Stranger Danger

For those who are as yet unaware, I like to read. I'm also capable of reading under less than perfect reading conditions. I can read while children run over and around me, shrieking with laughter. I can easily sever myself temporarily from the world, whether it be at home, in a classroom, or a cafe.

However, when someone asks me a direct question, I must pull myself back with regret. When that question is, "What are you reading?" my initial feeling is intense irritation. For, you see, when someone is reading, it is because they are not in the frame of mind to talk, and trying to engage them in talking by asking about the very thing they are trying to escape from you with is very rude. Naturally there are times when this is not so, as with most things. But most of the time, when I am reading during a break in class or on the bus or in the park or a cafe, the person (usually a man) who deigns to ask what I read gains my momentary hatred. If you would like to discuss books I have already read, then I will join the conversation eagerly. But jesus christ, allow me to get through the one you're so damnably curious about before we try to discuss it.

This anger on my part applies especially when I'm reading a fantasy novel, since I really have no wish to let the entire work know that I too, like fantasy. A good example is Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, a series that is outrageously self-indulgent, with horrendous covers that scream, "TERRIBLE FANTASY NOVEL HERE! PLEASE BEGIN SNEERING IMMEDIATELY!" Really, google these books. When I was reading them, I hated for anyone to ask, because they were bound to laugh.

And why does anyone want to know, anyway? If I'm still reading it, then I likely haven't formed a very good opinion of it yet. If it's a book you were thinking about reading and you want to know if it's worth it, fine, I'll give my tentative response. But for god's sake, do not use that as a way to chat me up! This goes for music too. In my opinion (obviously), both are terrible ways to begin a conversation with a perfect stranger.