Books

Speaker: Finn

Do you enjoy reading books?

I’d say I enjoy reading in moderation. I wouldn’t call myself a bookworm, and it’s not usually my go-to activity when I have free time. However, if a book has an interesting story or covers a topic I’m curious about, I can get quite into it.

How often do you read books?

Not very often, to be honest. During the semester, most of my reading is related to my coursework. Outside of that, I might read a book every now and then, especially during holidays when I have more free time.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

When I do read, I usually go for science fiction or mystery novels because they’re entertaining and easy to get absorbed in. I occasionally read non-fiction as well, but only if it’s about a topic that genuinely interests me.

Did you read many books when you were a child?

Yeah, I probably read more as a child than I do now. I used to enjoy adventure stories and fantasy books, and I spent quite a bit of time reading after school. These days, there are just a lot more distractions competing for my attention.

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. A friend recommended it to me, and I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. The story was really engaging, and it didn’t feel like a chore to get through.

Do you prefer physical books or e-books? Why?

I’d probably choose physical books. I don’t read often enough to invest in an e-reader, and I find physical books a bit more enjoyable. That said, if I were traveling, I’d definitely appreciate the convenience of having several books on one device.

Is reading a popular activity in your country?

I think it’s still fairly popular, but maybe not as popular as it used to be. A lot of people spend their free time on social media, streaming platforms, or video games instead. Even so, there are still plenty of people who enjoy reading regularly.

Have your reading habits changed over the years?

Definitely. When I was younger, I read mainly for fun and probably did it more often. Nowadays, most of my reading is academic because of university, so I don’t always feel like picking up a book when I finally have some free time.

Do you usually buy books or borrow them from a library?

Neither, really. Since I don’t read books very frequently, I only get one when there’s a particular title I want to read. If it’s related to my studies, I’ll usually borrow it from the university library rather than buy it.

What book would you take on a long journey? Why?

I’d probably take a mystery or science-fiction novel—something that’s easy to get into and keeps me interested. Long journeys can get pretty boring, so I’d want a book that’s entertaining enough to help pass the time. I don’t read very often, but traveling is one of the few situations where I can actually sit down and focus on a book without getting distracted.

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Speaker: Blondie

Do you enjoy reading books?

I do, yeah, though I don’t get as much time for it as I’d like these days. Between work and trying to maintain a social life, it’s tough, but I still love diving into a good story when I actually get a moment to myself.

How often do you read books?

To be completely honest, it’s pretty sporadic. I might go weeks without touching a book because my schedule is just too hectic, but then I’ll totally binge-read an entire novel over a single weekend when I finally have some downtime.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

Lately, I’ve been leaning toward memoirs and career-focused non-fiction, mostly because I like reading about other people’s real-world experiences. But if I just want to switch my brain off after a long week, I’ll pick up a fast-paced thriller.

Did you read many books when you were a child?

Oh, absolutely. I was much more of a bookworm back then, mostly because I didn’t have a smartphone or a demanding job taking up all my energy! I used to stay up way past my bedtime reading fantasy novels under the covers.

What is the last book you read?

I actually just finished Atomic Habits a couple of weeks ago. A colleague at work recommended it to me because I was complaining about my terrible time management, and I have to say, it actually had some really practical advice.

Do you prefer physical books or e-books? Why?

I used to be a die-hard fan of physical books, but these days I actually prefer e-books. Since I’m always on the move, it’s just way more convenient to have a whole library on my phone or tablet rather than lugging a heavy paperback around in my bag.

Is reading a popular activity in your country?

I think it depends on who you ask. Among professionals my age, audiobooks and podcasts seem to be taking over because people like to multitask. But traditional reading? I feel like it’s sadly taking a backseat to streaming shows and scrolling through social media.

Have your reading habits changed over the years?

Definitely. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to, and my taste has changed quite a bit too. When I was younger, I loved getting lost in fantasy novels and huge book series. These days, though, I’m more likely to pick up a memoir or a non-fiction book, especially if it’s related to personal development or something I’m interested in professionally.

Do you usually buy books or borrow them from a library?

I mostly buy them online, usually the digital versions. I haven’t set foot in a library since my university days, to be honest. It’s just easier to click ‘download’ and have it instantly when I’m in the mood to read.

What book would you take on a long journey? Why?

I’d probably take a really gripping fiction novel—something I can completely lose myself in. Long flights or train rides are the only times I can actually read uninterrupted without checking my work emails, so I’d want an absolute page-turner to make the time fly.