I don’t know about you, but I tend to read a lot more in the colder months. It could be because it’s cold and all I want to do is bundle up in my condo with a really good book. If you’re like me, you’re about to go into full hibernation mode until it’s springtime again.
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time reading anyway, you should find ways to experience the book further by using your five sense. Here are some ways that you can explore the world of your book further.
1) Burn candles
Whether you’re burning a bookish related candle or just one that’s smell transports you into the world of the book. Smelling a book-related scent while you’re reading will help you feel like you’re inside of the book. It could help make the world come alive for you.
2) Look at maps
Looking at maps (especially for fantasy novels) can really help you understand the world more. Understanding the geography of the world can help you imagine the world in a much clearer way. Maps help me feel more grounded in the world and help me visualize the world of the book I’m reading.
3) Eat foods that remind you of the book
Whether you’re making the main character’s favourite dessert or eating fruit that is mentioned in the book can help immerse you in your current read. You can even going as far as finding a book themed cookbook to help you with using your tastebuds to transport you deeper into the story. My best friend actually got me a Hunger Games cookbook that I’ve been meaning to try. Maybe for my next re-read I’ll make a dish to eat while I read the series.
4) Check out the author’s website
Checking out the website of the author of your favourite book can really help increase your knowledge of a certain world or universe, especially for fantasy readers! Websites like Pottermore can give you additional information that didn’t make it into the Harry Potter books or require further information. There’s also sites like what Rena Barron did for Kingdom of Souls, where you can learn more about the characters, view an interactive map and more!
5) Make a book-related playlist
Making a book-related playlist can help you continue to feel like you are experiencing the world before, during, and after reading the book. The playlist can include songs mentioned in the book or songs that remind me of the mood of parts of the novel. You can arrange this playlist in multiple ways as well. You can have them in order, similar to a movie soundtrack or it can be a random assortment of songs that remind you of the book.
Related: HCC Frenzy’s On The Come Up Playlist
Let me know in the comments below what you do to immerse yourself in your books!