Redhead Rage Reads
Music + reading = Wholesome good times.
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I struggle to read in silence. I don't know if it was growing up in a busy house or reading on commutes but I need audio goodness of some kind. It can't be normal music though. There is a very specific "reading" music I need.
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Reading is better with music. It's like having a soundtrack for the story. I am not alone in promoting its benefits. A study completed at Stanford found that music engages areas of the brain involved with attention, making predictions and updating events- all beneficial whilst reading a book, I would say.
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It always feels magical when a song accurately reflects what's happening in the book I am reading. Especially in times of conflict, or when tension is high. I have selected the below playlists using the following criteria:
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1. Minimal lyrics: I find it much easier to focus on the book I am reading and still enjoy the tunes when it is mostly instrumental.
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2. The playlists are long: This is so they don't become repetitive.
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3. They are not playlists I usually listen to: Much like red wine and fish, I like to keep my regular tunes and my reading tunes separate. I have specific reading playlists that I only listen to when I am reading. It keeps 'em special.
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I would love to know what you listen to when you're reading! Maybe it's the sound of your husband loudly playing Playstation in the lounge room, with intermittent guffaws of defeat. (Note: That is purely hypothetical and definitely not what is happening in my house as I type).
This playlist is my go to. Always.
And not just because Fantasy is my favourite genre- this playlist gives a mix of game and movie/TV soundtracks (such as The Vikings, Braveheart and The Tutors) to set the background for your next reading session. The pace of music differs but overall I think you could read a lot of genres whilst listening and not be disappointed. It has over 20 hours of play time as well, so you can press play and nestle in!
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Would recommend for: Fantasy, Young adult. Most recently I listened to this whilst reading read The Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout and it was superb.
Delicate and light.
That is how I would best sum up this playlist. ​It's a little shorter but it's enjoyable and purely instrumental. The pace is pretty consistent so if you are just looking for some breezy background tunes this is the playlist for you! It's a playlist you can play whilst reading (almost) anything- provided it's not too dark.
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Would recommend for: Romance. 100% It is also definitely my go to for classics like Pride and Prejudice or.. Little Women even?(Hah!). I also recently listened to it whilst reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Weatherman and it matched really well!
This sounds like a weird inclusion but sometimes i just need some sounds like "Quiet Tokyo street and crickets" or "Rain and Thunder inside a barn," ya know?
This is a great playlist if you don't want music but you like a little noise. There is some vibe killing intro talking at the start of each track. I usually fast forward 1 minute in and it is over. This isn't that big of a deal seeing as most of the tracks go for an hour minimum.
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Would recommend for: Literally anything. This is why it's in my top playlists because it gives the best background noise. There is even a track titled "Sailing on a tall ship for 1 hour." You can just feel the pirate vibes.
Delicate and light.
That is how I would best sum up this playlist. ​It's a little shorter but it's enjoyable and purely instrumental. The pace is pretty consistent so if you are just looking for some breezy background tunes this is the playlist for you! It's a playlist you can play whilst reading (almost) anything- provided it's not too dark.
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Would recommend for: Romance. 100% It is also definitely my go to for classics like Pride and Prejudice or.. Little Women even?(Hah!). I also recently listened to it whilst reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Weatherman.
Delicate and light.
That is how I would best sum up this playlist. ​It's a little shorter but it's enjoyable and purely instrumental. The pace is pretty consistent so if you are just looking for some breezy background tunes this is the playlist for you! It's a playlist you can play whilst reading (almost) anything- provided it's not too dark.
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Would recommend for: Romance. 100% It is also definitely my go to for classics like Pride and Prejudice or.. Little Women even?(Hah!). I also recently listened to it whilst reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Weatherman.
Do you have a favourite playlist that I should add into my rotation? Comment below and subscribe!