Readers, guilty pleasures need a PR makeover

I admit, when I have no book in hand I’ve been known to read anything from all the ads in a subway car to the back (and sides) of a cereal box. Desperate times call for desperate measures.  Don’t knock it. As I recall, there was a time when there  were short stories on the back of a specially constructed Cap’n Crunch box that had an extra flap for more story.  I could take or leave the cereal, but to have something to read at the table – that was something special.

“So, what are you reading?” is a question I ask of a new acquaintance or someone I haven’t seen for a while.  In a city where job and social status often rule the day, the response often gives a clue about how and what someone is doing. What a wonderful stage of life it is to be reading chapter books to or with a child or grandchild. Kudos to the adult immersed in coursework. And to the person who “reads” via audiobook while cleaning the house or riding to work, how great is it that technology makes this possible. There are those with so much screen time during the day that there is little psychic energy or time left  for reading or much else. These conversations often connect me with people and ideas in ways that small talk rarely does. And it is so thrilling when someone seeks me out later to ask if I’ve read his/her latest favorite. My TBR (to be read) pile is so enriched by these exchanges.

Knowing I am a constant reader, some are hesitant about sharing what they are reading, thinking I’ll find it frivolous or unworthy of attention.  Think “beach read,” “chick lit,” formula mysteries and the like. No surprise that people often call them guilty pleasures. Whatever your reading choice, there is nothing to feel guilty about. Much of my reading time is spent exploring upcoming titles or reading books for group discussion. Both in topic and writing style, many of them take careful time and attention. Just like everyone else, I need to take a break and hit the reset button from time to time. But I won’t call Louise Penny’s wonderful mysteries (for example) or other quicker reads guilty pleasures. They are my palate refreshers, just like the crisp sorbet in the middle of a rich and luscious meal.

In any life, reading serves many purposes: to inform, amuse, relax, enlighten, inspire. Whatever form and whatever the content, taking time to read should be a pleasure. Kick that guilt to the curb!

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