Publisher and Publication Date: Baker Books. September 4, 2018.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Pages: 160.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Baker books, but was not required to leave a positive review.
Rating: Recommend. Very Good.
Audience: People who love to read.

Amazon

Anne Bogel is the originator of the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy and the podcast What Should I Read Next? Also, the author of Reading People.

Baker Books is a Christian publishing group. I’d Rather Be Reading is not a Christian book.

Summary:
This book is about the topic of reading. From the type of literary carnivores we are, to how to organize the books on the shelf, to what our favorite books say about us.
Not all readers plan out their next book to read, but some readers do plan and organize. Bogel tries to give a broad brushstroke to all types of readers.
I’d Rather Be Reading is an entertaining and satisfying look at the activity of reading.

My Thoughts:
Bogel begins by listing different types of book readers. For example, people who are English teachers but have never read a classic work beyond college. People who dislike certain series books or people who binge read certain series books. There are all types of readers and Bogel shares their perspectives.
One of my favorite chapters in the book is how reading is a solitary activity, but when one book reader asks another book reader, “hey, what is your favorite book?” This question breaks the ice to become a perfect conversation starter. The book lovers I know recite a long list of books and might give lists for individual genres.
The focus of the book is page 11 through 145. This is a small digestible book for a bibliophile. It does not dig deep in the topic. The chapters are short-an intro and 21 chapters in all.
Bogel inserts a variety of books in the chapters. For example, from chapter eleven: “The Readers I Have Been.” She refers to Madeliene L’Engle who wrote A Wrinkle in Time. This book “won” her over at a young age. She also enjoyed reading books by L’Engle at older stages in life. For example, The “Irrational Season.”
I enjoyed reading I’d Rather Be Reading.
It is a great gift for a reader. It is a great book for a book discussion group. It is a great book to read on a cold afternoon with a cup of your choice.