I’ve been trying to think of how I want this post to come across- I don’t want to be all shout-y, I want it to be a funny, tongue in cheek even- and maybe make some people think about their rating system.
Bear with me, kiddos- it’s Friday, and I’ve got months of thoughts on this subject- so buckle up and enjoy the ride….
Last summer, I went to this event called Booktopia and while there, I met this group of readers- some really great ladies. Sitting around talking with them about the authors at the event was fab- and then someone brought up talking about the best, ever book we’d read. Which, I began thinking and I was pretty confident in my choice (Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood). As the other ladies went around talking, they began naming books I’d never heard of. Ok, no problem- but when the other ladies started chiming in about these books- and then asking me about them, I thought- well, I guess I’m not as much of a reader as I thought.
So I began to re-evaluate my “bookworm” status. I tried to start reading “smarter” books, occasionally dabbling in non-fiction, some historical fiction and other, more “smart” type books. Yet, I was not satisfied. So I began reading the things that interested me and put this out of my mind.
During this time frame, I became a member of She Reads. Some books they pick might not be the ones I would have reached for on the shelf- but in the year, I’ve been reviewing for them- I’ve read books that are great, charming, funny. Some are books I would have picked on my own (hello, The Meryl Streep Movie Club) where others like The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow or The Firebird– I might not would have picked- and yet, I’m a better bookworm for reading them.
In She Reads, I’ve found a group of women- who like books similar to the ones I like. Who can point and direct me to other books. Through them, I’ve found other bloggers who make recommendations- some I like, some I do not. But, my reading taste has expanded.
Then in January, my Booktopia friends wanted to get together again. We were told to nominate a few books to read for our meeting in January- and I picked a Sarah Jio book (among others to nominate). I felt at least 1 of my books would get voted in- and yet, no. I tried to not let it bother me- but still, I wondered. What about my reading taste is so “off” that my Booktopia friends did not want to read the books I nominated?
And, then I realized: NOTHING. There’s nothing wrong with the books I pick. These books are just as great as the latest non-fiction, highly anticipated fiction, most buzzed about book. The problem is that my Booktopia friends are like the people who watch the Oscars/Emmys- they get caught up in all the details, the buzz, maybe even a “street cred” thing. They enjoy reading the lists of books nominated for various book-ish awards.
I read for pleasure. For enjoyment. For taking my mind to a fun place. (Not saying they don’t read for the same reason- but our ideas of what classifies as the type of book is far different than mine). My Booktopia friends are literary snobs in a sense- and my taste runs more for thrillers, women’s fiction and the like. They aren’t wrong (and neither am I.) We just have different opinions about books.
Sometimes I wish my taste in books run to more “street cred” books- the classics, the latest non-fiction, the “smart” books. Sometimes I wish it more than I care to admit. But, that’s not me. I like my Janet Evanovich books, my cozy mysteries- I like women’s fiction- I like a story with heart, that makes me laugh and maybe even cry. I like the books that take my mind to a relaxing spot, a story that I want to sit and read for hours. I like the thrillers, the mystery books. Happiness is a Mia March book for me. Sarah Jio rocks my world. I’m going to read the books I want to read, the books that make me happy. And I’m not going to question my bookworm status again.
Traveling With T 
You’re allowed to read whatever you want! My tastes gear more to those with “street cred” but those are usually the ones I like more!
For the most part, I just read what I want- and don’t let things bother me. BUT sometimes I do- I wonder if I’m missing out. I wonder what other book-ish people think.
But, that’s just me being silly.
I’ve got to read what makes me happy. What I like. Because to read things that bore me to tears- well, that just takes the fun out of reading!
I worry sometimes that I don’t read enough of the “right” type of book that people who read a lot should. But I know what I like and I don’t want to read books that I don’t like so I just try not to get caught up in it. I like chick lit and a lot of women’s fiction but I also like some horror and thriller. I’ve read classics and I’d still like to read more as I haven’t really read that many. But as long as I’m happy with the book choices I make then why should I allow anyone to think I’m any less of a serious reader just because I don’t read the books they qualify as the right books!
Wow I feel like I rambled a bit now but I hope I got my point across.
Great post T!!
Thank you Helen!
I LOVE to read- and yes, I do stray out of normal genre sometimes- but I’ve got to be interested y’know?
I still like the chick lit, women’s fiction books. suspense/mystery! I also read cozy mysteries!
You weren’t rambling- I TOTALLY understood you!
Be a happy bookworm! 🙂 There’s no rules that state you have to read a certain book vs another. Read what you enjoy. My taste is very eclectic, and I know I’m not a good “street cred” reader. I don’t do nonfiction, I haven’t read the classics in at least a decade, and I’m not even sure what “smart” means. I’m lucky enough to be able to talk about some current releases, but if it weren’t for blogging the only current stuff I’d read would be for the authors I stalk. A considerable number, for sure, but then I’d have missed out on debut gems. So, be a happy bookworm. 🙂
I love it! Be a happy bookworm is exactly what I want (and will be!)
Fabulous post, T! “I’m going to read the books I want to read, the books that make me happy.” I’m with you!! That is why I enjoy you and your blog so much! Keep it up!!!!!
Thanks Britney 🙂 I just got to be me, to read what I like! 🙂
Read what you want girl. That’s all there is to it! 🙂
🙂 And by doing that- I’ll be a happy little bookworm 😉
Confession: “classic” literature bores the bejeezus out of me. I read a lot of books that are modern but considered Austen-esque, and a lot of the fellow readers on those author sites rave about Austen and their favorite Austen. The only Austen I’ve ever read were those required for school. I tried to read others and I couldn’t get past chapter 2. The movies are great but the books just can’t hold my attention. I read so much technical stuff at work that when it comes to reading at home, I want fun, light books. I steer clear of heavy topics, which is why I’ll never read a book like The Kite Runner, despite all the raves.
I read a lot of different kinds of books, but when my friends ask me for recommendations, I know there are some books I love that they would never touch, so I don’t recommend them, and they do the same for me. Reading should make everyone happy, not pressured to like or dislike something just because others like or dislike it.
Oh my! Yes! That is totally how I feel!!
A bookworm is a bookworm no matter what she is reading! I say read whatever you want. I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to bestsellers in that I tend NOT to read a lot of them simply because the street cred is so big. I’m oftentimes disappointed by a really popular book because it’s missing something for me. As for “smart book” – I just like them. My background is political science and my Master’s is similar, so if it’s political non-fiction and not about party politics then I’ll probably read it. BUT, I read it because I want to and not because anyone I know is recommending it 😉
See, I’m on the fence about best sellers as well. Some I LOVE. Some, though, no, no way.
I just like to read what I like to read 🙂 And I have to be ok with it- and not feel left out when I don’t have a clue (or have any interest) in the books that some of the book-ish people I know in real life are talking about books that I don’t read.
It’s a process.
But I am a happier bookworm 😉
Don’t worry. Be happy!