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Original poster

Do you know people who never read?

69 replies

pippinandtog · 10/07/2016 20:01

Do you know some people who never read a book?
My mum is 76 and has never read a book in her life.
Would you feel that your life was incomplete if you could not indulge your love of reading?
I can't conceive of a life without books.

OP posts:
ggirl · 10/07/2016 20:47

I cannot bear the smugness of some readers ..it is not a sign of intelligence or worldliness .
It is a hobby ..nothing more

Original poster
pippinandtog · 10/07/2016 20:55

ggirl,agree with you, but haven't met anyone like that.
I just enjoy the escapism of a good novel, but each to their own.

OP posts:
JimmyGreavesMoustache · 10/07/2016 20:55

i know loads of people who hardly read.

books are just a medium, not intrinsically better or worse than telly/radio/film/theatre/visual arts

I almost never watch films (I find my mind wanders and I lose track of the plot) but wouldn't consider this more or less eyebrow-raising than not reading.

Sallystyle · 10/07/2016 20:57

DH doesn't read much. He goes through stages.

I read a lot but not as much as I used to. I always read before going to bed but I find it hard to concentrate on reading when the children are around so I don't get through as many books as I used to.

I have three children who don't like reading, one who reads occasionally and one who is a book worm.

KathyBeale · 10/07/2016 21:06

Nah Vulcan, I didn't mean it to be narrow. My SIL doesn't read either and she is v worldly wise. With my colleague it's more that she lacks any curiosity about anything, so I guess her not reading is a symptom of that rather than a cause. She doesn't watch TV either.

I don't think being a reader makes you a better person. It's just a hobby, isn't it? I think it's a bit odd when people don't read because I can't imagine not reading. My husband feels the same way about people who don't like football.

Alisvolatpropiis · 10/07/2016 21:17

A lot of the solicitors I know don't read for pleasure.

Natsku · 10/07/2016 21:27

My OH doesn't read much. I sometimes pick out books in the library that I think he'll like but he'll only read a little bit from time to time. My dad doesn't read a lot but he is dyslexic so its more difficult for him, but he still has bookcases crammed with books (mostly bible commentaries as he's a Reverend so uses them for sermons) and our house was always full of books. Mum reads (English books) quite a lot and English isn't even her first language. Feel inspired to get everyone books for Christmas this year!

I want DD to love reading as much as I do so we have lots of books in the house (just ordered a bunch from the book people now that the pound is weak so its a lot cheaper with my euros) and go to the library a lot.

BeMorePanda · 10/07/2016 21:33

I had a friend who used to call magazines books! Drove me mad.

She didn't read a book until she was past 30, and then became an avid readerSmile

FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 11/07/2016 20:05

DH doesn't read. Neither does DSS. They're both very dyslexic and find it difficult, it's such a shame because they miss out on so much.

Plus, it's such a nice way to spend time that doesn't involve other people or electronics.

Katsite · 12/07/2016 19:49

I have been an avid reader for the past 40 years but recently questioned the purpose of reading one story after another. I can't remember half of what I have read.
That said, I treasure the memory of the good books that I did read.

Katsite · 12/07/2016 19:50

and to answer OPs question: DH also reads a lot, just not books. I feel sorry for him.

Graceflorrick · 12/07/2016 19:53

I don't read books for relaxation and enjoyment.

I have to keep on top of research via journals/ new publications for work and post-qualifying exams, so this fills my book quota.

For fun, I choose not to sit on my bum and read a book. I don't enjoy it at all sadly Grin

guineapig1 · 12/07/2016 20:00

Hmm, i used to read a lot for pleasure but since having kids rarely have the time. DH is the same. We both have pretty full on professional careers which involve a lot of reading at work. Frankly my brain hurts of an evening! Ironically the only exception is work related travel where i love choosing a book at the airport knowing i will have an opportunity to get properly stuck in. I am hoping the situation will improve once the children are a bit older.

In a similar vein I used to listen to loads of music but now don't have the time nor concentration span. I just seem to dip in and out of stuff. Again, hoping that this will get better!

poocatcherchampion · 12/07/2016 20:10

Time to put phone down and open book... :)

guineapig1 · 12/07/2016 20:21

Grin absolutely! Seriously though the internet doesn't help - it is far too accessible!

ArriettyMatilda · 12/07/2016 23:02

I am shocked at the teacher/writer/librarian who don't read. Mu Grandparents didn't even have any books or even a bookshelf at their house. They had a few children's books in a drawer. My Nan did read magazines and also made up bedtime stories for us. I never did find out why they didn't read. My dm (their daughter) never reads either and neither does my dp. I really don't get it and wish do shared my love or reading so we could discuss books.

insan1tyscartching · 15/07/2016 20:13

Dh hasn't read a book in the last thirty years whereas I'm an avid reader averaging at least one a week and often more. I don't understand how he doesn't anymore than he understands why I would tbh.
Ds2 doesn't read either, the only book he's ever read outside school reading scheme books is The Twits. He managed to get a good degree and a Masters without either purchasing much less reading any of the suggested texts.
My others read but nowhere near the amount I do though. I think I got a taste for reading because as a young child there wasn't a lot of money for entertainment but I had a library card and it felt like the best gift in the world tbh. There is so much more now for children to be doing so maybe reading doesn't have the same appeal.

Badders123 · 15/07/2016 20:21

My mum
My dh
It baffles me tbh

Badders123 · 15/07/2016 20:22

I read every day before bed usually

DraenorQueen · 15/07/2016 20:24

When I started teaching it was so full on I just completely lost my love of reading for pleasure which upset m a bit as I've always been a massive book lover.
Now that my work life balance is back to normal I'm back to reading but have become lazy - I just re-read the trash on my bookshelves instead of pushing myself with new books. I haven't found a book that's gripped me to the end for MONTHS. Nobody seems to be writing dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction Sad

BananaChew · 15/07/2016 20:25

My husband has never finished a book as an adult. Not started many either!

magicboy79 · 15/07/2016 20:27

I don't read, it's rare I ever finish a book. Only time I have is at night and I would fall asleep within 5 pages. Never read before when I had time, I don't know why, just don't enjoy books

cheminotte · 15/07/2016 20:28

My colleague doesn't read at all at home. She's dyslexic.

cdtaylornats · 15/07/2016 21:47

Dystopian fiction

Have you read
The Postman by David Brin
The Emberverse series by S. M. Stirling
The Hollows series by Kim Harrison
The Supervolcano series by Harry Turtledove

DraenorQueen · 15/07/2016 22:12

No,
No,
No and
No.
Thank you, I'm off to google these. Much appreciated!