So I've started noticing something recently (and when I say recently, I mean for about a year now). When I begin a book during the day, more often than not, I don't enjoy it and will DNF it; however, when I read a book at night, I rant and rave about how it's the best thing since sliced bread.
Coincidence? I think not.
In fact, I am convinced I suffer from night-goggles--a phenomena I have completely just pulled out of my blogger-iffic ass.
Night-goggles © Book Faery (Tori) A bookish phenomenon in which the time of day affects one's reading enjoyment. The darker it is outside, the more physically/emotionally/mentally appealing a book becomes to the reader.It makes sense, right? The bookish version of beer-goggles. You read a book at night, when there is absolutely NOTHING to distract you, and you think to yourself something like: "holy hell! this author is an evil genius whose brain has spawned the most epic of epic novels out there!"
But heaven forbid you don't finish the book you're reading while it's still dark out. In your anticipation to read what you so painstakingly put down in order to get some sleep the night prior, you forgo all duties the next day and continue to read that epic novel... only to realize the book isn't as epic as you once thought.
Disappointment and/or bookish depression may soon begin plaguing you as you question your reading sanity.
I have a 50/50 chance of either enjoying the book the next day, or absolutely hating it and wondering wtf happened to my brain the night before. I think it's kind of funny that certain times of the day affect my reading experience, and I love it when a book is so awesome that night-goggles does not apply.
Have you ever experienced night-goggles syndrome?
About the Author
I think it's not just something about the time of day, but the weather as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier to curl up to a nice book when te weather's rubbish than when it's nice, like we have at the moment.
But, the point you raise is a good one, especially when you try to squeeze a read in during your lunch break.
Ohh yes, thunderstorms are ideal reading weather, no matter what time of day. But then when you think about it, *most* thunderstorms are usually accompanied by little sunlight, so it's almost like an artificial night. And because it's storming so badly, I usually never want to do anything lol
DeleteHmm. I think I'll put your theory to the test and start paying more attention to how time of day affects my bookish opinions.
ReplyDeleteLol how's that book going, night-goggle girl?
DeleteI've been experiencing the same phenomenon, hehe. I prefer to read at nights, and sometimes when I continue reading at day it doesn't have the same feeling.
ReplyDeleteExactly!!! I hate it when I am completely IN LOVE with a book at night... and then if I have to continue it the next day, my experience is pretty... mediocre, at best.
DeleteThe worst, though, is when I sit down to write a review for a night-goggle book that I've realized is a night-goggle book.
I also prefer to read at night. I can read during the day, but it doesn't have the same appeal.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely doesn't. I think I'm too wound up to really appreciate most books during the day lol.
DeleteReading during the day in certainly not the same. I prefer reading at night. You're more relaxed and don't have any distractions. But if I only read at night I tend to forget things sometimes so I pick up the book during the day too. :)
ReplyDeleteAhh I've discovered that my ideal reading time is between 7pm and midnight. If a book is so freaking amazing I can't put it down (usually non-night-goggle books), I'll stay up til the wee hours in the morning. But most of the time, I can put the book down and go to sleep.
DeleteThis is quite fascinating! I've never given much thought to it but you do make a good point. I haven't necessarily disliked a novel based on reading it during daylight hours, but I have noticed an increased enjoyment in nocturnal reading :)
ReplyDelete♥Isalys / Book Soulmate