Books

From the time I was in kindergarten and learned to read, I have been an avid reader. It runs in my family which is pretty neat because we trade books back and forth and suggest new ones to read. I am the kind of reader who can read for hours and hours until the book is done {or until I'm sore}. I really value my summer reading time because I can read in a completely carefree, guilt-free way and not stress about any textbooks that I should be reading for class instead.

However, I have a BIG issue with books. For some reason, I have the hardest time bringing myself to buy a book unless someone has told me to buy it. I can't read a book unless someone suggests it or gives it to me or tells me to read it. I feel like it's too much of a risk to just randomly say "oh here this looks good". What if it sucks? What if it is so boring that I can't even finish it? What if I waste the money on a horrible book when I could have just really enjoyed a book that was recommended? What if....

Maybe this is because my dad always gave me books from his bookshelf and I liked them. Maybe it's because my sister and I always exchange. Maybe it's because until I got married, my mom would buy me books at Christmas and Easter. All I know is, I CAN'T do it!

Luckily, I have found a quick and easy solution to my predicament. The LIBRARY! This way, I can pick out random, non-suggested books without the many negative consequences of purchasing such books. If the book sucks, I can take it back! YAY.

I am a nerd.

Now this epiphany happens just after I get this Bookman's gift card that I need to spend. So, I decide, I will ask for some opinions and suggestions on books to read. There have got to be people out there with similar tastes in reading and they will give me an out. They will give me the name of a book so I can buy it and be done with this whole "gift certificate" nonsense. So I ask, and people do respond with book names and I decide to read the publisher's note to check out the books they've suggested.

Do people realize that I don't want to educate myself with a textbook? Do people actually enjoy reading political jargon and viscious attacks against other political parties? Do people read for PLEASURE? HELLO??

Half of the suggested books were political, philosophical, or historical... which is great if I'm feeling ambitious and smart and it's during the semester or something.

I want to read for fun. Which to me excludes all learning and enters the world of {fiction}.

Granted, I didn't specify that I wanted to read fiction. I just really think it is rude that people can't let others think for themselves and give an honest suggestion without trying to impose political stance and philosophical views upon someone. I feel like it's a big push saying "You need to believe what I believe on this matter. Read this."

Apparantly, I should no longer ask for suggestions on this matter so I will have to leave it at that.

And maybe all of those poli sci and philosophy nuts are thinking "What is with this girl? Doesn't she want to read about real world issues and real things and educate herself?"

And maybe I'm silly for not wanting to.