Why Don’t You Tell Me What I’m Allowed to Read?

When it comes to reading, some people have strong opinions about what is appropriate. As I learned from my post defending romance novels, people don't mean to judge other people who read certain types of novels...it's just a side effect of the comments they make.



Literary judgment isn't limited to romance novels. The recent outcry against adults reading young adult novels is proof of that. Some people believe unless you're reading a literary classic, you may as well be watching reality TV.



I actually have personal experience with this. When I was a young PR consultant, I interviewed for a job in marketing at a very prominent bookstore. The interview was going well until she asked what types of books I liked to read. This man was part of my answer...




There wasn't even a delay. The woman looked absolutely horrified.



I thought later about the answer I should have given. It would have been a lie, but it might have helped me land the job. It's the answer we're all supposed to give when someone asks what you read. Just memorize the titles on these spines and you'll be all set.



When someone asks what you like to read, do you tell the truth? Or do you modify your answer based on what you think the person wants to hear?

This song is all the rage this Christmas...if you haven't heard it yet, you have to listen to it.