George R.R. Martin said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” Books, in whatever form, are the ultimate do-it-your-own-way escape. But if that’s the case, why are there still so many rules around the “right” way to read?
At Everand, our team has seen a swath of these arbitrary reading rules catch on and puzzle us. Some focus on what you read, like “you have to read X number of books a year to be a reader” and “you can’t read romance novels and The New Yorker”. Others focus on the way one reads, for example, “listening to an audiobook isn’t reading”, or “don’t start a book if you’re not going to finish it” and “you can’t listen to music and read at the same time.” But here’s our take: none of these matter. Reading is personal, and so your reading experience should be designed to fit you – not anyone else.
It’s high time we challenge the unwritten rules of the written and spoken word. Changing the culture is a group effort – one that our company, with Everand, is throwing our weight behind. And with the rise of reading fueled by the pandemic that continues to climb, we believe we have a responsibility to make reading more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all.
However, that change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s something we’ll be working on in the long term. In the meantime, here are three ways to discover or rediscover the joy of reading on your own terms.
#1 – Read what you like
Society, our family, our peers, that article we read last week on our lunch break – all of these things can influence what we think we should be reading or adding to our TBR (to-be-read) list. There’s nothing wrong with a little outside input, but that shouldn’t overshadow what we’re actually in the mood for. Don’t force yourself to read something that you dislike just because it’s trendy or on a bestseller list. Let go of reading rules by letting your own taste and judgment steer the course. The best stories are the ones you like.
That said, if you’re just getting into reading, or jumping back in after a reading slump, you may be wondering, “what do I like?” In this case, I encourage you to find what’s fun for you. If you’re in the mood for fiction, try looking for books that remind you of your favorite TV show or movie. You could also revisit a favorite story from your childhood; a shot of cozy nostalgia could be just what you need to reinvigorate your reading habit. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for nonfiction fare, your favorite podcasts and influencers might provide some inspiration. And never be afraid to pause and come back.
#2 – Read when you want to, where you want to, how you want to
Social media is full of hot takes like “audiobooks aren’t reading” and “novellas don’t count toward your reading goals”, which can make readers feel self-conscious and fretful about their habits, ultimately deterring them from reading at all. No one likes to do something when they feel like they’re doing it wrong.
First of all, and we can’t believe we even need to say this, there is no wrong way to read. If you prefer to listen to a book while you do your laundry or stop the social media scroll by diving into an e-book instead of an Instagram rabbit hole while on the train or the couch, those count just as much. Read a book a month. Read a book a year. Read three books at once. Put a book down midway if it’s not for you, come back to it later, or don’t.
Reading is a deeply personal experience; make the space you need for what you want to learn and experience, and don’t feel like you have to check certain boxes. Reading is a pastime, not a performance, and it’s far more enjoyable when you do it in a way that works for you.
#3 – Resist the written rules, too
Reading can be an act of rest and relaxation – but also one of resistance. There are some written rules of reading, and the worst of them come in the form of book bans. Unfortunately, the problem is growing. Book censorship surged by 65% last year, impacting libraries and schools across the country. What’s worse is that the majority of these books were written by authors of marginalized identities, whose voices are already underrepresented and too often unheard.
Banning books keeps people from stories that will broaden their perspectives and enrich their lives. It invalidates whole identities and experiences. It can even impact our mental health. Book bans come from a place of fear and prejudice, and we can’t allow them to govern our reading experience.
Our company has long supported uplifting original voices and celebrating the banned – not just because they’re banned, but because people love them and should be able to read what they want. What some may consider the most contentious books are also the most exhilarating, intriguing, informative, emotional, gives-you-cold-chills books out there. After all, nobody bans the boring stuff.
If you haven’t read a banned book this year, I encourage you to give one a try. Not only will you be resisting these bans that are harmful to our society, but you’ll no doubt learn something new.
Books are everything to me that social media and video streaming are to others, without the algorithmically-created rabbit hole. Books don’t get enough credit. They get us through tough times. They are entertainment and escapism, letting us slip away from the everyday, igniting our imaginations or learning something we want to know more about. You can do this on your own terms – on the couch or sneaking away to the bathroom, on the bus or train, or waiting for someone. By freeing yourself from reading rules, you can truly embrace the joy of it and unlock a portal to a new world of discovery.
In his role as the CEO of Scribd, Inc. Tony Grimminck brings a wide range of experience in finance, business strategy, and operations, embracing plot twists as he navigates challenges both planned and unplanned. As a former military officer, avid outdoorsman, and fan of science fiction, it is no surprise that one of his favourite books is Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson.
