The Sunday Symposium: Non-readers and Book Pushers

I don't know which bothers me more:  people who don't enjoy reading or those who push books on you constantly, even though you've told them repeatedly that you're not interested.

 vs. 

Being married to a (mostly) non-reader is tough at times, but having another family member who pushes her favorite books on me just might be worse.  Admittedly, my husband has been picking up some non-fiction works lately, especially those based on military experiences, and I'm happy he's reading and actually enjoying it.  He has tried to read a few of the "boy" books I've offered him, but he never gets very far.  And that's fine...not everyone likes to read the same stuff.  I just thought I'd try to expand his horizons a bit, especially since I've seen some of the storylines on his video games.  If he read the Assassin's Creed series in book form, I think he'd really start to enjoy reading fiction again.  Yes, once upon a time -- like, ten or twelve years ago when he was in high school -- he liked to read.  It's actually pretty shameful that I've never read his favorite book:  The Great Gatsby.  And, yet, he doesn't push the book on me, even though he knows I want to read it before we see the new film.  He's patient like that.  :)

My sister-in-law, on the other hand -- who I don't think reads my blog but I guess I'll find out soon -- is a book pusher.  The funny thing is, she only got into reading in the last year or so.  But every time we get together and the subject of reading comes up, it's all about what she's reading.  I understand that young adult novels are not for everyone.  But what she doesn't understand is that smexy books are not for everyone either.  I like a good hot and heavy love story every now and then, but that's all this woman reads, and I didn't appreciate some of the things she was insinuating.

On Friday night, she went into overdrive trying to convince me that I need to read Fifty Shades of Grey.  I'm sure the look on my face said it all, but she forged ahead, telling me it's not all about domination and bondage and a controlling douche-waffle like I'm thinking.  I was drinking and having a good time, so I just brushed it aside, promising her I'd at least give it to chapter 15 before passing judgment.  But, folks, I have no intentions of reading this series.  Ever.  First and foremost, it would mean I'd have to purchase the books first, and I cannot in good conscience do that.  I know a lot of women love these books, and more power to them, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that these books are not for me.  My friend April made a Sims trailer for the first book, and the scenes she captured told me all I needed to know.

My SIL's read some other books that blogger buddies have read, like the Bella Andre books, and I'd be much more likely to give those books a try.  And we did discuss those at length, too, with her soliciting further promises from me to read them so we could talk about them afterward.  It's nice having a real-life bookish friend, but I hate that it means I have to read what she's reading if I ever want to really talk about a story.  Just from our previous discussions, I know that she would not be open to reading the books I enjoy reading.  :(

And this is why I'm so glad to have the book blogging community.  Because I know I'll always be able to find someone who reads books similar in taste to what I'm reading and we can have a legitimate discussion about those books.  Without pressure.  Without fear of judgment.  Without ridicule.  This is why I started my blog in the first place, and I'm so glad to call this community home and all of you friends.  I'd probably go a little nutso without you guys.

How do you deal with the non-readers and book pushers in your life?  Or are you blessed with bookish friends in real life, too?

Any and all commentary, chastising, and public flogging is welcome, as per usual.  And thanks for stopping by!