I read books. A lot of books. And I'm often asked how I find the time.
My secret is simple and very, very boring. This is it: I don't watch television. Like ever. (Minus breezing through a recorded episode of Saturday Night Live or Top Chef while folding laundry. But that's it.) It's astonishing how many hours per week (per month! per year!) this affords me to read.
Nothing calms my nervous system like a book; nothing brings me as much satisfaction. Reading challenges my brain and spurs me to ruminate on good words. It makes me smart and happy.
I will always choose a novel over a TV show or movie, but here's the cost: I remain blissfully ignorant of 96% of American pop culture. I've never seen Lost or Glee or Mad Men. I don't know anything about Modern Family or This Is Us, and although I'm sure they're excellent shows (they won awards! they spawned major stars!), I am unwilling to give up book time for screen time. When I turn on Saturday Night Live with a mound of clean clothes in front of me, I typically have to google the host because I know nothing about him or her. Pitiful? Maybe. Do I care? No.
Books have a way of sticking to me like Velcro, long after I've finished them. I love to discuss, recommend, write about, and celebrate them, which is way more joyful than anything I can find on Netflix.
I'm sorry that your TV references will forever be completely lost on me, but if you're looking for a good book, then, hey, I'm your girl.