Whenever someone talks about reading, I have to resist the urge to put my hand up like it’s third grade and you’re trying to shout an answer. I’ve become insufferable in the best way possible–I hope. I don’t want to shut up about it; I don’t want to stop. If you’ve ever read my articles, maybe you’re familiar with the expression “all or nothing,” because I’ve said it before. Once I enjoy something, it’s particularly hard to stop. I’ve read too many books these past months because of this.
At first, I was almost ashamed of my goodreads and StoryGraph records. You would ask me: “How’s your reading challenge going?” and I’d make the most sheepish face known to humankind. There’s a lot of discourse around fast readers and reading challenges taking away from really enjoying books and literature. Therefore, I always found myself at odds: Should I say I’m 70 books in and we are not even halfway into the year or should I keep my mouth shut? I wanted to avoid that weird look thrown my way or worse, questions about what exactly I was reading.
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I was way too worried about something that, in the end, really affected no one but myself.
I’m a social sciences student–a political science major to be exact–reading is what I do for duty and for fun. I know the responsibilities one has when reading; I know all about paying attention and furthering one’s knowledge with reading. But, I also know of reading for fun and to get your minds off of things. It’s why the online discourse about how some readers are not “real readers” and hating on “easy reads” has never quite sat well with me. People are enjoying downtime, themselves, and books. I think, forgoing some very clear gray areas, that that is all that matters.
So, this is what I’ve learned while reading arguably a bit too many books and enjoying myself very well while doing so.
First, I don’t think you should care about what others think. Reading is a solace for many, a safe space, a getaway. You can read at the pace you want, whether that’s fast or slow, you can read the books you want, the genres you want, and so on. For some people, this means reading short romance books and for others perhaps fantasy, memoirs, or self-help; it varies from person to person. It’s all the same at the end of the day. You’re engaging with a hobby that brings you satisfaction.
Second, own that goodreads goal! So, what? I’ve read 99 books this year. I only read 16 last year, so this felt like a win. I stopped overthinking what people would think of me. If they think I’m brain rotting (I might be) because my goodreads holds questionable, too repetitive tropes, then let them. I have the giggles and laughs to make up for any embarrassment I might feel. I don’t think the amount of books you read guarantees any kind of negative reaction, as we sometimes see. I didn’t care less about the books I read this year, nor did I care more about the little 16 I read last year. I simply had more time and motivation this year than last. It happens.
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Third, last, and perhaps most important of all: sometimes life gets too serious. We are bound by such a demanding world that sometimes enjoying things just because they are is needed. I think I’ve said this before too, I think I say it everytime I talk about reading, but it’s because I think people forget.
We forget we deserve small victories. Small joys and moments where we have a right to rest, to turn down, and live just to live. Not live because of others, or because we owe a debt or need to survive. Having a bit of fun and taking a day for yourself does not mean you’re actively ignoring the real world. It doesn’t mean you’re out of touch or lazy. We would burn out carrying the weight of it all without reprieve. You, everyone, and I deserve that.
People forget, and even I do. Reading brought back many emotions and joys to my life. It gave me the chance to find balance between seriousness and having a break. We don’t have to restrict people with regulations for that too.