I was recently over on Rachel aka Confessions of a Book Geek’s page, reading THIS post about being ashamed of some of the things you read. It got me thinking about how I have never felt ashamed of what I read. I know that this is a big thing amongst readers, being ashamed to read certain things in public or around people who might judge you for it. I don’t want you to think I’m criticizing Rachel’s post. I’m not. I’m just writing a reaction to it.
I have been lucky enough to grow up with parents who have always supported me and my passions, be it for reading, music, art, traveling, whatever. It doesn’t hurt that my dad is a pretty big bibliophile too. I have been lucky enough to never have someone tell me that I couldn’t read something because it wasn’t right for me or my age. Or if I did, I don’t remember because it went in one ear and right out the other. I have never cared what other people think about what I read. I think this is probably in part due to the fact that I was worried about people caring about the fact that I have no hair. But now I don’t even care about that, so I’m just completely care free when it comes to what other people think of me or my passions or choices.
Sure, I get strange looks when I’m reading in public (of course, I also get strange looks for different reasons). I just ignore them. I love what I love (and look how I look) and if other people don’t get it, that sucks for them. Not me.
This whole post is just about the fact that I really don’t think you should be ashamed of what you like to read. Read what makes you happy. Read what gives you an escape. Read what excites you, what teaches you about yourself and the world. Read what you want. Whether that be young adult fiction, comics, children’s books, adult literature, classics, or the newspaper. You’re reading, and that’s what matters.
Just know that no matter what you are reading, you are ALWAYS welcome on my blog. Add me on Goodreads and tell me about books you’ve found and loved. Comment on my posts. I am always happy to hear about a book, comic, blog post, or website you’ve found and enjoyed reading.
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Love your reply Stef! I don’t usually have an “I care what you think of me” personality, so it surprised me that that was how I responded on this instance. But you’ve reminded me about why I love reading, and why no one’s opinions should stop me! 🙂
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Hey! 🙂 I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! Go check it out!
http://innerworkingsofthefemalemind.wordpress.com/2014/10/30/award-time/
If you do partake, make sure to post the link to your entry in my comment section. I would love to read your post! xx
“I have been lucky enough to never have someone tell me that I couldn’t read something because it wasn’t right for me or my age.”
There are books that I don’t let my kids read yet, because of content. I just figure there are plenty of books whose content is age appropriate that there’s no reason to rush into more adult books. For instance, I LOVE The Hunger Games trilogy, and my son has expressed interest simply because he knows I love them. Although I look forward to the day I can share that love with him, today is not that day.
Other than that caveat, I agree with you.
I completely understand that. I don’t know if I ever read anything way outside of my age. Though I’ve been reading authors like Stephen King for a really long time. 🙂
I remember one story that my dad read aloud to my mom when I was really little (like 3 or 4). I doubt they thought I was listening / understanding. I tracked it down and read it as a preteen, and it was crazy disturbing! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7149509-fortress
I do let my son read above his reading level, if the content is okay. I figure if he’s interested then reading words that are “too hard” will just challenge and stretch him. I keep having to ask him for my Poirot short stories, as he’s appropriated it. 😛
The cover of that book alone is terrifying. The synopsis sounds super creepy also. Yikes.
So, based on the publication date, yes I was 3 or 4 when I overheard the book. Even scarier is that fact that I saw the TV movie version, which debuted when I was 7. Eek!
Yikes!!
Not ashamed, but what always gets the ‘looks’ for me is reading an Anthony Trollope novel in public.
But Trollope is awesome!
For sure. I think the local troglodytes couldn’t get past the surname. You know, the snicker of teenage boys.
Well, if I’m honest, the name made me giggle the first time I heard it too. Mainly because of this scene from Gilmore Girls:
https://abibliophilesstyle.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/wordsmitten-wednesday-gilmore-girls/
Vicious Trollop, ha, that made me laugh. Now I’ll probably think about it too, lol. I’ve enjoyed almost all of Trollope’s books that I’ve read. The Warden was my first, what a dear soul he was.