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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 101-150 of 208 (208 new)
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!""that's correct
Reading helps me to be creative and more empathetic to everyone around me. It grows my vocabulary and gives me a sense of accomplishment when I finish a book.Reading will often carry me away to times when things were more simple. It gives me a good substitute for not watching the national news anymore. Reading also has improved my ability to carry on conversations because I put down the cell phone and pick up an actual book to read. Nothing against Kindles, but holding a book is more fun.
Jeri wrote: "Katt_goddess wrote: "Books, cats and coffee - the three things that I require for YOUR protection. :D"Are you my evil twin, or the good one?"
When asked this question, always answer with 'evil twin' . Evil twins always seem to have better credit.
Jackie wrote: "Reading is knowledge. Over the years the type of books I read have changed, I want to know more, learn more, I want to know history, politics , anything about the world and the fascinating people w..."Agreed.
I love the quote "I read not because I don't have a life, but because I choose to have many"
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!" -WesThis is so true. I detested reading as a child because I was "forced" to read the classics, many which I found boring. At university, I studied English Literature and Linguistics and detested reading many of the novels assigned. Discussing them was also tedious especially when some of the discussions centred around finding elements in the novels pertaining to a certain era. It wasn't until I was doing an internship that the teacher I was shadowing showed that there were many interesting contemporary novels out there with interesting themes. Eventually, I found a genre I loved and stuck with it for a long time until I found a couple of other genres which grabbed my interest. I now find myself flitting between genres I love.
Books are a way to escape what is going on around you. I use reading as a tool to reward myself. If I do good on this assignment, I can get a new book. OR if I finish reading for class (and take notes while I read), I can read a few chapters out of my Kindle book.
Honesty wrote: "I couldn't have interesting conversations if not for all the bizarre trivia picked up from reading. Plus, if you're surrounded by people who only want to talk about sports and weather, reading give..."THIS is one of the truest sentiments I have ever read!
There are many days when I smile as soon as I wake up because I am going to head downstairs make a good cup of tea ,light a scented candle, and open my current book. Reading never fails to delight me and make me feel blessed
Books have existed since time immemorial - be it in the form of scraps, stone tablets or inked smidges on a wall somewhere. I have read and experienced the same combination of letters as people who have passed before me - even if I may have interpreted those words differently. No matter what age, year or era - the prospect of being a reader is deliciously satisfying. The fact that it always was, and still remains, a source of entertainment, education and enlightenment in an age of technology speaks far greater than any of us can voice.
Books do no discriminate. This beautful hobby is not associated with any gender, with any race, or with any religion. As readers, we are free to love, loath, critique and partake in all things books related without the fear of being judged or ridiculed by our fellow book worms. There is no status quo to match up to; no particular "look" a reader has, no qualifications to prove our love of books.
We are simply people who appreicate the power of words. As such, we belong to an ageless community - with the greatest minds of human history among us. And greater yet still to come.
And we are also a people wholly prone to dying of embarrassment or frustration due to stupid autocorrect spelling mistakes ☝️
No no, Goodreads, this is a list with some reasons why reading is great. A proper list of things readers want non-readers to know would be more like:1) Don't talk to me when I'm reading!
2) Yes, it is indeed necessary for me to have a book with me at all times. What happens if you get stuck in an elevator, need to go to the ER, or even just miss your train and need to wait for the next one? You sit around being miserable and bored, but I will not be bored because I will be reading!
3) Just because I love books doesn't mean I love ALL books. It's really sweet that you heard about a good book and thought of me, but please don't be offended if I'm not enthusiastic about it. Not all books appeal to all readers--even if they're good books.
etc.
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!"We box the books up and send them by post. :). Much easier on the back.
I’m warm comfy and cozy when reading a book or just walking among books makes me feel like i’m where I need to be. Besides the beach with a book, a bookstore or library is home for me....books are my passion....they’re like air for me. 📖
There's only one form of transportation faster and more powerful than Teleportation: Reading. There's also the plus that Teleportation is fictional too.
Books give you the ability to escape into a world that you don't feel so lost in, a really good book lets you slip into the shoes or paws (since some of our beloved characters run on four legs instead of two) of a character and feel their experiences as if they're your own.
My friends and co-workers always ask me why I read so much or they comment that they don't have time to read. I always tell them that reading helps me unwind and relax and escape for a little while and that they can always find time to read. If they have time to watch television or get on Facebook they have time to read. I tell them I have to read every day even if it's for 15 minutes, if it's a particular busy day, because reading to me is like breathing. It is something I have to do. My grandparents were avid readers, my parents and most of my siblings are avid readers. I passed my love for books onto my children and my daughter has passed the same love onto my granddaughter. We always have been and always will be a reading family!
Charles wrote: "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."
Thank you.
Honestly, the only thing I ever wish is that people could understand that everyone has something different that they get joy and relaxation out of. For me, it's reading and crochet. For someone else it might be a football game on TV and social time with friends. These are all valid past times and it's okay if not everyone you know/associate with shares all of the same past times that you do. I don't need to force my nonreader friends to read, and I appreciate it when my nonreader friends don't try to force me to stop reading so much. I think sometimes we all get a little too caught up in trying to get the other person to explain why they like something (or don't like something) and, if that explanation isn't "good enough," trying to force them to become more like we are. But, I think that's unfair and more than a little toxic. We can celebrate the things we have in common and appreciate the things that make us unique from each other.
Trying new and different things is good, but ultimately we're individuals and sometimes there are just going to be things we don't have in common with each other, and that's okay.
Books can be the best friend of a person..they are the best teachers and will teach you the greatest lessons of life....a medium where you can get to know about what is going on around you without being judged... You can always find a book which will make you laugh your heart out, make you cry your eyes out...and make your heart come back for more...my only advice to the nonreaders is if you don't read books, you are definitely missing one of the greatest wonders of the world!
Reading helps you to think; thinking helps you to be; being helps others to be.
Good books allow you to join the great conversation that has been happening since the dawn of civilization. Whether that is fiction or nonfiction, an esoteric tome or the latest best seller, each book has its own lesson to teach.
I remember reading about a study when I was taking intro to psychology for my BA in History. The study was over a forty year period on a convent of Catholic nuns regarding Alzheimer's and senility. The researchers had a dose of "unintended consequences" when they ruled out many of the causes of the above and discovered that the nuns were outside the bell curve of their demographic study populations. In a nutshell, the study revealed that READING was a leading cause of holding off senility, mental apathy, delayed the onset of Alzheimer's.... the list goes on and on. So Hayley, if you would, add this as yet another reason to READ. :D
Books have been my great escape through the years. I love to find new friends in my books and go on wonderful adventures that otherwise I would not have the opportunity to do. There is a wonderful smell to books and when I walk into a library or bookstore I instantly relax.
The internet going off means no work and endless hours of reading.
Books are the epitome of creativity, imagination & adventure all in one. Hence, why books are my life :)
Claire wrote: "Books are real magic. I've visited foreign worlds, underworlds and parallel worlds without ever leaving my sofa. I know how to mix potions, catch dragons, kill vampires and use necromancy. I've sha..."Amen sister! :)
I'm sure I'm going to echo a lot of commenters here, but I read simply because I enjoy it. Books to me, are comfort: companions; and there's one for pretty much any mood. If I'm feeling nostalgic, I'll pick up an old favorite. If I'm feeling adventurous, maybe something twisty or exotic. Or for a casual afternoon, perhaps something more contemporary. Books are like movies in your head, but better, because you're enriching your mind and imagination. :)
Movies have their place, but books? Books will never truly go out of style.
My dad doesn't read and he always says reading is a waste of time we'll watching sports is a waste of time in my opinion!!
Clarissa Fray wrote: "My dad doesn't read and he always says reading is a waste of time we'll watching sports is a waste of time in my opinion!!"I so agree, reading opens up worlds you never would know about, not that I don't like sports but have to read!!!!
Clarissa Fray wrote: "My dad doesn't read and he always says reading is a waste of time we'll watching sports is a waste of time in my opinion!!"Someone who spends a lot of time watching sports saying reading is a waste of time is... confused. I'm trying to be polite.
That having your nose in a book is a joyous thing, and we don't understand why the rest of you aren't doing it. Not only is it one of the cheapest forms of entertainment, it's one of the most enriching.
Reading, is the basis of every civilization in existence from law to economics; for non-readers its laughed at due to social standards. Back then, reading was a luxury for the wealthy class because they have unlimited access to all academic ideals. However, it backed fired with the emergence of the middle class; now, everyone can read whatever their hearts contend. Overtime, as literature became more popular, so did our English language; so, without reading their will never be new ideas or great innovations inspired by great authors. No: Valyrian, Dothraki, Klingon, Vulcan, Elvish or Khuzdul languages to connect together fans devoted to the written word. For Non Readers out there, go to your favorite library or bookstore and come join us!! All it takes is just one chapter to grab your attention.
Desirae wrote: "Reading, is the basis of every civilization in existence from law to economics; for non-readers its laughed at due to social standards. Back then, reading was a luxury for the wealthy class because..."I love what you are saying, so true
I really don't want nonreaders to "know" anything............ It was their choice in the first place.
Books help me in some ways that even medication can’t. To settle down on the couch with no sound other than my rabbits eating dinner I enjoy to cuddle up and read a good book while drinking a hot beverage. The peace and tranquility you find within being in that state…there’s just nothing quite like it. Sometimes you just need alone time but not always feel alone.
I agree with all these opinions . Books let me forget my actual life and escape to live in another one . They can help me to incur bad things and face difficulties .
Reading helps me when I'm feeling down. Bookshops or libraries are paradise to me. And yes, I also hate when people talk to me while I am reading. I don't like that some non readers imply that reading so much means living less experiences and being a bore.
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!""In particular, if I'm sitting reading with my headphones on, please don't interrupt to ask me how many books I read. A lot, ok, I read a lot! Or for that matter to tell me about that one book you read that one time twelve years ago!!
Reading is for me a way to escape to different lands and places. That in real life I may not get to see. It also lets me escape from life troubles and lets me de-stress. It improves my mental health.
Nothing to add here. I agree with all of the above. Reading is a large part of who I am.
Books are the only thing that surprise me anymore. Television is contrived. Movies are repetitive. Truly the only unique worlds/ thoughts/ people I meet are in books anymore. They are my refuge. They are silent, but speak loudly to your soul....they break me and build me up. My religion is books.
Cindle | Cindle wrote: "The comment about how reading a book is like having friends all over the world, through space, and through time, is likely the most profound one that I relate to. Like the words of an exceptional p..."Exactly what I thought!
A great book can literally take you through time and across universes. It can take you to unvisited lands yet unexplored or into the mind of anyone. It can prompt you to look at your own internal struggles and it can reflect back character traits we may not be so proud of. The greatest of all inspire us to try new things, new adventures or to learn new skills. The most majestic of books can transport us into a situation, allow us to participate if only in our mind in activities we may never experience in the real world. It can allow us to abandon, just for a moment the social, formal and familial constraints that bind us and inhibit us from breaking the bonds that limit multiple aspects of our lives. Best of all great books, truly great books allow us to see life through the eyes of other people, to experience their highs and lows and to escape the primordial, banality of our own fettered existence, vicariously for a few hours.
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!""So many times this.
So true!