literary gluttony

There’s something about a snowstorm that quietly rearranges your brain.

The world slows. The noise drops out. Obligations blur at the edges. Time stops behaving the way it normally does—and suddenly, the way you read changes too.

When the snow hit, I didn’t bounce between books or build a storm-specific stack. I stayed exactly where I was—deep inside my current read: Alchemised by SenLinYu.

And that, in itself, said a lot about my reading mood.

The Plan (Such As It Was)

Going into the storm, I didn’t feel the urge to start something new.

No shiny distractions. No mood-hopping. No impulsive TBR grabs.

Instead, I wanted continuity. One story. One emotional thread to hold onto while the world outside went quiet.

Staying Put Instead of Reaching Around

Normally, a snowstorm tempts me into sampling—trying a little of this, a little of that, chasing the perfect cozy vibe.

This time, I stayed anchored.

Alchemised already had its hooks in me, and the storm deepened that connection. Rather than pulling me away, the stillness made it easier to sink further in—to linger longer, read slower, and sit with the tension instead of rushing through it.

How the Snow Changed the Way I Read

The storm didn’t change what I was reading—it changed how I read.

I found myself:

• Reading in longer, quieter stretches
• Paying more attention to atmosphere and emotional undercurrents
• Letting scenes breathe instead of pushing for progress

It wasn’t about finishing chapters. It was about staying present.

Why I Didn’t Start Anything New

A snowstorm creates enforced stillness. Even if life doesn’t fully stop, it feels like it should.

In that kind of quiet, starting a new book felt disruptive.

New worlds require orientation. New characters ask for energy. And during the storm, my brain wanted familiarity—not comfort in the form of a reread, but comfort in commitment.

One book. One voice. One place to return to.

The Reading Mood That Took Over

If I had to name it, this was a deep-focus reading mood.

Not cozy escapism. Not chaotic binge-reading.

Just immersion.

The kind where the outside world fades, and the book becomes the constant background hum while snow piles up beyond the windows.

What This Taught Me About My Reading Habits

The storm reminded me that I don’t always need variety to feel satisfied as a reader.

Sometimes, the most grounding thing I can do is stay with the story I’m already in—especially when everything else feels suspended.

Carrying This Mood Forward

As the snow melts and routines return, I’m holding onto this lesson:

It’s okay not to chase a mood. It’s okay not to start something new just because the opportunity is there. It’s okay to let one book take up all the space.

If you were snowed in, did you hunker down with a single read—or did you bounce between books until one finally fit? I’d love to know.