Like I should be doing something "more productive," even though reading is something I genuinely enjoy and value.

Has anyone else gone through this? How did you balance having a busy life while still making time for books without feeling like you were neglecting your responsibilities? 🥲