Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Addicted

Lots of people have addictions: alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, gambling, shopping... The list goes on. I've decided that I have an addiction. Once I start reading a good book, or watching a good TV show, I CAN'T STOP.

I've looked it up. It appears that an addiction to reading is thought to be a way to avoid reality. Although, according to this article, I must be a functioning reading addict because I am capable of cutting back on my reading. To a certain extent.

Here's the problem. If I find a really good book, one that truly captures my attention, I don't want to stop reading it. I will read late into the night and feel exhausted the entire next day. But then do it again the following night. This goes on and on until the book is finished. UNLESS, that book is a part of a series. In which case, the story goes on until that series is finished.

I am in the middle of reading the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. (Thanks Alexa!) This past weekend, I was reading during Aiden's nap and actually got mad when it was time for him to get up because I knew I had to put the book down. It took a good 30 minutes for me to get over it.

What is wrong with me?!

This has been an issue with me since I was a kid. I remember spending a summer reading every Nancy Drew book I could find at our local library. I would ride my bike up there, check out two books, ride home and start reading. Then in a couple days, I was back up there doing it all over again. I went through this again when the Harry Potter books came out. I was all over those. And again more recently with Twilight.

I have the same problem with a really good TV series. In general, I don't watch or need TV on a regular basis. It's not like that. It's only if I find a great show. What makes that even worse is if I have the series on DVD. For example, Travis and I borrowed True Blood, Season 1 from David and Stephanie. We couldn't stop watching it. Actually, I couldn't stop watching it. The only reason I didn't watch the entire series in one night is because Travis wanted to see them too and he was ready for bed.

Anybody else have this problem? I'm thinking about starting a support group.

9 comments:

Alexa said...

I TOTALLY had that problem when I was reading that series of books :). Chris would actually say 'honey, let me see your book', and then he would THROW it accross the room! LOL! I would fall for it every time....he was jealous of my book obsession. After I had Blair it was hard to read, but it has become a habit again prior to sleep. But, it is not as bad as it was. I would stay up WAY to late reading. So, I would totally sign up for your support group. Also, for the iPhone support group and the Latte from Starbucks support group :).

Heart Centered Psychic said...

Hi. My name is Brenda and I am addicted to reading...

Seriously, I wonder if there's a support group for that!

Nikki said...

It's tough because I know reading is good for me. Helps keep up my vocabulary and spelling skills. BUT, this seems like a not-good-thing...

Alexa - you've got a lot of support groups going on there. LOL!

Aunt Trish said...

Nikki, it must be in the genes. Sounds just like your mom. Her reading and tv watching is totally out of control--she could use the support group too! Remember your dad used to complain about her reading too much.

Sara's Satire said...

Yes, sign me up....I have completely screwed up my sleeping schedule. Last week I put Lanrdy down at 8:00 as usual, but decided to go to bed too, because I was tired. However, I started reading...at 10:30, JR came to bed, and I was still reading, at 3:00 I was still reading the book. It was so good that I couldn't stop. I tried putting it down, but I couldn't stop thinking about it, I finished the entire thing that night! Since then, I seem to find good book aftre good book, because I have been up every night reading! Geesh!
As for TV - you can sign me up for that too. I have a reality TV addiction...especially "The Housewives" I watch them all Housewives of DC, Orange County, New York, New Jersey, Atlanta....then I have my regular shows that are about to start up again in Sept. Grey's Anatomy, private practice....
Yep - I could definitely use a support group, or just plain old THERAPY! LOL

Heart Centered Psychic said...

In case anyone's interested? I 'googled' support groups for reading addictions; just to see. There's actually one out there! LOL!

I feel the urge to go back and read through it...

Unknown said...

Me too! Me too!

It's even worse now that I read books on my phone. I can read ALL the time now!

Thank goodness for Harris County Public Library, or I'd be broke.

Rachel said...

Hi! My name is Rachel Knight and I'm addicted to reading!

Nikki said...

7 members in our support group! Thanks guys!! I was thinking about changing it to a Book Club. Who's in? ;)

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