August 26th, 2009 | by Cassie Ryan |
I have been an avid reader all my life. It started way back with Green Eggs & Ham and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and have progressed throughout the years into many different genres, styles, authors etc. In fact the saying, “Too many books, so little time!” and “There’s no such thing as too many books!” were made for me. I’m quite an eclectic reader and enjoy anything from an interesting non fiction memoir (no Oprah show snickers in here…the REAL ones…lol) to a book on history, self help books, How To books, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy, mystery, gothic literature, classics, romance, action/adventure, suspense etc, etc. I must admit I can’t do well-written horror because it gives me nightmares (the movies either), but that’s my issue, not the books’! (And to answer your question, poorly written horror isn’t much fun, but just doesn’t give me nightmares…)
Throughout my journey as a devourer of books, I’ve noticed a distinct stigma associated with some types of books.
Now, as a society, we push reading. Reading=good. Even research shows that those who read more have lowered chances of memory diseases, higher IQ’s etc, etc, regardless of what they are reading. It’s basically the equivalent of weight lifting with your mind. So, why the stigma?
Let’s take a scenario here. Let’s say that you’re walking through the mall and you see a woman on a bench reading a book. You can’t help notice that it’s a memoir. What are your impressions? The one I hear most often is something along the lines of, “it’s non fiction, so therefore educational.” Uh huh. Memoirs, like history are told by the winner…er…the subject of the memoir and/or the writer looking to make a buck off said memoir subject, aka ghost writer. (No I’m not knocking ghost writers) And remember, I do enjoy reading some of them, too, so hold off on the hate male for now, we’re just looking at examples.
Okay, now let’s say you walk by the same woman and she’s reading a fantasy book with dragons on the front etc. What’s your impression now? The one I hear usually is, “just an escapist read, no real value to it.” Now for me, fantasies are usually very intricate in detail and description and have definitely broadened my mind as to what’s possible in this world and what’s not, so I don’t agree with the no real value part. But what are YOUR impressions?
Now again, let’s say you walk by the same woman and she’s reading a romance novel, or “worse” yet, a steamy-looking romance novel. Now what is your impression? If you’re a romance writer like me, you’re looking to see if it’s your book or was written by someone you know 
If not, I’ve heard reactions like, “what a waste of time” or “what trash” or even the ever-popular but totally inaccurate “those demean women, how can she read that?!?”
But wait a minute—all of these people are reading. All of them are exercising their minds, using their logic, their imaginations, expanding their vocabulary, learning something (yes, every book can teach you something and make you think), relaxing and enjoying some “them” time. So what’s the issue? And why are we so judgmental?
To this same point, I’ve seen people actually cover up the front of the book they are reading so no one knows. They’re even ashamed of what they are reading?? How sad that in a supposedly forward thinking society we are so worried about what everyone else thinks of our books and what we read. Remember, Reading = Good. Period.
I’ve even had people approach me and comment on what I’m reading. Now let me preface this by saying I never bother to hide the cover of what I’m reading unless there are yummy naked men on the front and there are children around (bad form to flash the kiddies). I’ve had people ask why I don’t read something worthwhile. My answer is usually to ask if they’ve read the book I’m reading, and when the answer is no, I ask how they know if it’s worthwhile or not. They usually try to pass off everything in that genre as not worthwhile. My next question is if they’ve read everything in that genre—usually not. They just go with the “stigma” and read the books that they are “supposed” to read. Didn’t we all do the “supposed to” thing in high school and college? Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of those weirdos who actually enjoyed Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and anything by Shakespeare and “Catcher in the Rye” etc. But my days of “supposed to” as far as reading are long gone. My reading time is valuable and I won’t waste it reading something I don’t enjoy.
So what’s the problem with that? And why as a society do we feel the need to get others to jump into the “supposed to”, and why aren’t most people comfortable saying “Screw supposed to! I want to read what I enjoy!”?
I’d love to hear your thoughts…
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my newest release, the third book in the Seduction Trilogy, Trio of Seduction
I think often it boils down to not what people’s real reactions are but how they think are perceived by their “reactions”. Very high cliquish, yes. And when you think about it, what is “worthwhile” at one time might be generally considered boring and over-rated crappola years later. For some reason Moby Dick comes to mind here.
by Anya Howard · August 26th, 2009 at 2:43 pmI know there’s a stigma with romance novels. True story–I was being rolled into surgery and the nurse learned that I was a writer. He was so excited and asked me if I was published, to which I said I was. He then asked what I wrote, and I replied, “historical romance”. He ROLLED HIS EYES, make a “kkhhh” sound (complete with curled lip) and did the “whatever” hand gesture to go with it. My surgeon’s arrival on the scene kept me from doing something I would of later regretted. I do think some of the other nurses talked to him, because I saw him a few days later and he was sheepish…but I’ll never forget it.
by Julia Templeton · August 26th, 2009 at 2:52 pmI’ve always been extremely proud of the fact I write and read romance, and I’ve never felt the need to hide it.
Anya, I think you’re right. A lot of people are very worried about perceptions.
Julie – Wow! He’s lucky you didn’t punch him – you could’ve claimed you were still fuzzy from the meds!
by Cassie Ryan · August 26th, 2009 at 3:08 pmSounds like a case of projection. Whoever is saying those things feels that way about themselves–they think they should be reading something else, or whatever.
I’ll read whatever strikes my interest and that’s just about everything. I don’t cover up my covers either–I’ve proudly read porn in the vet’s office. It’s no one’s business but mine as to what I read.
I’ve never had anyone comment, good or bad, about my reading choices and I think everyone should read everyday. As long as people are reading, I’m happy.
by Anitra Lynn McLeod · August 26th, 2009 at 3:47 pmI read all genres and I never cover up the covers. I take a book every where with me.
by Estella · August 26th, 2009 at 4:38 pmAnitra & Estella – Great comments, thanks! I totally agree. I always have a book with me wherever I go and like I said, the only time I’ve covered up my covers is when there are little ones around. I’m not ashamed of anything I read and don’t think anyone else should be either.
Reading = Good
by Cassie Ryan · August 26th, 2009 at 10:05 pmI don’t know why there’s that stigma. I really don’t. Well, probably the covers back when started it. But it’s such a fun genre of reading and inspires so much happiness and hope. And I’ve learned a ton of stuff reading romances novels. History. Forensics. It’s not just fluff. People who hate romances probably haven’t read a good one.
by Shelli Stevens · August 26th, 2009 at 11:05 pmHi Shelli – thanks for stopping by. Very good comments
by Cassie Ryan · August 27th, 2009 at 12:24 amMy husband and I never travel anywhere without a book or two. We read every where.( even out to dinner with each other). We never hide the covers or make excuses for what we read. Many people have commented on our reading and we just smile. There is always time to read and a good book to devour.
by Laurie · August 27th, 2009 at 9:03 pmLaurie – that is great!
My hubby isn’t a big reader, but at least he’s never ashamed of what I read when I’m out with him anywhere…lol!
But it’s great that both of you are suck avid readers
by Cassie Ryan · August 28th, 2009 at 1:33 pmI’m with you Cassie. I always have a book with me and am even “reading” in my car (audio cd). I hide the book covers from my kiddies only if there is a yummy guy or couple in front, but otherwise I proudly flash what I am reading.
When derogatory comments are made I just say, “It’s romance, it’s delicious, and I’m happy.”
by Armenia · August 29th, 2009 at 12:54 pmHi Armenia!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It’s great to know there are proud readers out there!
by Cassie Ryan · August 29th, 2009 at 7:40 pm