What, in your opinion, is the definition of a “reader.” A person who indiscriminately reads everything in sight? A person who reads BOOKS? A person who reads, period, no matter what it is? … Or, more specific? Like the specific person who’s reading something you wrote?
I would call someone would indiscriminately reads everything they can get their hands on as a really and tryly bibliophile, bookworm, a true reader. If was a speed reader with a photographic memory, I could read a lot more than I do now, and maybe it wouldn’t be Mt. TBR, but a small hill. I’d call someone who could read everything LUCKY!
A “reader” in my opinion, it someone who reads when they can. WHAT is not as important is the simple fact that they prefer books over other media, and they read regularly. An “avid reader” would be someone who reads whenever they have a free moment, reading while eating and anytime they have to wait somewhere. A book junkie reads at the expense of showers, eating, cleaning their house, and even leaving the house. A book junkie would call into work to stay home and read. I rank somewhere between “avid reader” and “book junkie”.
One of my fantasies have always been to be locked in library and left to read away (of course food and bathrooms would be avaialble). I often joke in the winter time that I’m praying for a freak blizzard while the kids are in school so I can just stay in and read. I’ve stopped watching movies for the most part, because they lack imagination… the movie screen inside my head is much better than their pale interpretations.
It shocks me to think that a lot of people never read more than 12 books a year, and some people don’t even read ONE book a year. These people will joke about not having read anything since they were made to in high school. I just don’t understand how people can say this in an almost bragging tone of voice!
Filed under: Booking Through Thursday | Tagged: addiction, book, Books, life, movie, reading, Thursday |
In the Shadow of Mt. TBR 
‘I rank somewhere between “avid reader” and “book junkie”.’ Me too! I don’t understand people who don’t read.
It’s sad when I think how much joy a non-reader misses.
I agree that it’s reading for pleasure that defines a reader, but I don’t think only someone who reads books is a reader. I used to lament that my boys weren’t readers because they rarely read books, until I realized my oldest reads much more than I do on the Internet. He is constantly sharing interesting tidbits he finds. That kind of reading gives him pleasure: he’s not so much into stories.
Me, on the other hand, I love books!
I know! There’s something about having a physical book in my hands that makes what’s inside seem more valid.
I agree, though, that the internet is a major reading source of kids. E-books are easier and cheaper to get than hard copies. Blogs have done a lot to affect everything in our lives from politics to products on the shelves at the local store.
Haha, I love that answer – “the same way you find time to watch TV!”
I think it’s the love of reading that makes someone a reader. By your definition, I’d be an avid reader… I haven’t yet earned myself the title of a book junkie. 😉
PS. “In the Shadow of Mt. TBR”… I love that name. 😀
I call myself a “voracious reader” – I read any and everything I can get my eyes on. I’ve never called into work to stay home and read, but I re-arranged my work schedule (twice) to attend Harry Potter book release parties. Does that count? 🙂
I’m also shocked by people who brag about not reading a book since high school. They have no idea what they’re missing.
Jessi, you come very close to “junkie” status… 😀
I guess after your response on my blog, I am surprised that you include everything in your answer. So, I guess we agree then! 🙂
And yes…it is horrifying that some people don’t read after they are “made to” in high school or college….that is just silliness. I wonder what they do with all their spare time!?!?!:) hahah!
I’m definetly a ‘book junkie’. And proud of it! I don’t understand people who say “I hate to read.” That’s crazy to me! I gave up the soaps I used to watch because I’d much rather spend that time reading!
Here’s the link to my answer:
http://southerngal-lisa.blogspot.com/2008/06/booking-through-thursday-definition.html
I like your reading classifications. I’m somewhere between avid and junkie myself. I think my husband might consider me a straight out junkie, though. I also love your Mt. TBR concept!!!!
I’ve also had that locked-in-a-library fantasy. And I have to admit to sometimes letting the housework slide when I’m deeply involved in a good read. So I guess I must be at least a tiny bit of a “book junkie”!
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Me too!
Winter was made for reading! 🙂
I agree with you on the topic of movies…most of the time the book is better!
Sad to say that bragging starts early. I’ve had many students brag that they didn’t read anything all summer.
It’s really an odd thing to boast about.
I also rank somewhere between “avid reader” and “book junkie”.
Thanks for your comment to my blog re: BTT! 🙂
Do you usually read 200 books a year or more? (your comment made it seem that way!). Me, I can only read about 55, on average, per year. Some years I do a little better, some years I do worse. This year I’m already on track (knock-on-wood) to do “better” than my average! 😉
Aaah…the locked-in-the-library dream. Sniff…sniff…smell those books. Run your hands along the spines. Open up that one there…oooh yeah. That one. Lol, yep, I’ve had that dream. But I’m not a junkie. Nope, not me. Neither is my daughter.
And as for those who haven’t read a book all summer, or for the last twenty years…it is sad. But I think that it is done to them. They think that all learning stops when they are out of those hallowed halls. It is a very sad, sad commentary on schooling.
mizb17… no, no, no! I don’t read 200+ books a year. I was meaning that I didn’t even come close to that. I’ve never counted how many books in a year I read until joining LibraryThing’s 50 book challenge. At 36 already, I’ve upped my goal to 70. If I continue at the same rate, I should be able to do that.
I think I’m with you – between avid reader and book junkie. I hate it when life gets in the way! I love your distinctions. =)
I also don’t understand AT ALL people who say with pride that they don’t read. It happens a lot on Facebook, and it makes me sad.
I’m definitely an avid reader, though I’ve been known to be a tad late for work because of reading haha. Thank goodness I can read on the train. 😀
People should read more, IMO.
“An “avid reader” would be someone who reads whenever they have a free moment” and wherever they can – waiting for the train, at jury duty, while eating. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I’m not sure I qualify as a “book junkie” though because I love to read for work as well…
Most of the time the books are better than the movie, although I saw the movie “Stardust” the other night and I have to say it was much better than the book.
I’ve heard of your blog for some time. Imagine my joy at finding it tonight. I love the Reader’s Bill of Rights, and your name. Definitely adding you to my blogroll (don’t you feel special? 😉
I like your degrees of readers. Maybe someday I’ll make it to book junkie. Right now I’m still at avid reader. Which isn’t to say I’ve never called in sick only to spend the day reading. I call those mental health days. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your answer. I’m hoping more people will read for pleasure instead for information or work-related.
I guess I’m just a lowly reader then, because I play computer games and watch movies and go for walks and stuff like that during my free time as well.
Did you say what kind of reader you are?
I’m totally embarrassed that I rate as a “book junkie”! Just the other afternoon it was absolutely gorgeous outside, I called off of work *cough*, and spent the day with Isabell Allende’s latest autobiography.
To me, a reader is just someone who reads just for the sake of reading, without anykind of prodding or motif. Being a teenager it feels like books are shoved down are throats. Administrators think that by forcing students to read they will transform them into”readers” but in reality a reader doesn’t need to be told to read.