Understanding the Book-Phobic

I recently found out that Dr. Seuss' birthday is March 2nd, so between that, my reading The Hunger Games series, and the Borders bankruptcy, I've been thinking a lot about books and reading lately. It's no mystery to everyone who reads this blog that, along with my fellow bloggers, I love reading even more than I love writing. I always took for granted that many of my friends growing up also liked to read. Lately, though, I've been meeting more and more people who don't like to read, and I just don't get it!

The usual explanation I hear from people is that they prefer to read non-fiction or academic books because it teaches them something and they can't be bothered to read fiction. Fiction, as they see it, is a major waste of time. I read enough books on politics, feminist theory, history, etc. to know the satisfaction that comes from learning something new and digging deeper into a subject you're passionate about. But I also see the undertones and subtexts in fiction and know that there's a lot to learn from that too. And, at the end of the day, it's incredibly entertaining and a more stimulating alternative than some of the dreck on tv. I also sincerely believe that there is a book or a series out there for everybody, they just need a nudge to actually read it.

Then there are those who say they don't have enough time or patience to read, or that just plain don't like it. These are the people who don't read anything at all, except for maybe some blogs and the occasional newspaper or magazine. It's a mystery to me how these people and I are able to get along.

I guess reading is such a huge part of my life, that I can't imagine life without it. I mean, what's better than grabbing your favorite blanket and curling up with a good book with a mug of hot chocolate next to you? Nothing, that's what, so that is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my nights this week.