There’s this common stereotype about book readers that they are always lost in pages, reading every book that comes their way, day and night, like some possessed knowledge-hungry creatures. But, That’s not how it works, Not Every Book Deserves Time, And That’s Okay!
Let me explain it in a way you’ll relate to. Think about movies. If you’re a cinephile, do you watch every single movie ever made? No! You check the trailer first. If it looks interesting, you watch it. If not, you move on. Same with TV series, start a series on Netflix or another platform, and if it doesn’t hook you, you drop it.
Reading books is exactly the same.
Most people pick books based on recommendations, reviews, content, or just a catchy title and an interesting cover. Sometimes, a book looks promising but turns out to be the worst thing ever. Other times, a simple, overlooked book with a plain cover ends up changing your life. That’s the beauty of books you never really know what’s inside until you dive in.
Reading, watching movies, and binge-watching Netflix, it’s all the same approach. Unless, of course, you’re a critic or reviewer who has to suffer through the worst of the worst just to give an opinion. If that’s you, I’m sorry for your pain!
Here’s how I read Books
I pick books based on recommendations from people, social media, or YouTube (there are endless book recommendation channels out there). If a book grabs my attention, I order it. If I’m unsure, I check out the content and reviews before making a decision.
Once I start reading, there are only two possibilities:
If it’s interesting, I keep reading.
If it’s not, I drop it immediately. No guilt, no regrets.
Now, here’s my weird habit — Sometimes I start reading a book, find it interesting, and then, out of nowhere, one line, one paragraph, or one chapter gives me the answer to something I’ve been wondering about. I stop reading right there, feeling like I got what I needed from this book, and move on to the next one.
I know, it’s weird. I probably miss out on a lot of valuable stuff, but I can’t help it!
That’s something I need to improve.
Another misconception is that readers are constantly reading. Nope! Readers can go weeks without touching a book. Sometimes, they just read a page or two in a day, and other times, they read like there’s no tomorrow.
If you’re trying to become a reader and you purchase a book but don’t enjoy it, don’t force yourself to finish it. Reading should be an enjoyable and enriching experience, not a chore. If a book doesn’t resonate with you, put it down and pick another one. There are countless books out there, and the right one will find you at the right time.
Reading isn’t about how many books you finish; it’s about the experience, emotions, and impact a book leaves on you. If you’ve read just one book that made you feel deeply, changed your perspective, or stayed with you long after you turned the last page, congratulations — you’re a reader. But if you’ve read a thousand books just to hit a number without truly immersing yourself in them, well, you’re missing the point.
So, the next time someone assumes book readers are nonstop reading machines, tell them Not Every Book Deserves Time, And That’s Okay! Also remind them that it’s all about quality, not quantity! Read for yourself, not for the numbers. Let books inspire, teach, and move you. Because in the end, it’s not about how many books you’ve read — it’s about the ones that truly stay with you and speak to you.
Looking for book recommendations?
If you prefer book summaries in Hindi, check out Seeken.
For book recommendations in English, check out Jack Edwards.
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