Read, and let read.
Warning: Ranting post ahead. I need to get this down.
The world of books is an interesting place. There's something for everyone around here. Love robots? There's a book for that. Need some sizzling sex scenes? There's a lot of books for that. Simply want to learn how to use your microwave? Guess what? There's a book for that too! That's the beauty of being a reader. No matter what you love, no matter what makes you tick, there's a book for you.
Which is why I cannot stand people who judge other people by what they read. People who spout things like "Oh, that's so low brow" or "REALLY? That's what you're reading?" and then walk away feeling superior about it. Obviously I can't do anything about how you feel inside. But when those words come out? When you make someone else feel bad for picking up a book? Oh, it's on. It's ON.
I taught kids for a long time, and I constantly fought a battle with my managers to let them read what they wanted. People kept telling me that reading a magazine just "wasn't real literature" and that comic books didn't count. I fought tooth and nail for those kids. I'd a hundred times rather a kid pick up a magazine and read an article about their favorite baseball player, or the newest shoes, than not read at all. If their face is in a book and not stuck to a television screen? I consider that a win.
Now I find myself fighting that same battle for adults I know. For those people out there who are shamed for what they read. It's makes me so angry inside.
Do I want to read 50 Shades of Gray? Nope.
Will I shame someone else for wanting to read it? HELL no.
Again, the fact that they're picking up a book is what matters to me. And hell, I'll recommend them a million more books like that if it keeps them reading. What I like doesn't matter in their lives. What I read plays no part in what they read. Unless they ask for suggestions. Which I'll gladly give.
What I'm trying to say? READ, AND LET READ.
No book shaming. No hate. Just read.
/end rant
