Reading is hugely social for me. Most of my friends are avid readers and we are always sharing our thoughts about what we are reading with each other. Of course, reading is also a big part of my profession (I'm a Library Assistant) so much of my work day revolves around sharing books. I also belong to two book clubs - one social and one that I run at the library. As for sharing books with friends ... I don't share actual, physical books too often because I rarely buy books. I do own some of my all time favorites and I'm always happy to share those with friends, but most of the time the opportunity does not arise. But my friends and I are always sharing books in the sense that we will recommend something that we have read and loved with each other. And I am beyond thrilled to tell others what I am currently reading. Just ask. I love to talk books. Most of the time it's pretty obvious what I'm reading, because I tend to carry my current book with me wherever I go. I'm more attached to my current read than I am to my cell phone. Here on my blog, you can always see what I'm reading in my Good Reads widget on my sidebar. Right now I'm about halfway through The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It's a book about books. Can't beat that!
How about you? Is reading social or solitary? What are you reading now? I'd love to hear all about it. I really, really would!
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11 comments:
Reading has always been very solitary for me. Although when you read a book you really like, you want to share it with people. I just blog about it usually!
I've belonged to a book group for several years and it's been a great experience. It has caused me to read books I would never have considered on my own.
I don't share many books because I don't buy novels either but I do tell friends and coworkers about books I'm reading and often recommend that way.
And, of course, I read many blogs about books, too!
I tend to go to the library ratehr than buying books, but the rare book that I do buy generally gets passed around.
I tend to be more solitary - I have a fear that I'll recommend something I loved and the person to whom I recommended it will find it offensive or trite or stupid or whatever. I'm afraid of being judged by my tastes. That's probably dumb, but there it is!
I've never been involved in a book club, virtual or otherwise. It's weird. Books are so personal to people in such a public way. I suppose I'm with Tammy on this one. I don't want to be judged or hurt by folks who don't share my interests.
I did meet a darling Jane Austin book club in Bath, England once. They were 5 little old ladies sipping tea in beautiful pub overlooking the city. It took everything I had to not drop my suitcases and stay.. and I'm not a huge fan of Jane Austin!
I really felt it was important to respond to Tammy and Ginger's comments about being afraid to recommend books for fear of being judged or hurt. I have never even thought of this! Maybe because I never judge anyone based on what they read. I may not like that genre or style of book, but I truly believe in "to each his own". I feel so sad that true bookworms feel nervous about sharing books they've loved. In my experience, if you are sharing your thought with someone else who loves books, they will welcome the recommendation. I could be wrong about this, but I've never encountered someone who has been judgemental about a book recommendation. They may not like the book or the type of books I enjoy, but I've never felt judged. This just makes me unbearably sad coming from true book lovers.
Pam,
Thank you for responding to my query; and I had no idea that my email address wasn't saved in my profile, I just corrected that.
The reason I asked is because I encountered a young man who manages to read a book a day [I have no clue what he does for a living, he was part of a panel discussion that I attended. For some reason when he was being introduced, either I missed hearing about his occupation or it was never mentioned.] Because of what you do for a living I was wondering how much reading you actually achieve. However today's blog post answered more of my query.
Again, thank you!
I created a Goodreads group with some girls from church, and I have an online reading group called Read a Book, Save a Brain. I love hearing what my friends and acquaintances are into and trying out books I would likely never have picked up otherwise.
I definitely tend to read alone. I would love to join a book club though!
Thanks so much for dropping by for my special day. Have a lovely week!
I am a member of a book club. Forces me to read things I normally wouldn't. Plus it is a great way to read without buying as we all bring books to share each meeting. My group has a wide variety of choices - and thoughts on the books. Makes it hard sometimes, but there is wine for nights that like.
I love it that you are attached to your current read more than your cell phone! Yay! I love the ladies at my local library, they always will take the time to talk about books.
I love when I'm able to socialize my reading. Nothing makes me happier, actually, than to meet up with someone who has read something I have read. I have been known to conversate forever on current reads, or favorite in common reads. Share I do my current reads, both vocally and physically. I'll be the first to throw a book at you (just ask my fifth graders!).
Great Musings!
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