Kathy Hamilton If there’s one thing I am an advocate for it’s that it’s important to read what you love. With millions of books published every year to choose from, there’s never been a better time to find authors and books that you enjoy and yet, too often I see people putting pressure on themselves to read the “right” books. It’s time to discuss.
Ever since I started The Female Scriblerian I have been passionate about recommending books that you might like but also emphasising that it’s important to read what you love. For me, reading is a pastime, a hobby, and by definition, that means it should be fun. Challenging? Sure, but ultimately satisfying. I know the kind of books that work for me, like romance fiction, classics, or women’s literature for example and, although I challenge myself to try new genres all the time, ultimately I always gravitate back to them
Sometimes it feels like there’s a pressure on readers to chose “the right books” and also on non-readers too.
I’m so sick of seeing headlines like “Why are fewer people reading than 10 years ago?” or “The Average Adult ONLY read 1 book last year”. Sure, in terms of books sales I can see why a slow down in reading might alarm publishers but honestly, if that one book a person read was perfect for them…then that’s what it’s all about!
Sure, people might be reading less than they were. But there’s no number that defines “the right amount of books” to read. I mean, think of all the diversions we have in our modern world. There is a constant stimulus of exciting opportunities out there for us to spend our free time pursuing. So to me, if you read one book or 200, the fact remains the same…as long as you read what you love, you’re doing something right!
Let’s remove the assumption that reading makes you a better person
I love reading and can happily devour two or three books a week if given half a chance. But does that habit make me a better person? I wouldn’t say so. It actually turns me into a bit of a recluse if I’m honest! When I’m on a reading kick, I have been known to ignore phone calls from family and friends to chase that elusive “one more chapter” buzz. Sure, reading books has expanded my horizons and, I hope, challenged me to be more empathetic and understanding, but I could equally achieve that by watching documentaries, travelling more, taking the time to talk to people…you get my point!
It might seem counterintuitive for me to devote a whole article, here on my book blog, to advocating that you only read one book! Ultimately though, that’s not what I’m saying. If you want to read and enjoy trying new genres and books, then you’ve come to the right place. Stick around and check out some of the other posts here on The Female Scriblerian, I’m sure there’s something for you.
All this to say, everyone, read what you love. Don’t feel guilty if the only book you pick up in 2018 is one that would never grace the pages of the Times Literary Supplement. The goal of reading is to enjoy yourself, let’s never forget that.
