Would add that it is important to remember that most sites are located in the cities that have been and still are inhabited. Fact that those sites are still present and have not been used to build other buildings or demolished throughout centuries if not millenniums, already says a lot.

Additionally, you cannot keep it all. You have to make choices. Not only because of limited resources but also because otherwise you wouldn't have a city that would be liveable. When you have layers upon layers of history, you have to make choices about what to keep and what not.

It's the same as to ask why some TV series get much more attention and wider audience compared to others, even if they are not necessarily that good. They just appease to the wider audience. Same with Booktok. Most books are easy to read which means they attract people who aren't generally so much into reading overall or that specific genre. But also people who are maybe avid readers but are looking for something light. And well..some will read them simply to see what is all the buzz about.

In some other cases, books become popular because most accounts (as far as I have seen) are dedicated to specific-genres or even qualities (smutty, cozy, etc). So it is likely that followers will enjoy the recommendations because they are in a way tailored to them, which in return means that they will be more proned to suggest them to others as well.

And well..some authors are great at creating social media content. I have seen several books becoming popular because author managed to create the hype. For example, Alex Aster and her Lightlark.

Do it.

I read for years using Kindle app, both on my phone and tablet. Few years ago got Kindle and even though I still use app occasionally, Kindle is so much better. More comfortable when it comes to the size, ergonomical, easier for the eyes (especially if you spend time on phone and computer), better battery, less distractions due to lack of other functions.

I have Kindle (80$ one)

There's nothing wrong with reading mainly one-two genres and many do so successfully, although it may lead to reading burnout. Talking from my own personal experience - I used to read a lot of crime and thriller books, but now just the thought of reading another book of these two genres gives me shivers.

As someone who discovered new genres in the last years, I found helpful:

• Reading lighter or shorter novels first. For example, in case of sci-fi, those books were The Hitchicker's Guide to the Galaxy and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Both of those demonstrated that sci-fi isn't what I thought it would be.

• Trying out subgenres or books with multiple genres combined. For example, I like some aspects of magic but high fantasy with complex magical systems is too much. So instead I read urban fantasy, magical realism and fairytales.

• Choosing based on some elements from books you have enjoyed. Environment, atmosphere, era, characters, etc. For example, I love Sherlock Holmes. So when I learned about Agent Pendergast series, I had to give it a try even though horror isn't exactly my cup of tea. Needless to say, I enjoyed it a lot. Another example is my favorite urban fantasy series, The Rivers of London, that not only takes place in one of my favorite cities but also combines police work with magic. I mean..it's perfect combo in my eyes lol!

So to sum up, only thing that helps is to choose books more thoughtfully and read, read, read. It takes time and experience to learn to put aside your biases and expectations and to appreciate different genres and what they can offer imho.

Edit: wording

I also love physical books but at certain point I had to choose between getting used to ebooks or not reading at all since physical books are expensive and I had no possibility to get books from local library.

For ebooks, you may need time to get used to them. I struggled as well at first but then I found the book that completely sucked me in, to the extent that I did not care about the discomfort anymore. After that, reading ebooks came gradually easier and easier. By now I have read ebooks for about 10 years, most of it on the phone or tablet (thankfully, I have Kindle now).

What can also help is trying different setups (fonts, backgrounds, etc.)

Great thing about ebooks is that there are free ebooks and eLibraries + if you have Amazon, they have monthly offers for really cheap.

As for audiobooks, I have tried them but I get easily distracted, so they are no no for me.

Firstly, having a goal has a point if it motivates you to read more. If it stresses you out, then it will be just another obstacle you will have to overcome to motivate yourself, and therefore is unnecessary.

Secondly, goal of 50 is absolutely not small, especially if you are new to reading and additionally have other things going on!

What may help:

• If you still want to have a goal, set yourself a goal that motivates you, instead of feeling overwhelming. For example, 12 or 24. This way, you will still have something to strive to, but at the same time it will feel attainable and will give you freedom to experiment with different books & authors. Instead of having to read for several hours a day, it will be enough to read 15-30 minutes.
• Read short stories, short novels or collections. It is great way to discover authors, writing styles and genres that you like without having to commit to the whole book. Additionally, it will give you feeling of accomplishment.
• Try reading and listening to audiobook at the same time. It has been recommended in this sub several times and seems to help with getting distracted.
• You may also try comic books. There are several great ones such as Sandman by Neil Gaiman or Watchmen by Alan Moore.

It may also help to understand how you choose books. For example, I tend to choose based on my mood and mindset which means that if I choose something that doesn't fit aforementioned, I will struggle with getting into it and it will feel more like a chore.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Tenant of Windfell Hall by Anne Brontë

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Since you read mainly for self-improvement and learning, then perhaps you could:

• Research and create a list or lists of books that fit your criteria.

For example, many classics give us better understanding of history, society, culture, etc. Yet, they are not all equal when it comes to influence, education, being topical or offering interesting insights and food for thought. And it is also true for the contemporary writing. So it is worth to check various lists and go for those that are on school/university obligatory read lists, suggested by various experts or recommended by newspapers and magazines.

Many authors have also written shorter novels, stories or essays. So if you struggle with reading longer books by influential authors, those may be a great option for you. It's like a tasting menu.

In your list, you can also add keywords or notes on why did you choose this topic.

This way you will have your own list(s) that will not only make decision making easier but also will motivate you to actually finish the book because you will know that it is beneficial.

• Choose reading challenge that fits you and stick to it.

I found that reading challenge is a great motivator to actually choose and finish a book. There are so many to choose from - generic, only fiction or non-fiction, genre specific, etc.

Finally, if you only enjoy reading historical fiction and non-fiction, then there's nothing wrong with that. There are plenty of people who read mostly 2-3 genres and that's okay.

Edit: specifications

And that's okay.

In 2021 I read 48 books.

Guess how many in 2022? Around 8.

Reading is so personal, that there's no point in comparing yourself to others.

Other benefits related to reading (including fantasy and sci-fi, for example):

• Exercises the brain since you need to remember characters, settings and other important details.
• Strengthens brain connections due to processing, analysing, etc. what you are reading. Even if you don't do deep-analysis, your brain is still constantly working to make sense of what you read.
• Scientists believe that reading can protect cognitive function as we age and can even lower risk of dementia.
• Improves focus and concentration.
• Improves empathy because you are constantly putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
• It reduces stress which in return affects heart, etc.

I personally use Kindle and I find it to be a great investment - comfortable, light, battery lasts for weeks, customizable.

I use Kindle Unlimited & Kindle offers to buy books. There's also Project Gutenberg, Open Library and I know that various libraries offer also e-books.

I spend 5-20$ on books a month and have plenty to read.

Will not post the list because it would be way too long - we read approximately 6-12 books a year from the first grade till the twelfth, so there's quite a bit. I will admit straight away that although I loved reading, I really struggled with the obligatory reading (mainly due poor time management lol) and didn't read them all.

Books that helped to shape my view and/or left an impression:

• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Although it is very difficult and painful to read, it's still one of my absolute favourites.
• Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio. We actually had to read only few chapters but I found it to be too enjoyable and read most of it. Planning to reread it in 2023.
• The Trial by Franz Kafka. Surreal but memorable.
• Jevgeni Onegin by Aleksander Puškin. It was great introduction into Russian literature since it's not too heavy and yet has this 'something'.
• Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. I read half or less because I found it to be way too depressing. Decade has passed and I'm still staying away from it.

Few books by Estonian authors, most of which aren't translated into English but that really affected how I see my country and it's history. I'm actually rereading them now. But one that is translated and that still gives me strange vibes is The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Kivirähk.

I generally buy because I live in non-English speaking country and e-libraries didn't really become a thing until recently.

So I buy ebooks that are on monthly offer, so between 0,99€-3,49€. I rarely buy books at full price unless it's something I really want to read (generally books from series). I guess those are the books I would otherwise borrow from the library.

I buy physical copies of the books I read and loved, non-fiction books that I want to have on the shelf, Collins classics and some random books I have gotten as a gift/or bought when visiting book shop because they caught my attention due to interesting description or beautiful cover and were in discount/good price.