Most of us have read books that could be considered guilty pleasures, and some of them are just controversial. But, should you really hide what you’re reading when you feel those “judging” eyes glaring at you?
Reading is our way to escape the stresses of everyday life. We gravitate toward those books that really offer up some means of really “getting away…” Just like with so many things in our lives… what you enjoy might not be the same as what I enjoy.
If it makes you feel good, happy, relaxed, or distressed, you’d think there couldn’t be an issue… But, of course, there so often is one. We’re all human, and some of us just love to judge others on their reading habits…
Why We Don’t Read That Book In Public (or Hide)
- It’s romance…
It’s true that bestselling romance novels aren’t typically discussed in an academic setting, but they are still popular for a reason. - It’s an age thing…
Perhaps it’s a “kid’s book”… for whoever decided it should target that age group. Who cares? (Well, some people do care, since they love to mention it to young and old alike.) - Becoming character…
There’s the concept that the book might directly personify who you are as a person, as if you’ll suddenly step into the pages of the book and become one of the people you see on the cover. You read the book, but that does not mean that you become part of it. - It’s Religious… I’d originally thought of it as the looks you might get when you read the Bible in public, but I’ve also seen readers cringe and hunch over after getting glares for their reading of Quran (or other text).
- Say controversy…You’ve probably heard that controversy sells, but the books still have a way of stirring up a ruckus. The book could be about a controversial political topic, about the modern take on Atlantis, or the latest theory on the first man to walk on the moon.
There could be lots of reasons why the book your reading could cause consternation or even volatile reactions. Reading is a personal choice… but it also enters into the public propriety of what is (and is not) acceptable. But, here’s the thing… why should anyone really care what you’re reading? It’s your life, and if you’re enjoying the book, you shouldn’t have to hide…
