I go through phases of reading, and right now I’m trying to get back into the swing of it again.
Somewhere, maybe on tiktok, I saw mention of Fourth Wing. A lot of people praised it and I knew it had to do with dragons (which I love), so I was quick to give the sample a try.
I finished the sample in literally no time and am now pretty deep (but not finished, please no spoilers!) into the book. It’s not particularly well written or innovative, sometimes the way the author writes makes me cringe a little, but god damn if I don’t think it’s a fun story. It’s very easy to read and not difficult in any capacity to understand, which is a stark contrast to the other book I’m slowly reading (House of Leaves.)
I’m a 27yr old female, so probably out of the age range for Fourth Wing, and sometimes I feel like I should be reading more “challenging” and mature things. It’s a weird guilt that I’m pretty sure I put on myself and that no one else actually cares about, and I was curious to ask if anyone else struggles with this a little?
I do get that feeling. People will tell you read whatever you like, and they’re right of course, but I can’t turn that feeling off. I’m happy for the people that can. I have the same thing with movies, too. Sometimes I want to watch a trashy romcom or horror movie, and it’s fun (which is why I keep doing it), but afterwards I have this feeling that I really didn’t get anything out of that, it was just a way to pass 2 hours. I don’t beat myself up over it, but I still get that feeling. And it’s the same with books. It’s not so much that I feel bad, but rather about what I don’t feel - after I finish a challenging book, or a great movie, I feel like I took something away from that, I added something to my shelf of concepts and ideas, I broadened my horizon somehow. After a basic horror movie I don’t have that feeling.
So I agree with the people telling you to read what you like, and enjoy what you enjoy, but I don’t think it’s weird to feel more “accomplished” or fulfilled or rewarded after a more highbrow read. There’s nothing wrong with getting that feeling. At least I don’t think there is. There’s nothing wrong with reading simple stuff for entertainment, but there’s also nothing wrong with feeling like you want something more substantial. Maybe it’s like the difference between taking the time to cook and ordering a pizza. I love pizza, and I do order pizza regularly, but I know while I’m doing it that I’m going to feel better about myself in two hours if I instead cook something healthy for myself. I hope that doesn’t make me a gatekeeping elitist? Maybe I should be learning to turn that feeling off, I don’t know. But maybe that’s just what I want out of literature, that feeling of accomplishment.
By the way I loved House of Leaves. Such an amazing read!
I really enjoy reading manga and graphic novels. I used to force myself to read non-fiction or important literature because I felt this way.
I just don’t care anymore and read a bunch of fiction nonsense that I enjoy.
A quality book is one you enjoy. Who cares what anyone else says?
Yes and so now I only buy books with over 4,5 star rating ánd that has a cover, story, design that I like. A book needs to pass a lot of vibes before I buy and read it now. And even then I can still be disappointed.