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What Do Your Non-Reader Friends Think of Your Reading?
1. Yes. They think I'm weird that I've read more than 50 books in total. Voluntarily, too.2. WELL...I once joked I subscribe to Nerds Weekly (something to do with my friend's future career) and they actually believed me. XD
3. Eh...no...?? Or not that I know of.
I'll use my wife as an example. She's not much of a reader, as you'll hardly catch her lounging with a book in her hand. She's more of a magazine reader.
As to your questions...
1. Nothing derogatory. Usually their comments are more along the line towards what I'm reading, as opposed to just reading.
2. Yeah, by my mother, of all people. My mother snarkily commented to my wife, "he's like an Asian kid when it comes to reading, always with his nose in a book." Man, I was so offended by that comment, not because of the borderline racist comment, but because it was my mother who strongly encouraged me to be a reader, like her. Go figure.
3. I'm more partial to recommending books, and not converting people into readership.
As to your questions...
1. Nothing derogatory. Usually their comments are more along the line towards what I'm reading, as opposed to just reading.
2. Yeah, by my mother, of all people. My mother snarkily commented to my wife, "he's like an Asian kid when it comes to reading, always with his nose in a book." Man, I was so offended by that comment, not because of the borderline racist comment, but because it was my mother who strongly encouraged me to be a reader, like her. Go figure.
3. I'm more partial to recommending books, and not converting people into readership.
a lot of my closer friends i met in college, which was a place where you kind of had to be a reader, though still there were a few who didn't read much.. really i consider myself not really an avid reader per se i just like to read books now and then.. like i don't run out and get a new book when i finish one.. and i feel that even those friends who don't read books as much have hobbies that are just as intellectually stimulating and really do involve reading at some point of it. such as i have a friend who's really into comics.. the story line of comic books are really intense to go through, so i have respect for it.. that being said i do have those friends who say you have to try reading this, and i do and have, and so have i suggested something and someone tried it, even people who dont really read much (most of them wanted to read Fight Club or something else from Palahniuk, one time i did a reading of Guts in the hall way of my dorm that was fun my RA was disgusted..) another friend of mine did readings of the marquis de sade.. good stuff.. 1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
yea but nothing bad if anything they are interested..
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
only when i preferred reading to going out, which was once in a while..
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
i wouldnt say converted, but people were interested..
Gus wrote: "I'll use my wife as an example. She's not much of a reader, as you'll hardly catch her lounging with a book in her hand. She's more of a magazine reader. As to your questions...
1. Nothing derog..."
If your mom has ever been to my part of Asia, she probably wouldn't use that as comparison. Oh wait..Singapore's here, too! Oh darn, our track record remains clean.
"I've been mocked for the things I read on occasion"me too, but i don't think that's fair because i like to read everything.. like i don't take a side of the fence before i have the reason why.. some of my theology friends always debated me on why i read graphic stuff such as palahniuks work, a lot of my friends always bash ann coulter (i have only read parts of her work though) i like to read anything that catches my attention at least enough to understand it..
just sayin.. i relate to that.. =D
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit? Yes, I am well-known for being a reader. People are afraid to buy me books, for fear of my having possibly read them already.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
No, not seriously.
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
I hope so. I make sure to show kids books on subjects they're interested in, that they never thought of looking for before at the library. Reading isn't just fiction, and showing a kid
The Big Book of Bugs can convert him into a reader and library user.
Any of my books by Richard Dawkins is always a target for a long night of debate. Sometimes I'll leave them out just to irritate my other half's overly religious family members :)
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comment on your books/reading habit?If its someone that I am just meeting they will usually say that they wished they read more but the regular group of people I hang out w/ know that I love to read and do it a lot. They don't really say much about it though.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Not really mocked. I did have a friend make a comment the other day. Some guy e-mailed her on one of those dating sites and in his profile he said that he wasnt interested if the girl would rather read Twilight over The Picture of Dorian Gray (dont even get me started there)...anyway, she said it looked boring when she looked it up and then she was like but you would probably read it because you read anything. I mean I do read a lot more than my friends and a bit from different genres but stuff that tends to be interesting not boring. I did look that book up after and it doesnt seem boring to me and I probably will get around to reading it @ some point.
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
I did get a couple of my friends back into reading a few months ago...
If you like arch humor mixed with horror, you will like The Picture of Dorian Gray, Jaime. It's Oscar Wilde, the epitome of wit, so not boring at all!
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?There was a while where my husband kept saying I read too much like it's an addiction. He's a sporatic reader. Others have made remarks about how I'm always reading. And I do get the people acting embarrassed too.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Only jokingly. My husband and I mock each other's favorite genre in books/movies/tv. He's a sci-fi fan and I'm horror and fantasy. He doesn't mock the horror but he loves giving me crap about the fantasy.
I try not to pass judgement on what others read. I read on an IMDB message board several years ago this person stating they only read "classics" and bashing everything else. I hate when books are designated as "classics" or even worse "literary." I used to be judgemental about romance novels but I've stopped myself. If you read anything, great! Now I'm only judgemental about the Twilight books. And I stand by that one. :-)
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
No but I do try to convert people to new authors. I've converted a few people to Neil Gaiman fans. :-) I even got my really close friend who hates horror to read Clive Barker's dark fantasy works.
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?I get the "I should really read more..." comments, and like Jackie, my parents and friends long ago stopped buying me books. Sometimes I really have to convince them that no, I do not want to go to that party/the bar and yes, I really do want to stay in and read my book, thanks.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Maybe flippantly, but nothing really harsh. My classmates in middle school were the worst when it came to my reading habit, knocking books out of my hands and using it as a major taunt (as well as calling me crap like "Chinese Cheese").
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
A few years ago my mother discovered my stash of lit books from college and now reads every night for about an hour. My father switched from third shift to first, so she can't have the TV on too loud, so she just sits and reads. Her reading my books got her into trouble, because you can't usually tell if I hated/loved a book by looking at it since I highlight/underline in most of my books, so I was unable to tell her NOT to read books like Gilead. :P
I've converted my crush to reading a lot too. He was always interested but after meeting me, he's been reading waayyy more than he ever has, and calling me up at random hours to gush about particular lines or ask me questions. :D
1. All my family and close frineds know I am and avid reader. Occasionally I will get from acquaintances "Gee, I should read more" and I have to fight the urge to say, "Turn off the Tv one night a week and you will have time to read:.2. No, but I do get mocked for reading science fiction. ("You like that far-out stulff?)
3. Will gladly offer suggestions on many, many authors but if the person is not a reader by choice, no I do not try to convert them.
My Real close friends are like me.So they read a lot, too. I have already said that it is very different in Armenia (and for armenians). Reading is something to be proud of, you will never be moked for reading. Those who don't read respect you more! My brother and his friends never read, but I have heard them more than one time to tell proudly to others and to their friends how many books I am currently reading, which one of them had gone to the library with me. They also come or call and ask me questions very often, and they always say " You read so much, so you must know the right answer".It feels so good ( although it is not always correct).Trying to convert people into reading is one of my character's greatest flaws!
The first question I ask people is if they like reading or not. if not... I don't think we can become friends. It is VERY important for me!
I don't have any non-reader friends.
My friend and I aren't like your average American teenagers. It's not like we go out every Friday night and watch the "cute" football players fullfill their high school dream as their cute cheerleader girlfriends contemplate the perfection of their young life from the side line. We've never been exposed to that sort of environment, but as mere admirers. And by "admirer" I don't mean in full extent of the word, I mean it literally, because we just watch and reflect upon the foolness of most the decisions these kids make. We don't have sports at our school, and the major of maturity is way higher in our academic environment as it would be in a regular high school. When we share this aspect and perseption with other "regular" teenagers, we're looked upon as coy and, so to say, weird. The thing is, we like it. We know that we've made the right decision and we're the misfits at our school, the negative visions and the unfairness is worth putting up with, because we've grown so much on so many levels. As I walked along the stadium and watched many of my old peers interact with each other, and talk, and horse play, and act like any other teenager would, I feel awkward. I feel as if that passing phase has gone over their heads, and I can remember when I thought that way, and that was way back in middle school. It's rather amazing how some kids can take so many things for granted and get stuck on their childhood as if it were to last for ever. I can honestly say that reading books, and relating to it has influenced my life immensly, and I am so glad to have had the chance to involve myself in greater things. When these people saw me reading in middle school, I'd be teased upon and laughed at, but look now where it's got me, I've totally stepped through the looking glass and I would have it no other way.1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
Yes they do, they laugh at the fact and seem puzzled at the fact.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Yes, most of the people I've known say it's a waste of my time, but I just laugh and turn to the next pageg eagerly.
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
No, I don't think I have, but if I ever did I've been completly proud of it and I know that thet would never regeret it.
Welcome Blanca!You remind me of me as a teenager. :)
Hi Blanca. it would have been great if more teenagers thought like you do.
This happened just last night, and my friend and I spoke of it and we just felt so good. We attend an early college high school, where we obtain both our Associate degree in the career of our choice, as well as our high school diploma. Even though we missed out on a regular high school experienced, we experienced far more, and got exposed to a more REAL environment, which would be a college class. A lot of older people in our college classes don't seem to concur with this, saying it isn't fair or that we're not mature enough to be able to handle it, but we prove them wrong and the after feeling is rather special. Yes we have matured way faster, but we find this to be a good thing because we are now aware of the things we have to manage when we grow up, because you never stay a teenager. It's awesome and we're so proud of it! Lol:-)
What's YOUR outlook on teenagers in a college class?
This happened just last night, and my friend and I spoke of it and we just felt so good. We attend an early college high school, where we obtain both our Associate degree in the career of our choice, as well as our high school diploma. Even though we missed out on a regular high school experienced, we experienced far more, and got exposed to a more REAL environment, which would be a college class. A lot of older people in our college classes don't seem to concur with this, saying it isn't fair or that we're not mature enough to be able to handle it, but we prove them wrong and the after feeling is rather special. Yes we have matured way faster, but we find this to be a good thing because we are now aware of the things we have to manage when we grow up, because you never stay a teenager. It's awesome and we're so proud of it! Lol:-)
What's YOUR outlook on teenagers in a college class?
That's really cool, Blanca. Good for you!I think it's a great idea.
Blanca wrote: "What's YOUR outlook on teenagers in a college class? "Haha-- I went to college with some college-aged students who treated the classes as if they were nothing. I was one of maybe 4 or 5 students who had even attempted to finish all the books in literature course, and they would often not even bother reading the 10 pages the professor would tell us, ahead of time, that we would be focusing on.
Incidentally, there was a teenage girl in that class. She deserved to be there, based on her intellectual intelligence (she was very smart) but unfortunately, she was not mentally or emotionally ready to be in a college class, with people college-aged. Whether this was just because she was a teenager or maybe she suffered from a social disorder on top of things, I don't know, but I felt genuinely sorry for her a lot of the time.
When I was in elementary school, there were 2 students and myself who ended up being handed a lot of free time in kindergarten, first, and second grade, mainly because we would have pop spelling quizzes and anyone who scored an A wouldn't have to spend class time studying or retaking the quiz. The other girl was put on a fast track, and ended up being a freshmen in college when we were freshmen in high school. She was put in a women's college for her safety and I don't think she finished-- I heard through the grapevine that she absolutely hated it, and felt that her childhood had been taken from her, since her parents were the one pushing her to do better and better, against her will.
That said, I was also friends with kids in high school who would take only the required high school classes and take electives at the local community college. They all loved it, but I ended up not being their friends after a while because they grew huge egos and thought they were better than the kids who decided to not attempt college courses.
So really, I think it depends on the individual. :)
Thank you!Anyway, there is more than a hand full of kids who are NOT ready to be placed in a college classroom but somehow end up being in one, and it's either because their parents force them or they do it for the hell of it. They're honestly just taking up someone else's opportunity. As for childhood being ripped from them, as I said to me it's just a passing phase and some of my friends do feel that way, and it truly does depend on the individual. However, there are many situations in which kids rather spread their wings than stay improsined by a sense of dependance, in which case this program helps them very, very much. I completely agree with you though.
Totally, as is influenced by many events in an individual's life, and/or an individuals perspective.
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
Ilive with a non reader, but everyone else I know is a reader.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Only gently.
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
My big coup was getting my non-reader to read the Harry Potter books, which she loved. Every now and then she will pick up something to read, but mostly not.
My niece is turning three in February, and when I go to Africa this winter I plan on bringing her books, even though theirs is a non reading family. Or Breyer horses. Or both. Hmm...
Some of those Breyer horses come with an accompanying book, Sarah Pi.
Blanca, I think your experience is probably not the norm but very exceptional in your case. It's great that you see it so positively and seem to take all the positive out of it instead of focusing on the negative. Good for you!1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
Yup, all the time. Things like "Why do you read so much?" and "Holy cow! You finished that already?". I mostly get incredulous looks because I always have another new book with me, and because that's usually all I ask for when Bdays & Christmas comes around.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Yea, sorta. Especially if people know me and they see that I have one paranormal fantasy book, one bizarre horror book, one book on quantum physics and one on global consciousness, they poke fun at my strange & divergent taste in literature. I always say it's better than watching the boob-tube.
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
Well, does my 8 yr old count? This year she's warped into light-speed with her reading, and we've begun reading actual novels together (Yes, Harry Potter is on the list, as well as Eragon and A Wrinkle in Time). It also helps that her new 2nd grade teacher has them reading at least 15 mins every night, so we usually get some good reading in together.
I'm also excited that she is getting into writing stories. We just purchased her a new writing notebook and she is busy drawing characters and ideas in it. She rattled off ideas to me for 45 minutes tonight, and some of them are pretty darn good. I'm so proud! :)
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
Yes, my friends think its strange for somebody to like reading. :) I think it mainly consists of the way you were introduced to reading. I think many people don't like reading simply because they struggle with it. My mom introduced me to reading when i was a little girl, and by this i mean, she read to me every night. She read both easy and difficult books, and i loved the time i got to spend with her and the fantastic stories that filled my mind with wonder and magic.
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Not so much, maybe just been called a nerd every now and then.....haha
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
haha no :)
Oh Blanca, even at our school,reading is not very popular.... It makes me sad.... :( Go book club!!!! ha!
Welcome to TC Delilahhh. Glad you decided to join us.
Yes, I echo Jim, welcome to TC!
Delilahhh wrote: "1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
Yes, my friends think its strange for somebody to like reading. :) I think it mainly consists of the way you were introduc..."
Isn't it? But even though, the normality if most things are "sad", and I want to be happy, so hurray for straying!
1. My husband teases me a lot even though he is a reader. Mostly because I read a lot of pop-fiction that I end up not liking while he sticks with non-fiction. Damn near all my friends are novel readers.2. I got teased a lot in high school because I ALWAYS had a book and it was often a large one. I also read a lot of the books from other English classes that I missed out on. So a couple of times I helped other kids with their homework and they were always surprised when they realized I had a different teacher. It was pretty funny.
I have been getting into a lot of debates with my room mate lately that end up with us making fun of each others' reading choices. He likes long, detailed fantasy novels and I like short stories. We get pretty snarky but it's all in fun.
3. I don't think I have.
1 & 2. People are usually in disbelief that I enjoy reading. They also act all ashamed when they tell me what they've been reading (or haven't been reading). Most people haven't heard of some of my favorite authors (Raymond Carver, Thomas Pynchon), and they ask me questions about why I like them. Guys tend to tease me about reading Jane Austen. um and a lot of times, when I'm reading a book at the pool/beach/cafe & a guy tries to hit on me, he asks if I'm an English teacher.3. When I finish reading a book, I mail the book on to a friend who I think will enjoy it. People usually try to convince me to watch a movie over reading a book though, which is bizarre.
My non reading friends are often commenting on my reading. Most are amazed that I read so much, but there is one that just doesn't understand it. She doesn't read and can't figue out why anybody would want to. I have managed to convert a couple over the years, but thats generaly not been the norm.
1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?Yes, in tones of uneasy disbelief, followed by unsolicited excuses for why they don't read. From this I have learned primarily that children are a black hole which sucks all time and energy into the void., leaving just enough life-force to operate the remote control for the TV so that one doesn't miss the latest episode of Desperate Housewives,
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
Yes, by my teenaged stepsons, followed by the Ritual Complaint of "I'm bored", to which I smugly reply "Really? I'm not!" as I turn the page.
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
I did, once, but that person has yet to return the books I loaned to her so I won't be doing THAT again.
Hi Flora, I'm new too. Welcome..
Hi, thanks, I'm still a newbie trying to learn my way around.
This is about as friendly a place as there is to learn Flora.
about number two. Would you count this mocking: During a class of mine someone that was in my grade was talking about the SAT's and and asked me how I did then make a comment about how i probably got a perfect, when I asked why he would say that he said it was because I read a lot and usually people who read a lot are smart.Oh and I think it's cool how you all welcome all the new comers!
My husband is a non-reader...I can't tell you the number of times that he interrupts me with nonsense conversation or turns the television on and then leaves the room. I love the man but can not read when there are distractions in the room. I can't seem to make him understand the pleasure I get when I "travel" in a really great story
Welcome to TC Jo, hope you find much pleasure as you travel through here.
Jo wrote: "My husband is a non-reader...I can't tell you the number of times that he interrupts me with nonsense conversation or turns the television on and then leaves the room. I love the man but can not r..."I know exactly what you mean. My bf is the exact reason I quit trying to read at bed time. I love him dearly, but its so annoying when he won't let me read. So I've just come to accept that there will be no reading at bedtime, I guess hes worth the sacrifice ;)
Flora wrote, So I've just come to accept that there will be no reading at bedtime, I guess hes worth the sacrifice ;)
I guess that depends if you're trying to read while...you know...doing the horizontal rumba?
I know what you mean. Some men prefer to fall asleep after the nookie. I prefer to read, even if it's just for a few minutes.
I guess that depends if you're trying to read while...you know...doing the horizontal rumba?
I know what you mean. Some men prefer to fall asleep after the nookie. I prefer to read, even if it's just for a few minutes.
Someone on another community I'm in recently commented how they think that if they find someone with the same taste in music and other things, they're a keeper.Immediately, I thought, "NOO! I want him/her to enjoy my Jamyang Norbu but if we have the exact same books, whose copy are we going to sell or box up? I write in mine so I want my copy to stay on the shelf!"
I don't think I could be with someone who wasn't a reader. That's where I put my foot down.
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1. Do your non-reader friends ever comments on your books/reading habit?
2. Have you ever been mocked for reading?
3. Have you ever converted non-readers into reading, you literature cult recruiter, you?
:)