Bookworms have to put up with a lot of nonsense.
And this ranges from anything from authors killing off our favourite characters to publishers printing stickers on books to dealing with non-bookworms and their ridiculous questions. Honestly why do we even have non-bookworms? They’ll be the first we’ll sacrifice in the apocalypse, I’m sure.
Because apparently if you see a bookworm you just get STRUCK by the heavens almighty with this desperate need to spout off annoying questions.
Today I shall list these frustrating questions we put up with. Then we can all whinge companionably. I’ll also add some suggested answers for when we’re struggling for replies.
I am helpful. I know.
This will also be a handy list to print out and fold into a paper airplane and then stuff in the mouths of those who are out to vex us sorely. Or you can fold it into an origami flower. There are options.
1. “OH YOU LIKE BOOKS? WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE?”
Excuse me did you just ask for a singular favourite?? What kind of SLAP-DASHING-NONSENSE IS THIS. I can’t even begin to explain how frustrating it is to be asked to pick one. Like, please pick ONE article of clothing you want to wear today. Please pick ONE food you want to eat. Or pick ONE favourite amongst all your children.
Do. YOU. SEE. HOW. THIS. IS. A. BAD. QUESTION.
Books are part of us. Multiple books. They create us and we relate and we find different books have expressed different parts of our innermost souls. We can’t pick one because WE ARE BUILT OF THEM ALL.
“How about you go fetch me an ostrich egg from the the darkest deserts and then see if you feel like asking that question.”
2. “AREN’T YOU TOO OLD TO READ THAT?”
This is just downright frustrating. For starters, it indicates that children’s books are lesser and that no one should want to read them. This is ridiculous. You can’t grow too old for a good book. Like, let me read Roald Dahl and VE Schwab, thanks. Go take your stigmas somewhere else.
The fact is: you’re never too old for children’s books or cupcakes with sprinkles.
“Oh excuse me, let me just put down HARRY POTTER and pick up WAR AND PEACE and then beat you with it like the title recommends.”
3. “HAVEN’T YOU ALREADY READ THAT BOOK BEFORE?”
RE-READING IS LIKE VISITING AND OLD FRIEND!! And it’s especially fun for those of us who remember exactly 2% of what we read three days later. It’s like visiting and an old friend for the first time.
Yes I love my logic too. Also my brain is broken and I’m trying to order a new one from Etsy so we’ll see how that goes. I may ask for it to be gift-wrapped to surprise myself since I won’t remember what I ordered by the time it arrives.
Anyway.
Sometimes, when a bookworm gets asked this, their eye starts to twitch and it’s possible they might combust.
“Haven’t you breathed oxygen before? You could stop, I don’t know, just throwing ideas out there.”
4. “WHERE DO YOU GET ALL THAT FREE TIME TO READ?”
Noooooooooooooooo.
I actually get asked this BY BOOKWORMS and honestly, those bookworms are failing the bookwormhood code. It’s really condescending, actually, because it basically says that you’re slacking off like a dead snail for work/school/life in order to read more.
Bookworms have time to read because we make SACRIFICES. It’s not free. We sacrifice outings, and TV watching, we sacrifice teenage boys and socialising, we sacrifice sleep and the occasional soul under the blood orange moon. Voracious readers (like myself) don’t just lounge around and read all day, trustttttt me.
#SACRIFICE, MATE
“If you eat the souls of the lost, you can consume their remaining lives and use that for extra reading time.”
5. “WHY DO YOU KEEP ALL THESE BOOKS ANYWAY? YOU CAN’T SEE YOUR FLOOR?”
First of all, who needs to see the floor? I know the general direction of it. The carpet is dull. I WANT A SEA OF BOOKS TO SWIM IN, THANK YOU ALL THE SAME.
ACTUAL FOOTAGE OF ME SWIMMING THROUGH MY TBR PILE.
Some bookworms are fond of collections and this is a fantastic thing! Most people collect things and aren’t judged for it. Like why do bookworms get so much judgement for book collections!?? We want to be a library when we grow up. This is not hard to grasp. Other humans collect clothes or, like, teaspoons. My parents collected kids and it doesn’t get any more ridiculously deluded than that.
Books > collecting humans. Obviously.
“Collecting books is better than collecting the teeth of the Orcs I’ve slain in battle, isn’t it?”
6. “WHY ARE YOU FREAKING OUT? IT’S JUST A BOOK.”
The reasons books often feel so so real is because WE’RE IN THEM. We’re experiencing the emotions of the characters all compounded into like 3hrs of reading time. So you know, we get to experience the action! adventure! pain! torment! sacrifice! love! family! hunger! general confusion! and also bloody finale of OUR ENTIRE LIFE — all really fast and compacted into 350pgs.
Try having your life flash before your eyes so fast, sheesh. We are allowed to freak out.
Also if an author mangles the alphabet into mismatched pleasing shapes and makes us FEEL AND FREAK OUT over it??!?? Then that’s just some kind of special wizardry right there.
“I CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER THE SOUND OF MY FAVOURITE CHARACTERS AND I SCREAMING. SPEAK UP.”
7. “ISN’T IT UNHEALTHY TO READ SO MANY BOOKS? YOU’LL DAMAGE YOUR EYES WON’T YOU?”
I get so many hits to my blog with people asking “is reading bad for you” which is the most heartbreaking search result, right after being called Paper Furry * 89 times.
Reading is not bad for you. Unless by “bad” you mean it makes you a more intelligent and educated person who probably has less tolerance for injustice and bigotry and also has new life goals to be rich and famous so they can afford that library with sliding ladders?
And does reading damage your eyes…pfft. Obviously. So does the sun. So does being stabbed in the eye with a spoon. So does looking at Umbridge’s outfit.
It’s a risk you take by existing.
* This might be actually me typoing this search??
“It’s ok I have 7 spare eyeballs in my pocket, would you like mE TO SHOW THEM TO YOU. THEY’RE A BIT SLIMY BUT HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS.”
8. “IF YOU DON’T REMEMBER THE BOOK, THEN WHAT’S THE POINT OF READING IT?”
I don’t know, do you remember every single meal you’ve ever eaten? NO. But did they change your life? YES. You grew from a smol gnarly toddler into a tol gnarly human. So those meals mattered!! All books are building our brains!! Books are like dozens of lovely little Legos, colourful and deadly and stored somewhere deep in our subconscious.
And who cares if you forget? You can reread. Or wander in confused circles.
I….ok, I tend to wander around in confused circles.
“Well I suppose you don’t need to eat that cupcake then, fren, because obviously you mIGHT NOT REMEMBER IT IN 2075. I’ll just eat it for you.”
9. “WHY DOES IT MATTER IF YOUR BOOKS MATCH, HAHA, I MEAN WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?”
For some people: nothing! And that’s awesome! For other people: IT MEANS FREAKING EVERYTHING AND YOU NEED TO ACCEPT THAT AND NOT JUDGE.
I hate mid-cover-changes in series. I hate weird sized books that sit strangely on my shelf. I don’t like spines with multiple colours that ruiiiiiiiin my rainbow. And you know what? Who cares how I want my books to look! When you put on an outfit you like, you care that it looks nice. If you were at a restaurant and they gave you a gross looking meal, you’d care. If you were decorating your house, you’d pick things that look nice together, like that portrait of a dragon + your really epic longswords from that Viking battle in late 8th century.
Noooo judgement for preferring your books well loved or pristine.
Just like books, mate. Stop putting rules around here or I’ll sneeze.
“If I have unmatching book series will it start of the apocalypse? I don’t know. Do you know? Let’s not take this risk.”
10. “WOULDN’T YOU RATHER EXPERIENCE THE WORLD INSTEAD OF JUST READ ABOUT IT?”
Look experiences are good. They’re great. I 10/10 would prefer to experience chocolate covered pretzels instead of just read about them. But the fact is not everyone can have all the experiences. Maybe due to money reasons, travel reasons, health reasons, mental health reasons, or that fact that some deranged moron in history scared away aLL THE DRAGONS so now we can’t play with them anymore.
Look I can’t go learn how to sword fight. Like no one does that where I live, and I don’t have a sword, and I’m about as coordinated as dead limpet in the ocean. However I can read about it and have a great time. There is literally no downside. Except for the part where I don’t own a sword…
(I would really like to own a sword.)
I don’t think reading = not living. Whoever invented that idea needs to be stuffed in a dark barrel. It’s living. I’m breathing oxygen. It’s enjoying words and poetry and prose and art. Looking at a painting is living, touring France is living, reading a book is living.
IF YOU’RE LIVING IN A WAY YOU ENJOY, THEN YOU’RE LIVING NICELY. YOU DON’T HAVE TO VISIT THE MOON AND HAVE 67 FRIENDS AND JUMP INTO THE OCEAN FROM A TALL CLIFF IN ORDER TO LIVE.
“Sorry did my book just fall on your head and wipe you out? R U LIVING STILL, M8??”
OOH one time by bf’s grandpa judged me simply for reading a lot of books. He was all like oh when I read books I select them carefully instead of just reading a ton. Like. He was saying that my reading wasn’t meaningful?!? And if offended me SO. MUCH. I love reading! I have fun while I’m reading!! WHERE IS THE HARM. HOW ABOUT I TAKE YOUR BIKE AND TELL YOU NOT TO DO SO MANY MARATHONS BECAUSE YOU ALREADY HAVE BAD KNEES.
Like.
Jeez.
I got defensive. He definitely ended up as a pile of crumbs at my feet*
*THE TRUTH THO? I just said nothing because #confrontation
Omg I literally HATE THAT. I’ve had people tell me I don’t appreciate/enjoy books because I read so many and obviously I’m just doing it for attention. No joke. Someone LITERALLY said I was reading a lot for attention. And I’m like??? Who exactly is benefiting from it? JUST ME, MATEY. *rolls eyes* Non-bookworms are so frustrating. Can I feed them to a dragon? Pls.
I love love this!! I get alll these questions all the time. It’s really annoying when some random stranger on the bus asks you what you’re reading – I can’t help but glare – it’s ruuuude! Whyyyyy would you talk to me when I’m clearly busy!
Another one I get a lot is people asking me how I read fast. Like…. practice ….. Idk mannn…. does it look like I know what I’m doing ….
thanks so much for sharing your wonderful post with the internet! x
And it’s so frustrating how people think that seeing you with a book = OH THEY’RE NOT DOING ANYTHING! < --- arughuguugh *explodes* And I get the "how do you read fast" question too.😂 I don't even have an answer. My eyeballs just move!??
exactly!!1! oh my goodnesss go away @people-on-public-transport
I knowww! I just kind of … do it??
I loved this list! it’s so recognisable!
The most annoying question people ask me all the time is: Why would you read that book if you can just watch the movie?
Why would people even ask me that? It’s a completely different thing! Don’t forget all the details that are left out in most movies like the house-elf kitchen in Harry Potter!
The question of how I find the time to read so many books annoys me too! Yes, I sleep less. Yes, I read every single minute I don’t really have to do something else. No, I’m not crazy (or am I?).
*hi fives for our suffering* And omg I HATE that movie question. Like for starters: the book is NEVEr the same as the movie. (And it’s better…😂) But it’s totally different experiences and mediums, right?!? Reading is a lot more stimulating for the brain.
And yes! We literally sacrifice stuff so we can read more.😂 I never have time to watch movies/shows because I choose to use that time for reading!
That’s like asking “why watch the movie when you can just look at fan art”.
This post makes my life. I’m so glad there are people in the world who understand the ridiculousness of these questions!
I AM HERE FOR YOU, ALEX. I UNDERSTAND.
So much yes! I can’t pick a favorite book, it’s like choosing a favorite child. Also, never too old for a good children’s book. I still enjoy Goosebumps and middle grade books. They can be awesome. No shame is needed. Love that response, War and Peace is a very large book. I so relate to remembering 2% (maybe) of what was read 3 days later. I wanna re-read so many books (but if I do my tbr will start crying..I need to do it anyway lol). Floors are over-rated. I once read somewhere that when you’re reading your brain responds as if you are actually living what you are reading. Reading is living. It is experiencing life, in fact, it’s experiencing many lives. 😀 And I am living for the responses!
I hear you with the rereading.😂I want to but yet??? My TBR is judging me already? LIFE IS TOUGH.😂
yes yes! That’s exactly how I think it is with reading too! A good book = transports us into living a full and compacted and condescend life. It’s actually exhausting.😂
I hate it when people ask me what book i am reading. My book shelf is a window into my soul. I don’t want to share my inner thoughts with you when you’re not going to get the summary of the book and you’re not going to read it.
If you dont read the book you wont understand. You have to make sacrifices. I was the girl in gradeschool that sat off to the side and read books, the girl that people called antisocial. I just love books okay?!?! Leave me be.
I like seeing into characters lives. I also like reading online things, i like seeing peoples takes on published characters, fanfiction i guess. Its just really cool to me because it’s nice to see refreshing perspectives on characters and it gives you more to read about your favourite characters.
Ramble over now, carry on.
I 100& agree with number 9.
i hate when i buy the series and it looks pretty and one book *cough*tower of dawn*cough* ruins it 🙁
What is even GOING ON with Tower of Dawn?!? It’s like the designer took a holiday.😂
I WAS SO HEARTBROKEN.
the rest of the series are so nice and white and then i have this stupid blue book?
like how dare they 🙁
Excellent blogpost! I relate so much!
Other questions I get asked, have to do with the amount of books I own. Things like “Don’t you have enough books by now?” when I’ve bought one or multiple new books (there is no such thing as too many books), or “Have you read all of your books?” (nope, but I’m okay with that).
Ughhh I hate the “don’t you have enough books” question. Like, no??? Maybe if we have ALL the books we might have enough.
YES VERY MUCH SO! My parents always ask me why I need new books or why I can’t just reread the ones I have already. NO. IT’S NOT THE SAME. Also I’ve been told that “Your room looks like a library threw up in it.” Yeah thanks mom, that’s because you won’t let me buy another bookshelf, that’s why I’ve resorted to stacking them under my bed.
Hahaha!! Ooohmigosh! I’ve got to remember some of these answers for the next time I get asked them! I usually find myself tongue tied and unable to answer such questions. I mean, how can one answer such a stupid question! Plus I’m never that quick with a retort either! I’ll think of a good zigger hours later, usually right before bed! LOL!
It’s so easy to get tongue-tied in the face of TERRIFYING ADVERSARY SUCH AS PEOPLE DOUBTING OUR BOOK LOVE.😂
Wait a second… You don’t have a sword? I thought everybody had one. Just kidding, by the way. I have a couple of trusty daggers, but not a sword. Not yet. And while I did take up fencing that one time, I want to learn broadsword fighting despite having 0 arm muscles. But I can wield a book!
Another annoying question: Isn’t that book too LONG/BORING/HEAVY? Um, no. I like thick books. I like long prose. And I can wield a book as a weapon.
Thanks for another great post, Cait!
I know right?! I disappoint myself greatly tbh with my sword-less world. What is this. *cries*
And how dare people suggest what we’re choose to read is boring. HOW DARE.
I LOVE THIS POST
I SO RELATE
The suggested answers though 😂 I might actually use a few of these
My suggested answers are FABULOUS and cannot possibly go wrong.😂
Ha ha love this list. It made me laugh so hard. I’ve heard a lot of different things over the years. My favorite is when one of my best friends looked at me and said: So .. you have not read … all those books? As she stared at my bookcase. Or my sister who said, You’re not going to sell any of them then? You do not need all those books … HELLO? Yes I do!
Of COURSE we need all the books! And we don’t have to read them all at once, right?! I mean…we’re saving up. Midnight snacks.
Yes. This is what my life looks like.
We understand each other. *cries companionably with you*
I like it when people ask my to recommend a book. Like, OKAY HERE’S 48953 BOOK OPTIONS ENJOY!
Also: “What do you want for Christmas/birthday/Arbor Day?”
BOOKS. OBVIOUSLY BOOKS.
I know right?!😂It’s like “do you have 4hrs because you might want to sit down for this list”.😂
*sigh* This post, like, sums up my entire life 😭Tho THE question that I absolutely can NOT answer is when I’m reading a 500+ page book and I get asked “What’s this book about ?” Like, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO SAY TO THAT? I literally can not even give them a whiff of the book in less than 30 minutes. And it’s still gonna come out WAY lamer than what the book actually is D: Or when I get asked to recommend books to turn a non-bookworm into a bookworm, and I don’t even know if they’d even understand the book, not do I know their tastes D: Like, if I were to make the wrong choice, I’d maybe possibly turn their interest away from reading FOREVA. Like, no pressure. None at all.
*sobs in the background*
Omg I so relate. 😫 Plus I always end up explaining it badly and making it sound dumb. IT’S NOT MY FAULT.
And then they don’t wanna read it, and it’s, like, EVERYTHING 💙😭 I KNOW RIIIGHT
Didn’t you read that already? Least favourite question. And they are all annoying questions. But the looks I get when I answer that I reread books all the time and also reread about 5 specific books every year can be fun. No follow up questions.
On a separate note, as soon as someone finds out I am a bookworm (the two books in my hand bag are a clue), I am asked to make recommendations. With no clues as to their character, reading preferences or worse yet, they never read but think this question is polite conversation…
Oh oh I die at getting asked for recommendations too! And I get asked that ALL THE TIME. Like…I need more details?!? If I recommend you something you HATE because it’s not your style, then you won’t like books. THE PRESSURE IS REAL.
(My first husband owned a replica of an actual broadsword circa the 14th or so century. It was the coolest thing ever to have in the house.)
(That is literally the coolest thing ever. I really need a sword on my wall at some point…imagine my unboxing posts then….)
Oooh I’ve got a good one for you!
When people say you’re a nerd or a “bookish” person (whatever that’s supposed to mean) as an insult, because you read too much (again I don’t know what that means)…
It literally boils my blood.. like how?? is that a bad thing?? Jeez, just typing that sentence out made me see red.. Those suggested answers are going to come in handy, Cait!
Omg I knooooow. Like I haven’t experienced that but I see it used in books and I’m like “WHY IS ANYONE OFFENDED, THAT’S A COMPLIMENT”.😂 Nerdom ftw.
i legit can’t handle how entertaining your posts are
fav quotes in this post:
~“Haven’t you breathed oxygen before? You could stop, I don’t know, just throwing ideas out there.”
~“I CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER THE SOUND OF MY FAVOURITE CHARACTERS AND I SCREAMING. SPEAK UP.”
~Books are like dozens of lovely little Legos, colourful and deadly and stored somewhere deep in our subconscious
what’s really annoying is when we’re asked, “why read the book, when you can watch the movie?'”. My legit response would be to slap them over the head with my very large book, like Six of Crows or Harry Potter or Strange the Dreamer, rather than answering and then vanish into thin air, never to be seen again. I wouldn’t want to be arrested for giving someone a concussion.
But, because I am a calm and logically functioning creature, I would usually just reply, “why breathe if you’re just gonna die anyway?”
p.s. I still read some books my siblings get from school and they’re all younger than me. I grew up on children’s books and became a bookdrakon because of them so how dare you say I can’t read them just cause I’m older. don’t talk about my babies like that! *cuddles my books*
Omg “why breathe if you’re gonna die anyway” < --- EXCELLENT😂😂 And honestly the movie isn't even anything ever LIKE the book. Why do people keep asking us this?!? And why is it anyone else's business what we want to read and why we want to read it?! CHILDREN'S BOOKS ARE FUNNY AND FABULOUS AND EXCITING AND GOOD.
Ooo, I LOVE the whole “isn’t that book a little…young for you?” thing. My dad used to do that whenever he saw me reading a book that was clearly YA because he wanted me to start reading adult sci-fi and fantasy, but I eventually got mad at him and told him I never needed to read another book about a straight asshole white man written by a straight asshole white man, and there hasn’t been a problem since.
I also love it when the people ask all of these questions WHILE YOU’RE SITTING THERE READING. DUDE. Seriously. If you’re watching a TV show or something, chances someone won’t come up and try and start a conversation, so why are you doing that to someone reading?
OMG I LOVE YOUR ANSWER THANK YOU.😂😂 That’s what I feel like saying every time I get one of those condescending comments on twitter/goodreads. Like what even the heck? Let people read what they want. And honestly, YA is half the time these days about smiting the patriarchy. That’s what I’m here for.
And why is it that holding up a book = I’M NOT DOING ANYTHING! COME TALK TO ME! noooooooooooo
The only way to keep someone from trying to converse–WHILE YOU’RE OBVIOUSLY READING RIGHT THERE, WHAT THE HECK?–is to stick headphones in your ears and pretend you can’t hear them. It’s the only way.
People have asked me most of these! I also get asked “Why do you read so much?” Um . . . because I want to? People should be less judgmental about how bookworms use their time.
I know right?! People who spend time watching/doing sport don’t get asked this stuff!!
I enjoyed this list so much. It’s sad, but so many of these are so true!! Though I’m going to have to keep your suggested answers in mind the next time I’m asked some of these questions. I almost feel bad for the poor soul, who can expect to be beaten over the head with War and Peace after I eat their cupcake and make them fetch me an ostrich egg…
And to build on #2 (which I’ve also heard before), I really enjoy romance novels and get a lot of questions about why I bother reading them. Excuse you, how about I start interrogating you and demanding you justify your reading and life choices?! It gets so frustrating, which makes me extra happy that this bookish corner of the internet exists 🙂
I know, I do feel bad about that person dead under War and Peace now without their cupcake. That escalated quickly around here, sheesh. (WHO CALLED THIS BLOG PAPER FURY. THEY NEED TO SIT DOWN AND CHILL.)
So, whenever I buy books, my parents are like, “How do you know you’re going to like that book? Aren’t you just wasting money?” Seriously?? Of course I’m not 100% sure that I will like it, because I haven’t evEN READ IT YET. That is why I’m buying it in the first place! Also, do we do all things because we know we’ll like them?? NO. WAKE UP, PEOPLE.
So, this is the most hilariously relatable blog post ever.
“It’s ok I have 7 spare eyeballs in my pocket, would you like mE TO SHOW THEM TO YOU. THEY’RE A BIT SLIMY BUT HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS.” #LOVEIT
I’m SURE none of my suggested answers are worrying or concerning in the least. :’)
*hears sirens in the distance*
Anyway. I think people should let us collect what we want, sheesh. We try new food?! Why shouldn’t we try new books. PLUS THEY’RE PRETTY AND THAT’S WHAT MATTERS.
OMG! YES!!! ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!!! I love when people are like can I put a light on for you? You must be straining your eyes. I LIKE MY DIM ATMOSPHERE THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I THINK I WOULD KNOW IF MY EYES WERE PAINING ME!!! *end of rant for now* Beautiful post Cait, you just get us. *sigh of content*
AHhhh so glad you enjoyed it!😂 My family is always onto me about my light but I DON’T LIKE TO BE DROWNED IN BRIGHTNESS OK. *huddles away in the darkness with my books*
Hilarious! Yes, who needs a floor when you can have books? They feel like friends to me, and oh, the places I can go which I can’t afford to in real life.
Free time? You should see my house. Won’t pass the white glove test most days.
Love. Books. Very, Much.
Exactly!! The experiences we have and the chance to be like badass warriors or whatever in books is AMAZING.😂
This is hilarious! I love your posts! 🙂 And so true, unfortunately. We bookworms to have to go through a lot…
The question that I ALWAYS get asked for, especially in school when we have required reading is; “Did you actually read that book?”, and then they* continue with “Didn’t you have something else to do?”
Ahh this annoys me so much! And then I want to explain why reading is so fun and beneficial, and why is it the best way to spend your time, but I don’t have the energy or the patience…
*they, in this context means all the non bookish people that are the reason why we don’t have holidays just for reading, like every day…
Yes exactly! Like people can be so condescending…like what else should we be doing?!? STEALING THE MOON? LET US READ IF WE WANT.
YES. SO MUCH YES TO THIS. This list is literally my life and I’m glad I’m not alone.
And oh man, NUMBER 9!! This one hit me hard because I’m still feeling the sting of An Ember in the Ashes just up and CHANGING THE COVERS OF THE ENTIRE SERIES with the third installment. Now I have to buy the first two books over again, which just FEEDS INTO THEIR EVIL PLAN! ARG!!
ANYWAY…. People always ask my why I read so much fiction instead of non-fiction!! As if fiction is inferior to non-fiction somehow?? Well person, in my experience stories about real life don’t include dragons or sword fighting, so I’m gonna take a hard pass. Can’t we all just be excited about reading????
Agh Ember In The Ashes hit everyone with a really big cover change there.😂 Isn’t that the SECOND time they’ve done a series overhaul?!? I hope this is it hahaa.
Omg I hate the “wars” between types of books. Or like adult vs YA. We can read whatever we WANT.
Number 9 gets me sooooo mad. I finished My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult and I was in an actual state of shock; just crying and shaking my head. And my sister was like “Calm down. It’s just a book.” I’m like,”Nooooo. It’s NOT just a book!!”
Thanks so much for posting this. It was very interesting👏👏👏
Omgggg that one…I’ve only seen the movie (I know! Bookworm shame.) But IT WAS SO BRUTAL. It’s never just a book. 😭
Lol. I understand just seeing the movie and not reading the book. For example, I’ve watched Miss Peregrines Home but I haven’t read it. I don’t mention stuff like that though and yes, the novel is brutal. So heartbreaking😭😭😭😭
The first one is THE WORST because I get asked it all. The. Time!
“What’s your favorite book?”
“Can I say a book series? Or maybe several series?”
😑
What about…favourite BOOKSHELF?!? 😂 I can handle that question.
Hey Cait !!
Yours are the posts that I wait for the whole week ….
Why do you like a specific genre so much like mystery that involves murder and violence….well because I am an assassin and you have just got to deal with it
THIS MAKES MY DAY. THANK YOU!😂
HELLO, WE HAVE THE SAME NAME just wanted to ponthat out. Except mine has an extra A. Ok I’m done now. Sorry for the commotion.
Yessss we do … coincidence , I think not 😉
Love this post so much!
Ahh I’m so glad!!😂
Person: Aren’t you too old for that book?
Me: According to you I’m also too old for anime and manga, cartoons and comics, most forms of game, any type of fantasy or sci-fi, superhero films, laser tag, arcades, ice skating, or literally anything else that makes me happy. Would you like me to take tea in the corner of the room and talk about taxes?
So done with people telling me I’m too old for things. Like, seriously, I’ll be too old when I’m dead.
I get so so mad at the idea you have to grow out of things. Like what are we SUPPOSED to be doing?!? Working all day and then going out for drinks with friends?? *walks into a wall* Never too old for good literature or comics or games or sports or sprinkles.
Haha this is so #relatable.
One that’s similar to #9 is when people, often other readers, shun people for not caring whether their books are in pristine order or not. Like, just leave me alone with my books and go do whatever you want with your books.
I know right?!? I think it’s fine to keep our books however we like! Recently I saw people getting ranted at for drawing in their books or whatever…and like, ok fine, *I* want my books pristine, but why should that be forced on everyone?! DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR BOOKS. JUST LOVE THEM!
When I’m reading in school:
Classmate: “What are you reading?”
Me: *tilts the book so they can see the cover*
Classmate: “What is it about?”
Me: *tilts the book so they can see the back*
Me *thinking to myself*: Can’t you see I’m busy…?
Your suggested answers are hilarious, I’m definitely going to try them!
Omg this is the BEST. I love it.😂😂 I hate it how when people see someone reading they think it means “oh they’re not doing anything”. NOOOOOO.
I’ve gotten all of these myself… especially those first two. It may be a good thing that I look young for my age… 🙂
There are definite bonuses for looking young.😂
ahhh…. this list and coffee was the perfect way to start a morning. Thanks 🙂
Also, I get this one a lot when I’m reading non-fiction:
“Oh, are you taking a class?”
And, when I say “No” they get this look of pure judgment as if I’m the biggest nerd in the world and I shouldn’t be reading THAT book, then they try starting a conversation, and I’m all short answers and glares. Eventually, they take the hint, but then start talking extra loud around me.
This has happened multiple times. I mean, seriously, leave me read my nerdy books in peace….. huh, I sound a bit bitter. I wonder why?… lol.
Thanks again for making this list and looking at these frustrating situations in a humorous way.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!😂 And omg I hate it when people do that whole “snobby at nerds” thing. Why is it not preferably to be a nerd!?? We are literally gathering intelligence and entertaining ourselves. THERE IS NOTHING SILLY ABOUT THIS.
The ones I’m always getting asked is “Can we talk about something other than books?” And “What’s so great about books?”
Obviously no, we cannot talk about anything but books. And OBVIOUSLY everything about books is great. What dumb questions. Like, what are they even THINKING?!?!
WAHT I’M CONFUSED. IS THERE OTHER TOPICS OTHER THAN BOOKS???????
Apparently… I don’t know WHY though.
One time I was on a long car journey with my cousins and my youngest cousin simply asked me “why are you reading a book” as if it was something completely beneath her. Yikes, How dare I keep myself entertained on a long car journey instead of being forced to hold a conversation.
The worst I’ve gotten about the whole “having no time to read” is when someone interrupts my reading to talk about how they’re JUST SO BUSY that they can’t make the time to read. Like, that’s great, friend, you’re now wasting my time that I could spend reading. I’m usually chill about things but some people just really get under my skin. Grr.
Although, an opposite thing I got was when someone came up to me and a friend while we were looking at books in the shop to “congratulate” us on reading instead of using our phones. Um. I can actually read an entire book on my phone. It’s not ideal, but it’s possible.
What poor sad little cousin you have. SURELY SHE HAS NOT BEEN RAISED WITH BOOKS. *cries for her loss*
And omg I hate how people will be like watching a movie or something and be like “I have no time to read”…and it’s like??? We have time for what we MAKE time for. It doesn’t matter what you do with your free time, but we bookworms aren’t being lazy in order to have time to read!
Ugh and I hate how people hate on ebooks. IT’S STILL READING.
I LOVE THIS LIST SO MUCH. This is so relatable. I just get so mad when people ask me about my favorite book – I just can’t choose, I mean, I LOVE MY BOOKS SO MUCH, it’s so hard to just pick one? I also hate when people ask me what the book is about, because I just can’t seem to sum up a book properly without fangirling or just…well, I just want to say, READ THE BOOK that’s all haha. I so agree with you about the books and experience. We get to live so many lives, travel, see so many places, BE BADASSES WITH SWORDS in magical worlds. I love it <3
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO CHOOSE. WE ARE MADE OF MORE THAN ONE BOOK.😂 And omg I can’t even summarise books either. I end up making them sound so stupid and then I’m there like “OK but it’s way cooler than I just made it sound.”😂
Thank you for making me laugh so hard I snorted coffee out of my nose.
I FEEL LIKE I HAVE SUCCEEDED IN LIFE NOW.😂
Ugh, all of these are so accurate it hurts! One that really bugs me is when people question why I have a TBR shelf. Even bookworms question me on this sometimes! Like what’s the point in having so many unread books, why don’t you just buy as you go?
I love books! Actually, I freaking adore books. And the idea of one day not having anything new to read really scares me! So I have a TBR shelf. I get to look at it at night and think “Wow! Look at all those adventures I have yet to discover” and it makes me happy to know they are all their when I am ready for them!
Also, I love a good bargain. I love spending a Saturday drinking coffees and browsing all the second hand bookstores. Why would I pass up a great book in fantastic condition for $1, just because I have books at home I haven’t read yet? Of course I buy it and add it to my shelf and think “I am awesome and saved soooo much money, which means I still have money for more books!”. It’s called being clever! Plus, I found a brand new box set of The Wolves of Mercy Falls for $8 once and that is still the best deal I have ever found!
I know right?! Bookworms should NOT BE THE ONES DOUBTING US. Like why would we buy-books-as-we-go when we can also collect!?? Like sometimes you cAN’T buy a book when you need it. Or what about libraries! What about gifts! WHAT ABOUT IT’S JUST COMFORTING TO BE SURROUNDED BY BOOKS. *heavy breathing*
(Omg that’s AMAZING about the Shiver books!! I got The Scorpio Races for $3 on a sale once! Best day of my life.😂)
I still haven’t read Scorpio Races *hides in the corner and sobs*. When my family start asking me what I want for Christmas, I’ll pop it on the list I think!!!
I’m just literally stealing all these answers for future references to just sass the frickity frack out of everyone. Okay? Okay.
I SINCERELY JUST HAD SOME SUFFOCATING FLASHBACKS TO THE BILLIONS OF TIMES SOMEONE ASKED ME WHY I HAD SO MANY BOOKS. I have more books than I do lipsticks which is shocking a good comparison because I’m sort of hoarding both and someone should really stop me except not really because DON’T. Anyways. What was I saying? Right. No, I forgot again. Hang on.
Something about eyeballs?
I need my coffee, hold up (Waiiiiit a minute.)!
OH, OKAY I REMEMBER NOW. So when you said that about spare eyeballs I kind of pictured an eyeball rolling around in your pocket like Mad-Eye’s and well, I think that’s the groundwork for an excellent story. Rigorously Rolling Mechanical EyeballerRS. Needs work. But the promise is there! Actually, not it isn’t. Actually, maybe in the right hands it would be–oohhh, can Maggie Stiefvater write it? Oh my God, I hope she didn’t see me suggesting that what is wrong with me.
(But seriously, she could write THAT and we’d all be like, *grabby hands* and make that ‘ooh’ noise the toy aliens in Toy Story make. She’d make it sound good. Tell me I’m wrong.)
Out of curiosity did you manage to find a new brain on Etsy because I could really use a back-up for when I burn this one out. I’m on my fifteenth this month and it’s only the the 10th. Long story involving Porgs, falling stationery, a dead Tulip and a lot of crayons. I’d rather not talk about it.
YOU’RE WELCOME.😂 I like to present good options for snappy comebacks too, since often we bookworms get hit with these questions and have to sass through our tears and devastation. #Brave #Inside
HEY IT’S NEARLY NANOWRIMO. YOU HAVE THE BEGINNINGS OF A GREAT BOOK THERE.😂
And honestly? The prices of brains these days (particularly with gift wrapping) is just rude and I’m struggling. Like buy books vs buy a brain. IDK. I can’t make these decisions.
*Cracks knuckles to write this story except not really cos I can’t crack my knuckles but don’t let this destroy my reputation as knuckle cracker.*
(Knuckle Cracker Sounds Suspiciously Like Nutcracker: THE TITLE OF MY BIOGRAPHY, which shall be written one day. Duh.)
Buy books vs… buy brain. I’ll tell you some very sound advice: WHEN IN DOUBT GO TO THE LIBRARY. Which actually translates, into Bookworm Language: WHEN IN DOUBT JUST BY THE BLOODY BOOKS AND GO TO THE LIBRARY.
*notes down suggested answers for future reference*
I’M HERE TO BE HELPFUL.
I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR LIST BUT YOU USED A SUPERNATURAL GIF ON THAT LAST ONE AND THAT RIGHT THERE MADE MY DAY (because I’m Supernatural trash with only having seen up to Season Two).
Also, yes. A thousand times yes to ALL OF THESE.
SUPERNATURAL IS AMAZING. I LOVE THOSE WINCHESTER BOYS.
My response to question 1 is always to say that’s like asking a parent to pick a favourite child. I like your response better. It may net me an ostrich egg for an awesome omelet.
#7- I can totally grok that answer. And pull it off, too. I have a prosthetic eye with spares. Also, jokes about the sacrifices I made. The dedication to reading that cost an eye.
As always, I adore your posts. They are a ray of bouncy prismatic sunshine.
Telling people to go catch ostrich omelettes is ALWAYS a better and more interesting answer. Plus throwing glitter in their face?? This one is handy too.
(I’m so glad you like my blog posts! And omg “bouncy prismatic sunshine” will officially be on my business cards…NOT THAT I HAVE ANY BUT IF I DID…)
So umm I actually destroyed my eyes cause I read in the dark against my parents wishes. I am also currently storing books in all the places I can. AND IT IS WONDERFUL! I don’t have to shove everything into a tiny 3 shelf Ikea bookshelf. It is so more roomy in there. I mean not in my room. BUT THE SHELF IS WONDERFUL! Sorry needed to talk to a bookworm. NOBODY UNDERSTANDS US! (sobbing noise)
Emmy 🙂
Basically what is the floor FOR if not to be an open bookshelf, right?!? (I UNDERSTAND US, BUT THE WORLD IS A DARK CRUEL PLACE.)
I hate all of these questions so much. Favorites?? Way too hard. Experiencing life?? Books are definitely experiences. Reading is so important, and everyone should know this.
People should be KINDER TO WE BOOKWORMS. We’re already suffering enough at the hands of books omg.
BWAHAHA this post is one of the most truthful things I have ever read. Except Harry Potter and the Bible. XD C’mon, let’s all agree that Umbridge’s outfit is quite eye damaging.
I hate it when people ask these questions! Especially “what’s your favorite book,” of course, and then also when people question why I’m getting so upset over a book. I know that it’s fiction but PeOpLE aRe DyInG and it’s normal to scream, right??
Also, I love that reading gives you experiences you’ll never get in the real world! I know it’s cliche, but it’s like you get to live through the character. I’ve never had anyone ask me why I prefer reading to doing, but if they ever do I’ll be sure to use your suggested answer. 😉
It’s definitely normal to scream. I mean, these non-bookworms are out to torment us WHAT DO THEY EXPECT?? We can also throw glitter at them and run in dizzying circles until they stop being mean to us.
I actually love it when people ask me how I read so much. It makes me so proud that they think I read a lot. haha I don’t know!
I also get the judgement from people that other commenters have talked about. Some people when they find out I read a lot take it as a personal attack to their reading. They get defensive and usually respond these ways: “well I used to read a lot as well but now I focus on more important things blah blah” or “I also read a lot but mostly stuff that’s smarter than what you read so it takes me a long time blah blah” (these are paraphrases.) I rejoice with anyone that reads anything at any pace because reading is awesome!
That’s awesome though!! I like it if it’s a genuine question, but usually when people ask me it’s kind of tinged with condescension. 😭😭 And yeah, exactly, right?!? When people go with the “well I’m too busy with important stuff to read lucky you have so much ‘free time’.” It’s almost like they’re saying we’re lazy!!
OMG, I relate so much to number 4!!! 1st) -My parents now are always inquiring why I don’t want to go to parties often when it was them who didn’t let me go to the first ones when I was in seventh grade. That night when everyone was out dancing, I stayed at home reading. Guess what? I suffered for about 5 mins until the book got good. Now you’re demanding that I should go out more. Decide yourself. I LOVE hanging out with my friends, but there is truly nothing that I want more on a Friday night than to read in bed.
2nd) There is no actual reader who has anything called time! Exactly as you said it, it’s pure sacrifice. Quantico season 3 came out- I’m not bingeing it. Grey’s Anatomy, Vampire Diaries, and 19283648 other t.v. shows are abandoned since last summer because I haven’t watched a series in AGES. Only movies sometimes so I don’t get attached to a million seasons.
Next: Let’s get some things straight, humans: When we read a book, we become the characters inside them. We live their lives. How would YOU react if your best friend got stabbed or your country invaded? I assure you it would not be a chill time.
It’s the most logical thing that we would freak out. OR ARE YOU an unfeeling person DEPRIVED OF A HEART? Then your question would make a bit more sense.
Your response to Number 10 from your list is basically my aspiring life motto. The point was nicely defended.
I don’t think I mind it if my friends don’t GET my love for books because boring school lessons have ruined their own reading experiences. It’s understandable. But when someone judges another person, criticizes, or humiliates someone by saying that they don’t have a life because they read and love it–that puts me in a VERY BAD MOOD.
PS: Thank you oh so much for having your comments box AT THE TOP of the comments. I like to answer back at the same time as I read other people’s posts, but it’s so annoying if I have to scroll up and down previous comments for all of the eternity. It’s surprising that not many blogs do this, but it’s SO MUCH MORE practical this way, at least for me. BLESS YOU.
Omg that’s hilarious.😂😂 MAKE UP YOUR MIND, UNIVERSE. I also hate that the idea of going out to a party is considered “living” while reading isn’t though!???? Like why. WHY. They’re very different and not even comparable and both STILL just as much living. Living should mean having fun doing what you love.
And omg I haven’t seen a movie all year I don’t think….too many books to read.😂
(Also so glad you like the comment box at the top! I was thinking it’d be SO annoying to have to scroll through a ton of comments to leave one, so I always try to make my blog as user-friendly as possible.)😂
These questions are so true, they’re painful. Especially about the “wouldn’t you rather experience life” one. Like, yeah I’d love to travel. But travel costs money. Way more money than the book costs. Plus, books offer very particular experiences and if I tore open a portal to Middle Earth, I’d be dead in like, 2 seconds. And “aren’t you too old for that?” really stings and is a main reason I haven’t picked up A Series of Unfortunate Events from the juvenile section of the library yet.
But I think the MOST ANNOYING thing ever is getting asked why I’m reading fantasy or manga when I could be reading REAL literature. Like, if you want to go around saying stuff like that, probably don’t do it when I have a heavy 500 page fantasy hardcover on hand? And not afraid to use it. 😠
I know right?!? And like why is, say, going out to hang out with friends considered “living” more than reading a book and gaining knowledge?! Not to say we shouldn’t hang out with friends BUT THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE BETTER THAN THE OTHER.
One time at the library I was legit boring a Game of Thrones book and a Lemony Snicket at the same time.😂 I wonder what the librarians thought hahaha.
Ugh I hate the fantasy vs real thing too. Or the YA vs classics. Like who’s business is it what we want to read anyway?!
No 1 is my least favourite question ever, that I somehow always seemed to get asked and like no? No I won’t pick a favourite book, would you pick a favourite child or a favourite pet? Not happening! I usually give a list of 5-10 books when asked that question just to really annoy people so they never ask again! I get way too much judgement from my family on how many books I own, they’re like do you really need that many, couldn’t you get rid of some? *eyeroll to the ends of the earth*.
It’d be MUCH nicer if they asked us for like top-5-in-a-certain-genre…or which is my favourite bookshelf.😂 Or even best book I’ve read this MONTH. I can answer those!!
Mhm. We will sacrifice the non bookworms first. I mean, they started the apocalypse by not letting us have our perfect book series, so it’s only fair. And I have unfortunately searched up both those things. Whoops. This is also the most relatable thing I’ve ever read. Been asked every. single. one. Of these questions. Especially the whole “if you are always reading you’ll never experience life to the fullest “.But now I know how to respond and will use those exact words as illustrated in this amazing post.THANK YOU.
Yes it DOES seem fair. I mean, obviously this is why non-bookworms exist.
And I hate it when people act like reading isn’t living. Like going out driving around town with your friends or whatever IS living??? Who made these rules omg.
Here is a question readers get asked by non reading plus ones. Why do you need more books, you have not read all the ones you already have?
Agh yes this is painful. I mean, we just need to explain that we WANT TO LIVE AMONGST A MILLION BOOKS THIS IS NOT SO HARD.
“Haven’t you read that before?” “Not today” Bahahahah that’s perfect. All of these are!! The favorite book question is SO difficult, at leat let me pick one from every genre. And condescending people in general are frustrating; I hate not knowing if I’ll be judged for reading YA when someone new asks me what i read. And as much as I do love life experiences, I do not want to experience The Hunger Games or the Red Wedding thank you very much.
I’m so glad you liked this.😂😂 I had a lot of fun with it! And it’s just so so condescending when people act like YA is beneath them. *eats these annoying people*
Hahahah “Who needs to see the floor? I know the general direction of it.” Great point you make there. The floor didn’t leave. We know where it is.
“Wouldn’t you rather experience things?” Oh I’m sorry, is…is reading not an experience? That’s just imaginary, I’m not actually experiencing it? MY BAD.
I’m so annoyed when people ask, “Where do you get all that free time” as if I like, lounge around in a silk robe eating bon bons and reading books. This is real life, people. You choose to do certain things with your time and I choose to do different things with mine. Get your condescending attitude out of here. Or they scoff and say, “Well, I’m sure I’d read a lot, too, but I don’t have TIME because x, y, z…” as if reading is FAR less important than what they’re doing. OKAY. lol
So, yeah. I definitely feel like eating annoying people. Pretty much on a daily basis.
Exactly, like, why do we need to see it all the time? Who cares about carpet when we can swim in books.😂
omg the “free time” question grates on me so bad…I feel like people really do insinuate that we’re lazy and that reading is like just a lazy thing to do. *SCREAMS* No one gets annoyed at people for watching or participating in sport!! And like often we don’t watch movies, or we skip an outing, or don’t spend time relaxing doing nothing. WE USE OUR TIME WISELY FOR BOOKS.
I love your suggested answers! I may have to try them and see how they go down. The “whats your favourite book” question is the worst…. How the hell am I supposed to answer that????? Well now I know! Thank you 🙂
It’s just IMPOSSIBLE to answer. We love more than one book!!
I really want that fold out copy now of all your answers because I feel like a pocket guide would be quite useful. 😀
I get the favorite book one a bit, but ESPECIALLY the “why do you have so many books” one (ever since they tipped the scale at 1k+ I can see the point, but that was over 6 years ago so….). I love books, okay? Would you rather I drank?
I should make this into a little booklet to SELL TO THE NATIONS TO GIVE US STRENGTH.😂
I haven’t commented on your posts before, but, everything changes. . .
“Why do you need this collection/assortment of books? It’s not like you’ll ever READ them all.”
Usually my answer to this is taking ALL aforementioned books (and then some) and walking away with them while staring that idiotically questioning person dead in the eye. (However, said idiot is usually a close relative. . . who is usually one of my sisters. . .) I may not read them all NOW, but SOMEDAY I will!
I have pretty much encountered ALL of your questions!
Aww, thanks so much for commenting, Windy!! I appreciate it so much! *slides you cake*
And EXACTLY. Just because we haven’t read all the books we own, doesn’t mean we don’t want to?!? People buy food for a week but don’t eat it all at once. *flips hair*
Ahhh, cake!! YHAS Is it french vanilla with coffee-laced icing? Doesn’t matter, I accept!
Yes, exactly! That’s an excellent comeback for anyone who dares question WHY I buy/collect all these darling preciouses!
My family has said ALL OF THE ABOVE TO ME! It’s so frustrating! JUST ACCEPT MY READING HABITS FOR WHAT THEY ARE PLZ
LOVE US FOR WHO WE ARE OMG, PEOPLES. WE ARE PART BOOK.
Oh I love this. It’s absolutely spot on.
“Where do you get all that free time to read?” Well, I don’t spend days binge-watching on Netflix for a start…
Cora ❤ http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I know right?! Why is that so hard for people to understand!!😂 We just put our time into books instead of other things.
LOL at your “Suggested Answer” for #8. My husband asks me this all the time. Can’t wait to pull this answer out on him. 😉
YOU’RE WELCOME FOR MY HELPFUL ADVICE.😂
All of the above! And some of those from my mum, she thinks I have way to many books and she doesn’t trust me when I tell her people have more of them. And I want that library. As well as, who needs to see the floor?
And why would reading be bad? I mean, yeah I have glasses, but it’s not from reading books. It’s probably because my parents have them, but try to tell that to my mum 🙂 Not to mention about missing life, she keeps lecturing me about that too. THat’s what you get when your mum’s not a bookworm. At least my grandpa understands me haha
Exactly, we don’t need floors. We need seas of books to swim in and dive beneath the waves of our favourite tomes. :’)
I read like 80% more than ANYONE in my family and I’m the only one without glasses.😂
I tried sacrificing studies to read but it’s a bad idea :p So less socializing! I’m a lunch bitch, I have a “don’t bother me” sign put on my desk when I eat lunch so I can try and finally read! I mean, what’s the point in studying publishing if you can’t freaking read books!!!!????
Less socialising is always a good one to cut. *nods* I often find sacrificing friends/family to order to accrue more time is a little risky BUT OK WHATEVER. (And I can imagine it’d be frustrating to be IN the career and not have time for reading!)
I love the amount of El Dorado gifs in this post. The whole “aren’t you too old to read that?” I hate this question. For example, I just saw an adorable picture book about a unicorn who was raised by narwhals… and omg it’s adorable. The unicorn’s name is Kelp, Cait! CUTENESS OVERLOAD. Anyway, my point is, if it makes us happy what does it matter? I find that the people who say this to me, are the same ones that say you should only read the classics -.-
Great post!
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
El Dorado is so under-appreciated, right?! 😂😂 ADN OMG THAT BOOK DOES SOUND ADORABLE. (A unicorn named Kelp? Bless the author.) I think people have an ingrained and terrible habit of thinking that children are lesser so anything “for them” is also lesser. It needs to stop!!
My stepmom once asked me if I would sell her nephew my Harry Potter set. You know, my first run, midnight release, original set. We’re all lucky she asked over text, she wouldn’t have survived the banshee screaming that ensued.
Also, if you ever find yourself in the US, you should stop by my self defense class. We routinely play with bo staves and throw knives
Omg. 😱 I can’t even imagine that…DEEP BREATHING AND CALM THOUGHTS. Also excuse me while I plan my trip to the US because KNIVES.
LOVED this post! Laughed a few times. I think people who don’t read books just don’t understand! It’s so frustrating. ha
I started to become a minimalist earlier this year and someone had the nerve to ask- “Are you going to rid of all your books? Since your a minimalist now?” I just wanted to roll my eyes….
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Omg I hear you with the minimalism! I moved recently and got rid of SO MUCH STUFF…except my books.😂I mean, that doesn’t count towards minimalism ok.😂
Hahaha but you forgot the biggest one! The one where non-bookworms ask “What are you reading?”, and you have to decide if you want to answer them truthfully or not, because you KNOW that they don’t care about what you’re reading. I mean they’ve never heard the book title or the author before, so like…WHY ARE YOU AskING ME THISQUESTION?
Clearly I have feelings about this.
But yes, I agree with everything else here haha.
OMG THAT ONE THOUGH. That one annoys me so much. Especially when my family asks and I’m like “You will have literally never heard of it and you don’t read books so WHY ARE YOU ASKING” *sighs* 😂😂
UGH, yes to all of these! I mean, I do sometimes wonder how people (ah hem, YOU) manage to read so much, but I do it in AWE of your greatness (and fine, maybe jealousy 😉 ) not in judgment! FOOLS, these people. Plus, do they not understand that you can literally read books on your WAY to real life adventures!? I mean, I read books in planes! On trains! In cars! And fine, I am likely on my way to a book event, but still. Though my eyesight has gotten really bad lately, maybe that one is legit 🤔
Oh, and it’s totally fine if we stab people for the age one, right? Seems okay, because if we get a jury of our peers, that means BOOKPEOPLE, so we’re fiiiiine.
bahaha, I know I read a lot but I swear I’M VERY BUSY STILL AND JUST NEVER SLEEP. 😂 And like why do people (these darn non-bookworms) get so worried that we’re “not living” because we’re reading?!? WHY.
“If you eat the souls of the lost, you can consume their remaining lives and use that for extra reading time.” Ha ha. I agree about reading time being a sacrifice (in some ways). I plan some time into my schedule every day to read. Most of the time it’s at the end of the night, right before bed. I tend to think of it as an investment in my well-being (mentally, emotionally) rather than a sacrifice.
I do think it’s definitely an investment to read! I meant we sacrifice other things in order to make time to read.😂
#9
Why? I mean, just, WHY? Give me 1 good reason ANYONE would EVER think this is a good idea? (Those of you over in the DIVINERS camp care to weigh in here? Because there’s just no excuse for the nonsense you all are pulling on us in the cover department.)
People change covers to TORTURE US.
*Has read approximately 0.2% of the book I’ve just started*
Stranger: “Oh, is that book any good?”
I don’t know yet, now let me read in peace.
We’re just collecting them FOR THE FUTURE. It’s wise of us!!
I once was asked if I actually like reading books or if I just want to know how the story goes.
Well, I don’t know, maybe there isn’t a point in reading afer having seen the movie, after all? Maybe I’m not actually in love with my books simply for the way the author constructed his sentences? Maybe I am just reading hundreds of pages just to know the last sentence?
That is…such a weird thing to be asked?!? Like generally if one likes to read, one enjoys the WHOLE process??! Sheesh.
Such truly annoying things!!! Such wisdom filled responses!!! WELL DONE, CAIT, YOU HAVE REALLY DONE IT. I would give you cake, but I ate it all.
My very favorite thing that you said though is that YOU CAN’T GROW TOO OLD FOR A GOOD BOOK. This is practically my life philosophy. IT IS SO TRUE. Good books are always good no matter how old you are. Excuse me while I go read The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh…
“What is your favorite book” is one of the most terrifying question I have ever been asked honestly. I think I have lost years of my life to the stress of it all. How do people expect us to pick favorites? DOST THOU NOT KNOW THAT THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE????
I’M GLAD YOU ENJOYED MY WISDOM-FILLED RESPONSES. WE SHALL FEAST ON CAKE TOGETHER.😂😂
And good books don’t expire!! We can read them till we’re 90!!
these are all so true! one i get asked a LOT when i’m reading ya is “aren’t you too young to be reading that?” which annoys me SO MUCH. another one is non-bookworms just generally being annoying about me and my reading habits. STOP IT. let me die slowly in peace.
It’s so rude, right?! We can read what we want for goodness sakes! GOOD BOOKS DON’T HAVE AN AGE CUT OFF.
I would absolutley LOVE to give sassy answers to people who ask these, but the problem is that the askers are usually nice ignorant people from church, (since thats really the only place I go and actually talk with people) or relatives. and I can’t really be sassy to any of those without appearing rude, and they mean well.
hmm.
I know! siblings!
I can be sassy to them, and they ask me these all the time! >:)
Most crazily, ~Olive
Bahaha, I hear you.😂 Honestly my parents are usually the sayers of these things and I probably can’t be that snarky back to them.😂 Siblings however = I SHALL.😂
Thank you for the above. Most enjoyable (read with a lot of head shaking…),Sadly, there are ‘them’and ‘us’ creatures in the world. Writers are often viewed by non-writers as a bit weird anyway. And hurray for that… And non.readers are sad people; as are people who ‘Don’t like music?!’ But we have to live and let-live, so I just quietly shake my head. and think I’m glad I’m me!
It is always truly terrifying to encounter human creatures who don’t love books. *frantically runs away from them*
OK, so you know I love reading all of your posts, but you hit the nail directly on the head with this one! And have two of the best quotes I have ever seen, on any blog, anywhere!
“you’re never too old for children’s books or cupcakes with sprinkles” {I would also include stuffed animals, but I work for Build-a-Bear lol} and
“IF YOU’RE LIVING IN A WAY YOU ENJOY, THEN YOU’RE LIVING NICELY. YOU DON’T HAVE TO VISIT THE MOON AND HAVE 67 FRIENDS AND JUMP INTO THE OCEAN FROM A TALL CLIFF IN ORDER TO LIVE.”
You should turn them into Society6 designs! I would totally buy the cupcake one in a heartbeat!
9/10 of these resonate with me {I’m one of the few whose covers don’t have to match, but I respect those who do}. My family is famous for asking “why do you need more books?” to which I retort, “why do you need more bagels?”
YAY I’M SUPER GLAD YOU LIKED IT.😂 And omg that’s actually a good idea to put them on some S6 designs.😂 I will put that on my to-do list.
OMG I love this post! I’m cracking up.
Yes, I’ve been asked “Why are you freaking out? It’s just a book” and “Where do you get all the free time to read so many books?”
Both piss me off. Don’t people have fits when a favorite character dies on TV or movie? Also, I rarely ever watch TV anymore, because the free time I have is now spent reading (or reading blog posts, lol). I’m sure most people spend just as much time watching TV as I do reading books, but somehow that’s not the same I guess?
I know right?! WE HAVE SO MANY EMOTIONS FOR OUR FICTIONAL FRIENDS. Also I never get a chance to watch TV! That’s a big thing I sacrifice for more reading time.😂 And people seem to not realise that?! Like the time another person spends watching TV or maybe just hanging around on social media or something –> I’m reading! It’s about squishing books into as many hours as possible.😂
You mentioned sacrificing teenage boys and I was like, “That’s good! Don’t date. Dating is icky. Dating teenage boys is ickier.” But then I realized it’s you talking and “sacrifice teenage boys” was meant literally. CAIT. Those boys could grow up to be very nice, soft-spoken dapper gentlemen that run quaint little bookstores and have their inventory memorized by heart and will assist you in finding a specific book without having to consult a computer or catalog. (I’m projecting. We had one of those fellows at my local used bookstore and I named him Jasper because he looked like a Jasper and he was the sweetest old gentleman ever and then he had to ruin things by selling his shop to a young couple that might one day mature into the Perfect Bookstore Owner but I’m not sure I can wait that long because I’m not immortal like you, nor do I have an interest, unless I’m guaranteed tacos and reasonable rent for the rest of my existence)
ALSO… *scrolls back up to find the thing I was going to comment on because that rant made me lose my train of thought* Ah! Found it! My brother and his wife (and my other brother and his wife) are all big world travelers and are constantly telling me to stop reading and start traveling (really, I need new siblings) and it’s like, “But I am! I went to New York in the 22nd century last night, then the Grand Tetons this morning (mountains in Wyoming, a US state, in case your geography of America is as bad as mine of the rest of the world… plus a bit of America), and this evening I’m going to Ketterdam!” Like, some authors put a crap ton of real life detail into their descriptions and I read just enough travel memoirs that I feel like I know more about the regions of France and the best places to dine in obscure towns than people who have actually visited? Like 10/10 could probably convince someone I’ve been to the Brittany region of France because I know the origin of the crepe and how to make it and how NOT TO EAT ONE LIKE A TOURIST MY LIFE HAS BEEN FOREVER ALTERED.
So yeah. Sacrificing boys is iffy and I need my siblings to realize that I can travel just as easily with my $15.99 book as they can with their $5,000+ vacation.
BUT WHO ELSE WILL WE SACRIFICE IF NOT THE TEENAGE BOYS???? I mean, honestly they are the ultimate creatures of humanity to go if someone has to go. Although I do admit they can have their uses. My brother (when he was a teenager) made some fairly decent cookies/biscuits and that alone kept him alive a few more days.
Also hECK YES TO TRAVEL THROUGH BOOKS. Plus there’s so many more options. (Like you said: Ketterdam with Kaz Freaking Brekker. I mean. Why would you want anything else.) (And also I actually know all the US states because I memorised them.😂 I am THAT level of nerd and not proud.)
“Books are part of us. Multiple books. They create us and we relate and we find different books have expressed different parts of our innermost souls. We can’t pick one because WE ARE BUILT OF THEM ALL.”
Filed this one under quotes I need by my fireplace…if I ever get one. On a poster, on a mandatory bag. ON MY FREAKING GRAVESTONE. That is all. As always, an absolute pleasure to read this post! 🙂
Omg I’m honoured, thank you.😂😂
#1 I must admit that I am guilty of asking a bookworm’s favorite book. And I realized that it’s a very wrong question to ask a bookworm because even myself cannot answer that properly. Maybe a more appropriate question to a bookworm is what genre he/she reads most. Or who are his/her auto-buy authors.
#6 I am not asked this question but I can feel the judgment from people’s side eyes and glares whenever I scream or cry or laugh loudly while reading.
#7 Yes, I got asked this already. Really, why can’t they mind their own eyeballs?!
#9 This too. But ha, joke’s on them because when people ask me “why don’t you live a little?”, I interpret that as I should read books more.
Yes those are much better ways to phrase the questions haha. SAVE OUR POOR DECISION MAKING SKILLS. 😂😂
And omg I like how you think. *nods* Reading more = living more!!
I love this post!! The favorite book question IS THE WORSE. At least ask us who are favorite authors are, that’s much better? (And I bet some of the non-readers won’t even recognize the books we say anyways. 😂) And ANYTHING that involves “it’s just a book” is a huge NO NO because how dare they??? These books are obviously more to us than just a book aldjajfkakfjkdq.
I know right?!? OR like ask us our favourite genre.😂 Or favourite BOOKSHELF. That’s a bit easier haha. And omg it actually annoys me when my family is like “so what are you reading” and I know they won’t recognise it anyway SO WHAT’S THE POINT.😭