Reading, More Then or Now: Musing Mondays

Another Monday, another Should be Reading Monday Musings prompt:

Would you say that you read about the same amount now as when you were younger? More? Less? Why??

I've always been an avid reader, more than willing to lose myself to imagination and live someone else's story. I moved a lot as a kid, never living in one place more than 3 years, so the characters within my favorite books were my safety net... my friends. It sounds sad, but I don't remember feeling sad. Sure, I wanted more social interaction, but sometimes the real thing was disappointing. Characters rarely were. It also helped to see my mother constantly reading. I now understand it was her escape from loneliness, too, but it's still a love we share.

Relative to my free time, I read more now. I rarely watch a TV show. If I have a moment for myself, I'm either writing or reading. I appreciate a good book so much more now. It's a shame I read the classics as a young person, often forced upon me by a teacher. Nothing ruins a book more than being forced to write a report and knowing you have to slant your thoughts to get an A. One of these days, when I can find more of that elusive Time, I'm going to start rereading classics.

Since becoming a published author, I'm more empathetic to the plights of writers. It makes me a kinder reader. I was definitely pickier as a young person. Now, I find reviewing books I don't like very challenging.

How about you... do you read more now or when you were younger? How has your reading perspective changed?