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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To not understand why some people don't read books and don't have any in the house?

139 replies

Kasterborous · 24/05/2013 20:43

I can understand that people don't read books due to not having any time, or not being able to very easily. But how come other people don't? There are so many different books to read. I don't read anything literary or too heavy going, but I love reading. I even go to bed early when DH is on nights to read. I always remember looking round a house when we were looking to buy one, and this house didn't have a single book in it.

I'm not being a judge or having a go at anyone who chooses not to read, just curious. they probably have interesting hobbies and better things to do with their time.

OP posts:

UseHerName · 24/05/2013 20:44

snore

mrsjay · 24/05/2013 20:45

because the do just as you said and chose not to read this is quite a thing on here for some mumsnetters you will get people saying oh i feel sad there is no books, some people just dont want a houseful of dusty books it really is no biggie

Tee2072 · 24/05/2013 20:50

Some people like to read. Some people like to crochet. Some people like to collect tiny pieces of paper that the rest of use to post letters.

shrug

JedwardScissorhands · 24/05/2013 20:51

Because they use the library? Or a kindle? You don't need piles of books to prove you read. Actually I know a few people with lots of books they haven't read. So they would pass your books in the house test but in reality don't read much. I read a lot but don't keep any.

chandellina · 24/05/2013 20:54

I am a serious reader but have only a limited number in the house because I don't have space and clear them right out. Don't be so judgy maybe they moved to kindle.

Bowlersarm · 24/05/2013 20:58

YANNNBVVU!

Who in the world is not excited by books? I cannot understand it. I love books.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 24/05/2013 20:59

I don't know. I also don't understand why people (like ME), buy more books than they could ever read in a lifetime and still continue to buy them... it's a puzzle.

bakingaddict · 24/05/2013 21:00

Does it really matter in the slightest whether people choose to read books or not. Should we applaud you because of you literary persuasions or shall we just let people get on with their own lives

thegreylady · 24/05/2013 21:02

I have books in every room.The loft is overflowing and for me a house without books is empty.Each to her own I suppose.

Unami · 24/05/2013 21:03

I don't see reading as 'just another' hobby that can be swapped for knitting or tap dancing. The idea that reading is a niche hobby scares me. I think reading (not just fiction), and generally keeping yourself informed and interested in things (no matter what those things are) is a necessary part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Like exercising or socialising.

LoveMyBoots · 24/05/2013 21:03

The OP did say she wasn't being judgey!

Ragwort · 24/05/2013 21:04

It's hard to understand why people don't love the things we love - I love reading, I have loads of books but I would never, ever buy a CD or download music (wouldn't even know how to ) becuase I am totally uninterested in music; equally I enjoy watching the occasional film but can never really understand any 'critique' of films or remember what was in them . We are all different - thank goodness !

Original poster

Kasterborous · 24/05/2013 21:04

I'm in no way judging people who don't read books as I said I don't read literary books or the classics. So if people don't read that is their choice. I'm just a really boring person who has no interests or hobbies, other than reading.

OP posts:

Sallystyle · 24/05/2013 21:04

I don't get people who don't read either. It just seems so sad to me that so many people would rather stick the TV on than read.

sure, it's not my business and you will get a lot of posts here saying NOYB, 'why do you care' etc but aibu is full of threads about crap that has nothing to do with us.

I don't care but I don't understand it and do feel like non-readers are missing out on such wonderful experiences that every book can bring.

Sallystyle · 24/05/2013 21:05

I agree Unami.

HabbaDabba · 24/05/2013 21:06

I know that the OP said that she wasn't being judgy but isn't that like saying 'I don't mean to be rude but ...."

squoosh · 24/05/2013 21:07

I understand that lots of people just have no interest in reading, that's their business. But I feel sorry for people who've never really tried, I love escaping into a different world with a book, it's a true pleasure for me.

I do judge people however who proudly proclaim that they've never read a book in their life. Really not something to boast about.

misanthropologist · 24/05/2013 21:07

I don't judge as such but I do have to admit not being able to understand it - my family always stressed reading as just what one does, I suppose. I've met people who don't keep books in the house and tbh it seems more common now that there's the Internet. You can always find something to read on the Net while before if a house had no books in it, I guess the tv or radio would be the default.

Then again, I'm one of those strange people who reads labels if there's nothing else round to read, so take all my blather with a grain of salt...

Theyoniwayisnorthwards · 24/05/2013 21:08

Reading is one of my favourite things, DP doesn't read. He's mildly dyslexic and it's a chore for him, it's a relaxing treat for me. I feel so sad that he doesn't know the pleasure of getting absorbed in a good story. I try to get him into audio books but he's just not fussed. Not keen on movies either but can be absorbed for hours with house plans or textbooks. I'll never get it.

squoosh · 24/05/2013 21:08

I also agree with Unami.

GrendelsMum · 24/05/2013 21:08

Well, I guess we all like / are moved by different things. I love reading, but I don't appreciate music or art in the same way that many of my friends do.

I do feel a bit sad about this, as they obviously get so much enjoyment from it, but I haven't magically started having a deep appreciation of art.

mrsjay · 24/05/2013 21:08

I am not a huge reader I have a very short attention span so when i do get into a book then i cant put it down , I dont understand why people have a house ful of books my dd is a book hoarder they are bloody everywhere as i said it really is no biggie if people get enjoyment of of the tv or the internet or books it is all soaking in information and Id rather watch a historical thing on BBC4 or Yesterday than reading about it

lecce · 24/05/2013 21:09

Lots of people on here seem to fetishise books. Soon people will be along bragging about how they have piles on the stairs, stacks in the bathroom, mounds on the landing etc etc

I love reading and do have a lot of books, but I can accept that others have different ways of consuming literature. I do find it quite sad that some people do not read at all, but I don't struggle to think of the reasons why that may be or feel a need to come over faux-shocked and hand-wringingy about it.

PersonalClown · 24/05/2013 21:09

DP has issues retaining information that is written down. He can read a book and 3 pages later, he won't have a clue what was on the first page.

The only book he owns is a Where's Stig?. I have enough to compensate!

Sallystyle · 24/05/2013 21:10

Is it wrong to be judgy about people who never read?

I judge lots of little things that don't even affect me.

I also read labels when I am standing around in the kitchen

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