Most of my friends don’t like to read. They really, really, really don’t like it. So, obviously, they don’t talk about reading at all. If my husband and I want to discuss books with other people, we’ll have to force the topic, and that can be exhausting. We mostly get uncomfortable looks and a quick change of subject. There has been times that I simply want to give up on it and just follow along talking about whatever else the group is discussing, even though it’s never books.
The thing is I can’t give up, because you can’t give up on the stuff you love. And I love books. And even though most of the time people will look down on your book loving self, there are those precious moments where someone actually listens, reads the book you recommend and thanks you for it. You just can’t give that up.
So, what do we do? We invite people over.The simple trick I’ve found helpful to start a conversation about books, is having books around to talk about. So now I have two bookshelves and a basket in my living room, all filled with books from popular science, to El Quijote, to scatology. When my friends and family come over, we can start chatting about anything, but at some point the conversations turn to books, because we are surrounded by them. It’s almost inevitable.
It is not forced anymore.
Most of the time the topic be passed over quickly, but there are a few times that you’ll be able to really get in to it. And those are the moments you can use to share your passion with those you love. The key is to create those moments, not by forcing them, but by setting an atmosphere that welcomes them.
Not everyone has the privilege of loving books the way you do. And that’s OK. But you don’t have to hide your passion just because your friends don’t have it. Share it. Share it with patience, love and awe.
[Image via 2Tales]
Speak your mind...