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12 Things Readers Really Want Nonreaders to Know
Every reader has friends or family members who just don't get it. "Why do you read so much?" they might ask, staring at your overflowing bookshelves or your Reading Challenge on Goodreads. "I haven't read an entire book in years."
Oh, those poor, unfortunate souls… Haven't they heard about the very real scientific benefits of reading—like stress reduction and improved sleep? We asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter to share one thing about the comfort, joy, and importance of reading they wish nonreaders could understand. Check out some of our favorite responses below!
1. "Best therapy money can buy…or borrow for free with a library card. Reading helps me sleep, helps me forget about the day, and helps me relax in general." -Sarah
2. "Opening a beer when you get home will reward you for an hour. Opening a book when you get home will reward you for life." -Douglass
3. "Reading teaches you empathy, and it really gives you a chance to examine all the grey areas of life. You get to think about and see things from other perspectives—it's awesome!" -Nyeisha
4. "I feel like I have friends all over the world, through space and time, who I can visit whenever I need a break from my own life." -Kat
5. "Books are better than the movie. There is so much going on in the minds of the characters that movies can't show. To really understand the movie characters you love, read the book." -Linda
6. "The smells of books, whether they're new and old, are enjoyable and pair well with tea or coffee. People who are loathe to read are missing out on smell-o-vision." -Ian
7. "It's one of the ultimate escapes. You can forget where you are and who you are. There have been times I've gone to Middle-earth and Hogwarts and Narnia in my head just to survive… Everyone should have that blessed escape." -Ruby
8. "The more I read the easier it is to express what I am thinking or feeling. Thanks to books, I have the words." -Melanie
9. "You will always have friends. Real life doesn't always hand you the right people. But a book is the perfect place to find your people whenever you need them." -Gillian
10. "Don't give up on reading just because you tried one or two books that didn't do it for you. Keep trying, and I'm sure you will find your niche or genre. When you do, you'll be so glad you did!" -Wes
11. "Reading to me is like unconditional love. I always feel like I'm home when I read a book." -Susan
12. "Used correctly, a book can transport the reader on an instant mental vacation with no jet lag, TSA, or dysentery!" -Todd
Tell us how you share your love of books with nonreaders in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
Published from Prison: The Books That Inspired a Former Bank Robber
20 Hottest Debuts of the Season
Oh, those poor, unfortunate souls… Haven't they heard about the very real scientific benefits of reading—like stress reduction and improved sleep? We asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter to share one thing about the comfort, joy, and importance of reading they wish nonreaders could understand. Check out some of our favorite responses below!
1. "Best therapy money can buy…or borrow for free with a library card. Reading helps me sleep, helps me forget about the day, and helps me relax in general." -Sarah
2. "Opening a beer when you get home will reward you for an hour. Opening a book when you get home will reward you for life." -Douglass
3. "Reading teaches you empathy, and it really gives you a chance to examine all the grey areas of life. You get to think about and see things from other perspectives—it's awesome!" -Nyeisha
4. "I feel like I have friends all over the world, through space and time, who I can visit whenever I need a break from my own life." -Kat
5. "Books are better than the movie. There is so much going on in the minds of the characters that movies can't show. To really understand the movie characters you love, read the book." -Linda
6. "The smells of books, whether they're new and old, are enjoyable and pair well with tea or coffee. People who are loathe to read are missing out on smell-o-vision." -Ian
7. "It's one of the ultimate escapes. You can forget where you are and who you are. There have been times I've gone to Middle-earth and Hogwarts and Narnia in my head just to survive… Everyone should have that blessed escape." -Ruby
8. "The more I read the easier it is to express what I am thinking or feeling. Thanks to books, I have the words." -Melanie
9. "You will always have friends. Real life doesn't always hand you the right people. But a book is the perfect place to find your people whenever you need them." -Gillian
10. "Don't give up on reading just because you tried one or two books that didn't do it for you. Keep trying, and I'm sure you will find your niche or genre. When you do, you'll be so glad you did!" -Wes
11. "Reading to me is like unconditional love. I always feel like I'm home when I read a book." -Susan
12. "Used correctly, a book can transport the reader on an instant mental vacation with no jet lag, TSA, or dysentery!" -Todd
Tell us how you share your love of books with nonreaders in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
Published from Prison: The Books That Inspired a Former Bank Robber
20 Hottest Debuts of the Season
Comments Showing 51-100 of 208 (208 new)
When you read you can escape from whatever room you're in and sink into a book at the palm of your hand. From a land of imaginary adventures to feeling the wave of a riptide of emotions crash over you in a matter of seconds you always have that one special place to go to when your stuck in your chair. No matter what your doing or where you are, the minute you open a book you open up a new world full of characters that you feel like you have met and known your entire life to feeling every aching desire to finish it to soak in the life lessons they teach you along the journey that is what reading is all about.
Rebecca wrote: "I read so that I can take part in an intelligent conversation (with the author)."Truest and least cliche comment on this thread.
I can think of only five cases of films being better than the book:Barry Lyndon (Kubrick)
The Player (Altman)
The House of the Seven Gables (May)
The Invisible Man (Whale)
Shrek
Meltha wrote: "There's a stereotype that readers are geeky and antisocial, but the truth is nonreaders are usually the ones who are kind of boring."I agree with so many of the things being said here, especially the ones that will allow me to make $2k/week or whatever working from home. . .
No, seriously, I'll start conversations that begin, "So, I read this book last week and. . ."
Most people DO listen, even if they stare at me like I've got 3 heads. I don't get people who don't read. I'm always asking, "What do they DO all the time?"
I've come to the conclusion, based on personal observation, they drink too much, get into trouble and complain about constant drama in their lives.
Love #2 - but I will often do both at the same time. Now that I have (re)-discovered the joys of audio I can get told so many more books/stories and have upped my ante in the number of books read per year. I need this as there are so many! If heaven doesn't have any books, I don't want to go. :)
Paula W wrote: "Alex wrote: "It’s true how they say reading a book in like having a movie in you mind. Reading gives you a great imagination and stays with you much longer than just watching a movie."
This! Thi..."
The best thing about movies based on books is alerting me to a book I may not have noticed before. Often I read the book and never watch the movie but I would not have noticed the book if I hadn't seen the movies advertised (ditto tv series eg 13 Reasons Why).
First, I often say (or, write, as the case may be) that reading (as well as listening to music) is like oxygen for me. Without it, I die. I AM always amazed when a day goes by that I have neither read a book nor listened to music.Second, sometimes, when I read a book, I AM so into it, that I might not even hear someone calling my name, and some books, especially those written by James Patterson, I cannot read when using mass transit, because if I do, I shall miss my stop. And yes, it has happened before, more times that I AM willing to admit.
Beth wrote: "Meltha wrote: "There's a stereotype that readers are geeky and antisocial, but the truth is nonreaders are usually the ones who are kind of boring."I agree with so many of the things being said h..."
your last sentence..... I can confirm I got into a lot more trouble in the days when I read less. I never didn't read, but certainly read less at certain times in my life and those were the times I went out a lot more. Now the money goes on books not beer.
Opening the book was like a opening the another soul, Reading makes us to merge and travel vicariously . a journey to be enjoyed more than any other activity in human life.
For me...its part of my existence, part of who I am. I can travel anywhere, to any period in time...I ALWAYS have a place to go and go back to. I love the feel of book covers and pages...there's ALWAYS a book in my bag, I feel naked without one. I don't think I can live without books or reading.♥️To quote Beauty And The Beast: "Far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise"...
Reading lets me explore things, ideas, and even emotions that I couldn't otherwise access. Fiction taught me empathy, and helped me see things from others' perspectives. Non-fiction taught me things that I never would have known or cared about.Reading is about ideas, communication, and imagination. A book is a piece of the author's soul, crafted carefully to pass on their stories, ideas, and concepts. Most importantly, books have such an impact because they are intimate. There are no bystanders to judge; it's just you and the story.
How about "There's these buildings filled with free entertainment - all the story you could ever want - if you read." (libraries.)
Kristen wrote: "No, I'm not super smart just because I read a lot. I'm not sitting here reading textbooks. I'm reading smut, and lots of it."LOL *high five* I wear glasses and read therefore I'm intellectual...as long as no-one looks at what I'm reading ;)
I am an avid reader , I find great solace in the company of a wonderful , well - written and narrated style . Reading is an amazing world , tasteful for those who really taste it . I can say without exaggeration : Reading and Writing ease the pain . Keep reading
Reading is an escape; a finding of connections, old friends, humour. It can challenge, comfort or amuse. A book is there when you need it, a world waiting for you. It can take you beyond yourself.
Reading has literally saved my life in the last year. My husband left me, my career flopped as a result and my finances have dived. I was suicidal. My husband did not read and as a result I gave up what was a life long passion. I have now got that passion back, I am reading again avidly and I am coming out of the darkness. Indeed my soon to be ex husband on the last occasion he came to collect some belongings commented - 'you will need a lorry just to move all your bloody books' - I could not have been happier! Yes, I will have to move to a much smaller home but at least I will be surrounded by my true friends, my books. I will also be able to have a cat or two to sit with me in silent companionship while I read and I will most definitely not be watching some garbage on the TV about cars, ice-road truckers etc.
Sarah wrote: "My number one for this list would be: "If I'm sitting by myself reading, that is NOT a good time to start a conversation!""Love love love this. So so true
Reading has been a life-long habit of mine. It's as automatic and as necessary as breathing for me.
Reading is life. It's an escape, entertainment, knowledge learning, and fun all rolled into one. What could be better than sitting in a comfy chair and reading while enjoying a cup/pot of tea.
Sarah wrote: "My number one for this list would be: "If I'm sitting by myself reading, that is NOT a good time to start a conversation!""The worst is that when I open a book everyone starts a conversation. And when there is no one around they are calling, like please staaahhhhp
Veronica wrote: "I agree! I was watching the film 'Needful Things' and all the time during the movie I was re-reading the book in my mind because the movie was so blah!"I’m like that you’ll hear me muttering to myself that they’ve missed this and that’s not in the book. Our imagination is so much better.
Paula W wrote: "Alex wrote: "It’s true how they say reading a book in like having a movie in you mind. Reading gives you a great imagination and stays with you much longer than just watching a movie."
This! Thi..."
I must admit I tend not to watch the films if I read the book, as it’s always such a let down.
Katherine wrote: "I recommend books to my family and also share around my book blog https://www.katherinesbookuniverse.wo.... I'll tell them about the ARCs I review as a NetGalley reviewer and try to get the..."I can’t go more than a couple of days without reading, I always feel that something is missing in my life on the days I haven’t read.
Years ago I couldn’t read a sentence as I was too ill to take in what I was reading, but now I’m making up for those lost years. As I couldn’t even listen to the books either.
Always carry a purse big enough to put your book in!
Reading gives you character a wider vocabulary and make you more articulate. People who don’t read are missing out on the magic of books.
There is nothing better than spending an afternoon browsing the books in your favourite book store or library not to mention the smell of them either the new fresh print or the yellowed dusty book. They are good smells with good memories.
Kat wrote: "Reading has literally saved my life in the last year. My husband left me, my career flopped as a result and my finances have dived. I was suicidal. My husband did not read and as a result I gave up..."Kat good for you! The only way is books and cats or a dog on your lap while reading a good book, and friends that care.
Kat wrote: "Reading has literally saved my life in the last year. My husband left me, my career flopped as a result and my finances have dived. I was suicidal. My husband did not read and as a result I gave up..."Kat you made me think of what books got me through recently. Books are that friend that sticks with you through the thick and thin of life. They managed to get me through an intensive period of chemotherapy (when I should have been at uni); usually I hitched a ride on the back of a giant space turtle with a flat world on its back just to get out of an isolated intensive care ward at hospital, and they managed to get you through this incredibly rocky and scary period.
Stick with it. Stay strong. Good luck.
As the years go by, I find more and more books to read. Reading gives me infinite places to travel to, incredible people to meet and mind-blowing stories. I have never met a person as interesting as a book :)
Without libraries and books, I would be lost! Reading takes you away from your everyday world and projects you into worlds filled with laughter, wisdom, romance, history, art, wars, facts, opinions, ideas, lessons, recipes, despair, sadness, joy, personalities. Reading just fills your mind and your soul.
Kristen wrote: "No, I'm not super smart just because I read a lot. I'm not sitting here reading textbooks. I'm reading smut, and lots of it."loved this one!!
There are 300 stations available on cable, but so often nothing worth wasting my time to watch. I can get better entertainment from my books as they awaken my imagination more than TV ever could.
I have learned more in 48 years (tomorrow 49!) by reading books on my own than I ever learned sitting in a classroom, especially about history. Thanks to books and their wonderful authors, I’ve “experienced” the London Blitz, a Japanese internment camp, settled on the prairie as a pioneer, walked with the Cherokees on the Trail of Tears, been in New York on 9/11.... If I had to choose between reading and eating, the winner is reading, hands down!😃
I don't even understand people who don't like to read. It's like readers and non-readers live on different planets.
Kristen wrote: "No, I'm not super smart just because I read a lot. I'm not sitting here reading textbooks. I'm reading smut, and lots of it."Ha. Amazing.
Stephanie wrote: "When my family and I travel, we sometimes end up having to buy an extra suitcase for all the cool books we buy!"Have you heard about this thing called "Kindle"?
In the past week I have spent time with John Muir, excavated with Amelia Peabody in the Valley of the Kings, and traveled to Tuscany, all without leaving Iowa. I couldn't survive without books. I don't understand people who don't read.
Scott wrote: "I can think of only five cases of films being better than the book:Barry Lyndon (Kubrick)
The Player (Altman)
The House of the Seven Gables (May)
The Invisible Man (Whale)
Shrek"
Barry Lyndon is a good shout
5 more Film Better Than Book:
Matilda
The Caine Mutiny
The Princess Bride
The 39 Steps
The Ipcress File
Sally wrote: "In the past week I have spent time with John Muir, excavated with Amelia Peabody in the Valley of the Kings, and traveled to Tuscany, all without leaving Iowa. I couldn't survive without books. I don't understand people who don't read..."Me neither.
Martin wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "When my family and I travel, we sometimes end up having to buy an extra suitcase for all the cool books we buy!"Have you heard about this thing called "Kindle"?"
:-)
Rainey wrote: "Martin wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "When my family and I travel, we sometimes end up having to buy an extra suitcase for all the cool books we buy!"Have you heard about this thing called "Kindle"?"
..."
Yep, have one, with many books on it. 😊I am old school, though; to me there is nothing to compare with turning the pages of a beloved book!
Nancy wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "I have learned more in 48 years (tomorrow 49!) by reading books on my own than I ever learned sitting in a classroom, especially about history. Thanks to books and their wonderful..."Thanks, Nancy!😁
Stephanie wrote: "I have learned more in 48 years (tomorrow 49!) by reading books on my own than I ever learned sitting in a classroom, especially about history. Thanks to books and their wonderful authors, I’ve “ex..."Happy birthday!
Jen wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "I have learned more in 48 years (tomorrow 49!) by reading books on my own than I ever learned sitting in a classroom, especially about history. Thanks to books and their wonderful..."Thanks, Jen!🤣
Reading definitely widens the vocabulary. I have found also as the new kid on the block in the world of writing that words I wouldn't ordinarily use in conversation or say alone would appear in my head out of the middle of nowhere. I'd jot them down because I take it as a sign to be a good fit to what I'm writing about. As someone else said, reading is like oxygen. Words-words-words! Never tire of words, old ones and new ones. As a culture, as a world-we need words for open dialogue and discussion to help sort and reason through this maze of a complicated-crazy world. Books are where the dialogue begins.
Sarah wrote: "My number one for this list would be: "If I'm sitting by myself reading, that is NOT a good time to start a conversation!""People do this to me in waiting rooms all the time. They ignore the put out expression on my face and continue to talk. Ugh.
Numer 12 is a little bit missleading... a good book can cause a jet lag! A huge one!!!
I totally agree with you on this one