Stop reading books you don’t like

In conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances, I’ve repeatedly encountered a few sentiments about reading that drive me absolutely bonkers.

Things like:

I’m not really enjoying it but feel like I have to finish it.

It’s taking me forever to get through this.

I should be reading more educational/informational books instead of this light/fun/enjoyable novel.

By the power vested in me as a professional librarian, I absolve you of your guilt and hereby order you to stop reading books you don’t like.

Stop reading books you don’t like.

Stop reading books you don’t like.

Why?

1. You don’t owe anyone your time or attention.
2. The author isn’t going to find out if you didn’t like or finish their book.
3. You’re not in school anymore. (If you are in school, assigned reading is the obligatory exception to the rule.)
4. There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure.
5. Reading for pleasure isn’t frivolous.
6. One reader’s trash is another’s treasure.
7. Life’s too short.

If you’re one of those people who feel like you need permission to do or not do something, you now have it.

Stop reading books you don’t like.

Be free. Now go forth and multiply (your reading).

(See more on reading.)

Update: I got so fired up about this topic that I made my first Instagram Reel about it: