I really don't think I have too much of a problem with "book police." I know what I like to read, and therefore, I am more or less my own "book police." There are certain genres I don't, and won't read, because they are not something I would enjoy. I have had ones who read these genres telling me what a good book it was and insisting I had to read it. But as far as other people reading those genres I really don't care.
I always tell the friends who borrow my books, "I am not your censor, if you start to read a book of mine and don't like it, don't feel you have to finish reading it." I have always been more or less my own person, so don't really care what others think about my reading material.
My daughter and I decided a few years ago, we will read what we want, and not feel it is necessary to share what we are reading with anyone. I do share a lot of what I read for recreation and entertainment this blog and Book Lover's Journal, however, that is for my own benefit, to help me remember what the books are about, and to remember what I read. I found that a few times I have bought the same book a year or two later, forgetting that I had already read it.
How about you, do you have "book police" wrinkling their noses at what you read?
Interesting post! I say--as long as someone is reading SOMETHING--that's what's important! As for me, I don't read fantasy or romance, but I have no problem with those who do. I read a fair amount of YA titles at times, even though I'm definitely not in that target audience anymore--and I really never give it a thought as to what others may think about that. Reading tastes are personal!
ReplyDeleteHi Ann,
ReplyDeleteMy husband isn't exactly my book police, however he can never understand why I prefer to read fiction, when all he ever reads is non-fiction. His argument is why not combine a hobby with actually learning something of interest. When I do illustrate just how much factual information can be garnered from a good fiction book, which has been thoroughly researched, he is silenced ... but only temporarily!
That is why I think it takes me so long to actually prepare and post book reviews to my satisfaction. Reviewing is really rather subjective, as everyone sees something different in a book, or in the way it is written, so a review is only ever a purely personal viewpoint, which shouldn't really be used to try and influence someone else into buying or reading the book.
I have been tempted on more than one occasion to actually make Fiction Books into more of a promotional site for books and authors, rather than publishing reviews ... I am still not really sure what to do?
Thanks for listening to my ramblings and have a good week,
Yvonne
Like you, I don't really care what others thing about what I am reading. I tend to review all of the books I read at my blog, and those genres vary. To each his own :)
ReplyDeleteHappy reading!