By Saara Itkonen
I have a confession to make. Despite having a degree in capital “L” literature, I like to read some pretty junky books.
I tell myself that as a public librarian it’s part of my job to read all the things. Not every book, but a sampling here and there so I know what I’m talking about with library patrons. But that’s not the only reason I read junky books.
I’m also the parent of a young child and, honestly, I can only read books right now that don’t require too much focus; books where I can still follow the thread of the story despite being interrupted 20 times in 10 minutes. Junky books are based on formulas that are very easy to follow and they allow me to read and parent at the same time!
But the main reason I read junky books is because I enjoy them. As the child of Finnish parents, I can lean easily towards melancholy and books are an excellent antidote to the blues.
I imagine that some of you may feel this way as well. Sometimes you just need to read something that is capital “E” entertaining
There can be a particular snobbery in the library and literature world about what is “good” literature and what is “bad”. And I’m not here to say that there isn’t a difference between the two. There is definitely a difference between good writing and bad writing. Writing is a skill that can take a lot of time and learning to develop.
But reading is such a personal experience that regardless of whether or not something is considered good writing, it shouldn’t change whether or not you enjoy reading it. As an avid reader of junky books, I truly feel that you need to read what you like.
Over Christmas, I was feeling particularly stressed: me and my family had just moved to Creston 3 months earlier, I’d started a new job with a steep learning curve, and the family and friends we relied on to help lessen the load were all back in the Lower Mainland. So, the last thing I needed to read was essays on feminism (which I like) or grisly true crime (which I also like). I really needed something light and fluffy; easy and escapist. So, I started reading a popular romance author for the first time. I’ve seen her books on the shelves at the library and I know a lot of library patrons read her books. I figured reading them would be the same level of effort as watching a romantic comedy.
Well, the books were truly capital “J” junky. The gender stereotypes alone made my eyes roll to the back of my head more times than I could count. And the constant comments about weight gain or loss! Ugh. But did I stop reading? No. I actually picked up the third book at the library this week. I hate leaving things unfinished.
I think it’s a shame that anyone should feel embarrassed about their reading preferences. And yet, I’ve encountered many a library patron that raises their shoulders and whispers the title of the book their looking for as if lightning might strike them just for saying it!
Reading what you like is so important. Working in public libraries for almost 9 years, I’m not shocked by anyone’s particular reading taste. I’m a firm believer that the right book at the right time can be life changing and that more people would read more if they had books that they actually like. Unfortunately, I think many of us were forced to read rather dull books at an early age, and so we learn not to read at all instead.
Last week I read an interview with one of my favourite living writers, Roxane Gay. She had this to say about reading what you like.
“Anybody who tells me, ‘I only read literary fiction,’ I’m just like, ‘Well, you’re an a**hole. What are we going to talk about?’ Literary fiction – a lot of it’s not that good! I read good books. And they may not be the best written, but they tell a really good story. My favourite thing to read is spy thrillers, which I just love. I also read romance novels, because they are fun, and they are sweet, and they’ve got a happy ending, most of the time. The world is sh**, so – I need that happy ending.”
Don’t we all need that happy ending?
January Creston Public Library events:
Saturday, Jan 12 - 2 pm: “Won’t You Be My Neighbour” documentary film matinee
Saturday, Jan 26 - 2 pm: Art Bookmark Workshop with Win Dinn