OK, ‘annoy’ is quite strong here, but you know what I mean, those little irritations. Niggles, if you will.
It does feel a little paradoxical, as reading is supposed to be a relaxing habit, lowering your stress levels, blood pressure and anxiety. And yet these little things make me annoyed!
I will say there are many things that I’m fine with, that I know irk other readers. A cracked spine just mean the book’s been enjoyed. A never seen again loaned out book just means it meant something to someone. Books made into films and TV shows need to be watched and appreciated as separate entities to the book, as we all know the book will always be better.
Then there are a few things that I’m less happy with…
People Judging Your Reading Choices
Read what you want, when you want, right?
I read a wide variety of genres, and I’m very much a mood reader. For example, over just the past few weeks, I’ve read thrillers, literary fiction, a classic, several romances and a funny crime novel. Oh, and also a couple of non-fiction books. I read whatever I feel like reading when I pick up a book.
I’d say my favourites are those that I know will have a happy ending, those types of romance books that feel like a Rom-Com. They make me happy, a bit like comfort food, so I read them. It’s that simple, isn’t it? I am not a fan of literary snobbishness.
‘Defaced’ Books
Defaced! I know, I know some of you love to do this, but I can’t write in a book or highlight it. I just can’t. Unless it’s your English Lit project, step away from the highlighters!
Having To Wait For Books
We all know the pain of this one. We’ve all had to wait for a new book release.
If I know it’s part of a series, I try to avoid reading them until I have the completed set, so I don’t have to endure such pain.
Having To Wait For The Paperback
Following on from that, it’s having to wait for the paperback.
I know some of you love a good old hardback, but I am not a fan and don’t read them until they’re out in paperback. Which can be a fair old wait!
Book Series Without Numbers
How hard is it to put a number on the spine? I love a numbered book series.
Yes, I know I can Google the order, that’s what I find myself doing frequently, but a number would be just lovely.
Book Series In Different Sizes
While I’m on the subject of series’, I hate it when they bring out a book in a different size. Why, oh why? It makes no sense!
Not Using A Bookmark
This one’s the ultimate for me. Use a bookmark!
It’s not hard, just pop one in there to mark your page, there’s really no need to turn the corner down.
I do have a lot of bookmarks, but if you haven’t, anything will suffice, a receipt, scrap of paper, even a coaster. Just use a bookmark!
People’s Under Appreciation Of Books
Finally, this one.
‘Annoyed’ isn’t really the right word here, I’d say more ‘confused’.
As a lifelong reader, I couldn’t live without my books. I couldn’t imagine a world where I didn’t have bursting bookshelves. To not have that excitement when you’re settling down with a long awaited read. The fun of browsing in bookshops. The happiness that is choosing your next read. And then there’s chatting to others about the books you’ve read, the characters you’ve loved.
It’s a huge thing, I suppose I just don’t get it when people don’t have this.
What do you think, do any of these resonate with you? What annoys you as a reader?
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totally agree with most of these, although I admit if I can’t find anything to use I will fold down pages. The waiting for paperbacks is v frustrating. my 13yo has just (finally) discovered reading for pleasure. but all the books he wants are hardback which is just too expensive. so I trawl marketplace/second hand for them. I’m a kindle reader usually so doesn’t impact my reading.
I love that N has got into reading now, I know it was something you were keen on when he was younger. But yes, hardbacks are expensive, good plan to go for second hand. I wish I could get into them, save me waiting for those paperbacks!
I’m with you on the bookmarks, a dog-eared page is a crime against paper! Another one of mine is people asking why you need more books if you haven’t read all the ones you already have.
It is! Oh yes, you are so right, I get that one too! It’s a ridiculous question, isn’t it?