From the day I could actually pick up a book, flip through the pages and understand the concepts the story was trying to convey I convinced myself I was going to be a reader, an avid one at that. There were a few girls in my grade who my Mom used to refer to as “readers”, the title seemed so prestigious, so ultimately, I craved it. As I grew up, began reading less for pleasure and more for academic purposes, then switching over to my love for writing, I realized something.
We’re all readers, technically. Truthfully, I think the books we read, how we read, and when we read says a lot about us as a person. Then again, don’t take this too seriously considering I’m going off stereotypes here, but just humor me for a few minutes.
The “Readers”
These are the people who got through all Harry Potter books by age 6. There bedrooms were spotless, they were wearing American Eagle and Aeropostale before my Mom even let me wear clothing with words. These are the people who whip out intelligent phrases in your class and you sit there, with your mouth a little too open, because they sound like a philosophical genius. These are the people who don’t have to study for that stupid chemistry exam but get a 98 regardless, oh, and they’re angry that they didn’t get the 100.
The “Binge Eaters”
If I were to pick one kind of reader, I would say I’m this type. These are the people who prance around Barnes and Nobles once a year, buy three books, binge read them in a week, losing contact with all their friends, entering a deep depression as to why their life can’t be like the characters in the story, rehabilitating, leaving them to not pick up a book for another six months, where they then repeat the cycle. Also, they’ll probably never re-read a book. I’m going to take an educated guess and say this is probably 70% of the population, but what do I know.
The “Good Reads Junkies”
These are the people who discovered the glorious website of Good Reads back in the ninth grade. They have bookshelves the size of my dorm room, and they have an ambitious list of books that they’ll probably never get too, but it’s the thought that counts right? When they do actually pick up a book they have to log the amount of pages they’ve gotten through just so everyone else can see how productive they’re being. Fake it til’ you make it, right?
The “Movie Was Better”
This category came from a time where I sat in my SAT prep class and the teacher asked a boy in the back row what the last book he read was. He had a puzzled look on his face, an ounce of panic, and the first thing that came out of his mouth was the most recent book developed into a movie, probably one of the Harry Potters. He proceeded to say he didn’t really enjoy reading because he thought movies suited him better, and that they were always better. 10 bucks these are the guys who would rather sit in front of the TV and absorb a two hour football game. I won’t agree nor disagree with these people’s statements, but as a reader, give books a chance, yeah?
The “Shmoopers”
In case you don’t know what Shmoop is, it’s basically a knock off Sparknotes with an added sense of humor. A quick summary here, a character explanation there, and it’s as if you read the novel in a total of 30 minutes that took you to scan the website. I will say I was quite guilty of this in High School. These are the people who never picked up an academic book in all their time in school, even on their six paged analytical essay they just pulled the most popular quotes from the website, hoping for the best. These are the people who will do everything and anything to avoid getting through a whole book, the lazy, but honestly all power to you, that takes a lot of courage and bravery.
The “Judgers”
These are the people that actually judge a book by it’s cover. I am EXTREMELY guilty of this category, as I’m sure many of you are as well. These are the people that buy the top ten best sellers just to portray that Milk and Honey on their book shelf. These are the people that buy way too expensive hard covers and romance books with watercolor bindings that match with their bedroom decor (not that I would know, she says sarcastically). You’re probably pretty obsessed with organization and decorating. But hey, what's better than cover art?
Maybe you’re a combination of all of these, maybe you’re none. Why don’t you go pick up a book and find out? Could be good for you.
