I read for a variety of reasons, but the main one is probably to escape. The daily grind has a way of weighing down even the most happy-go-lucky among us with work commitments, family life, and a seemingly never ending to-do list. Sometimes it’s nice to forget that I have bills to pay, let the dishes sit in the sink over the weekend, ignore the most recent in-law drama, and just lose myself in a fictional world. You can’t turn on your TV/radio or step outside without being bombarded by the latest human tragedy, however when your nose is buried in a novel, it all fades into the background. You won’t find any biographies, textbooks, or history volumes on my nightstand because I have no interest is feeding my brain other than maybe expanding my vocabulary, and that’s simply an added bonus.
Entertainment is another reason why reading ranks as high at it does on my priorities list. I love seeing what shenanigans my favourite characters are up to, crushing on some grade-A werewolf man-candy, and getting dirty looks from peeps when I laugh out loud or start crying after an especially poignant scene. Getting to live vicariously through someone else’s eyes is a nice perk as well because I get to travel to all kinds of exotic locations and experience a wide range of activities without ever having to leave the comfort of my living room. Now, that doesn’t mean that I don’t have my own real life bucket list, but money and time are always tight, so reading is a workaround until I win the lottery. LOL
My mother was a reader, so this hobby was instilled upon me at a very early age; she passed away from breast cancer five years ago, and this is only a side benefit, but my fiction addiction also makes me feel closer to her. I’ll sometimes revisit old stories, and reminisce about a convo we shared about a certain author because those are the good memories that are worth cherishing. And finally, I know this might sound strange, but I also read to get some alone time whether it be to escape my coworkers in the middle of a busy cafeteria or my husband while we’re sitting side-by-side on the couch. Books allow me to fly solo without having to hike to a secluded spot in the woods—the one way I can be alone without actually BEING alone.
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I’ve always said that I live my life vicariously through fictional characters. To be honest, I don’t know that I want the lives of many of my fictional friends, they have it pretty tough sometimes.
I also read because authors seem to be the only ones with original thoughts. When I watch TV or movies these days, it all seems to be a remake of something. How many times can we remake Spiderman or Batman? We have TV shows based on movies, movies based on TV shows that are based on books. It seems that the only original content comes from books. Yes, there are exceptions, but the amount of money that it takes to create a movie or TV show is so high, that execs want something that they know will be a hit and proven, so they take a best selling novel and make it into a TV show or movie.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop 2014 (Win a $25.00 Giftcard)
You raise a good point about original ideas, you see taglines like ‘this book is exactly like The Hunger Games’ way more in YA than in UF / PNR which is yet another reason why that genre remains near the bottom of my reading pile.
I don’t want to fight vampires, or turn into a werewolf, but skydiving is as close as I’ll ever come to flying minus the airplane, and I want to try someday.
While I’m not afraid to fly, I don’t see the point of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. That is an adventure you will have to do without me. 🙂
You’re right, with YA promoting that this is like that. I think most UF and PNR try their damnedest to be different from other authors in their genre.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop 2014 (Win a $25.00 Giftcard)
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie which doesn’t really fit my bookworm persona, but ya know… Variety is the spice of life! 😉
We read for a lot of the same reasons, Carmel – escape, entertainment, living vicariously through words. I also read to feel – happiness, love, sadness, etc. I read to learn from the characters’ experiences and what they get from it, as well as new words ands places I’ve never known. I read to feel like I’m not alone. I read for many reasons really, and I don’t think I can really put it all into words. But I’m sure that a lot of readers would have interesting and heartfelt answers to this question. 🙂
Francine Soleil recently posted…Help Wanted!
Ha! I read to feel like I’m alone while as you do the opposite; I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. The FEELS are definitely an added bonus, and I’m sure I missed a bunch of reasons, so I’m eager to see what today’s commenters have to say.
Hmmm…this is actually kind of a tough question for me! I read for fun, not really to escape, but to experience new places and things (or read really top notch banter!) while drinking my coffee. I also read for knowledge, since I’m a pretty big non-fiction reader even when I’m not in school. Mostly history and politics, but sometimes I’ll read one of those pop-science books that gets really big (like Quiet or Guns, Germs, and Steel). I probably read so much because it was something my parents used to do with me every night for basically my entire childhood. It’s ingrained, baby!
Danya recently posted…Tough Traveling: Desert Nomads
Oh yes, I love snark! I can’t open my mouth without a little bit slipping out, and it’s not always appropriate for everyday conversations, so sometimes it’s nice to get my fix via books.
My mom was a reader too but I don’t think that is why I read. For me I think it has always been about escaping into another time, place, and world. I love getting lost in things and reading was the easiest way to do it.
AS an adult I read to decompress and destress. Reading relaxes me, even when I get hyped up about a story and even though I love movies, nothing is ever quite as good as the books and being able to picture everything for your self. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker
Exactly! This is why I always try to read the book before watching the movie, otherwise it’s just not the same. My mom always had a novel in her hand, and so do I. LOL
I really like stories. Even ones I find silly I want to know the whole story. Other things go into it, but my constant desire to know how it ends pushes me. That is why I always read the second half of books faster than the first as well; I hit a certain point and wont put my book down.
Nathan ( recently posted…Tough Travels Desert Nomads
I can count on one hand the number of titles I’ve DNF’d for this very reason; I need to know how a story ends no matter what!
I have always been a big reader. I think I might be the only one in my family that does. My kids always see me reading, I can only hope they do the same.
I read to escape. I read instead of watch television. It makes me feel more, imagine more, experience more.
I am, therefore, I read.
I remember my mom reading while the TV was on, and my dad would switch the channel. She’d get pissed, and he’d be like you weren’t even watching it! 5 minutes later he’d change it back, and she wouldn’t even notice. LOL
I grew up hanging out in libraries (homeschooled and the library was my mom’s way of getting us out of the house once in a while lol). I’ve loved reading since I was a young kid and that’s followed me into adulthood 🙂 It’s ‘me’ time, where I can shut everything else out!
Finley Jayne recently posted…{Halloween Special} The Master Of Creepiness
Most kids wouldn’t view a trip to the library as an excursion, but I guess it’s different when you’re home schooled. Me time is SO important!
I have always been a reader my whole life. My mom always had a book in her hand along with my greandma. I like to read to escape life , kids . I love books because they take me to different places. That’s why I read.
julie recently posted…Snow like Ashes
Your house gets boring after a while, so it is indeed a great way to escape without having to actually go anywhere. Win/win!
YES CARMEL!!! I read for the escape as well. Give me vamps and shifters and crazy paranormal things any day because I want to escape from reality for a while. I was never a big reader in high school or college, I only read what I needed to for my classes, but not long after I discovered the paranormal romance and UF genre I became an avid reader. No nonfiction for me either, give me the supernatural sexy times:)
I read all throughout school, not as much as I do now mind you because assigned texts kinda take the fun out of doing it as a hobby. I keep wondering when I’m going to get sick of paranormal as many of my blogger peeps have, but it hasn’t happened yet. Hehe!
i think i do read ostly to escape as well and to keep hope…. life can be so difficult and harsh that we could feel like giving up. i always found confort in books it can make you diiscover fantastic world, show you how differents species can get together no matter teh obstacles and the HEA after all the ambushs… it show me that yes hope it still there because if the character got their with everything that trioed to prevent it..; then our life being more simple we will get ours too just need to be patient
My mother always read but when she is in her books you can call and everything she won’t notice… i love that feeling ( but for me it(‘s only with book i really love above teh others^^)
miki recently posted…Captured (Fallen Siren 0.5) by SJ Harper
Unfortunately it is rather rare that a group of people from diverse backgrounds come together to fight a common foe in RL, so it’s definitely refreshing to see that happen more often in books. I’m never so immersed in a story that I don’t know what’s going on around me, but sometimes I pretend I am just to gain a few extra minutes of reading time.
Nice post! 🙂 I read for all of those same reasons. (Except to be alone, I hate being alone) I like seeing what people come up with the ideas and the stories, but I mostly read because books make me happy and I love them. Good luck winning the lottery. 😉
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Top 10 most read authors!
Winning the lotto is a very distant plan Z, but you never know! LOL Everything about books makes me happy; the covers, the blurbs, the smell, reading ’em… I’m a total addict!
I read (listen) to get lost for a while. I love living in new places, dimensions and worlds that are not part of my normal life. And as crazy as the stories I read are it relaxes me. It helps me to get my mind of what ever worry I might have at the moment in real life. I love it because I can be and do so many things 🙂
Lupdilup recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop 2014 (Win a $25.00 Giftcard)
No matter how much life may get me down sometimes, fictional characters always seem to have it way worse than me, so that in a way kinda makes me feel better too. Well, until they get their HEA, then I am jealous. Haha!
Definitely agree with you on this one. Escape. Sometimes it’s nice to just forget all of the tasks that I know I should be doing and immerse myself in a book!
Nicole recently posted…Cover Reveal & Giveaway – The Donor by Nikki Rae
Out of sight, out of mind, right? If I can’t see all of the dirty laundry or the uncut grass then it doesn’t exist. 😉
To escape from reality for a few hours . Fun , sometimes fluffy reads are great for that .
Secondly, to feel emotions and gritty , grimy ones are great for that . Grim dark fantasy or super realistic contemporary . With all of the heartache and sadness
And lastly, reading awesomely done written words .
Yep ^_^
I love discovering new authors and writing styles; it never ceases to amaze me how creative some peeps are! Where do they come up with this stuff??
This is a hard question for me to answer because I feel like my answer has changed throughout the years. But right now I feel like I read because I just enjoy it. I’ve never really read as a type of ‘escape’ if you want to call it that but as a learning experience. I love stories and being inside other peoples heads and finding out how other people would handle situations differently than I do. I think it really all bottles down to the fact that I love learning and experiencing and reading gives that to me. Great discussion post Carmel!
Lily recently posted…STALKING–Hot or Not in YA?
I think you are the first commenter who DOESN’T read to escape—weirdo! Hehe j/k. 😀
To REJECT reality and the crap Fest that can be on TV. And it’s cheaper than renting porn (smutty reads).
When I saw your tweet, I was expecting an epic answer, and although yours is funny, I’m not overly surprised. 😛 However, I think you need to be introduced to this little thing called the internet where porn is plentiful and free.
Hear, hear, Carmel. I read for the same reasons – escape, entertainment. I also read because…well, I’m an addict. Seriously. If I don’t get my reading time, I go through withdrawals and am not a person anyone wants to be around. So there is that. 🙂
By the way, I’m sorry you lost your mom but I’m glad reading helps you feel close to her. 😀
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**That’s What HE Said ~ #15**
Everyone needs a least one vice in their lives, and all things considering, reading is far from being the worst out of the bunch. Yes, it makes us anti-social, and can wreak havoc on our bank accounts, but those repercussions are minor IMO.
I read because I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t be a reader. But, and this is probably a really weird answer, I don’t really read to be alone… I read to feel less alone. It’s hard to really explain it but as an introvert who tends to like everyone I find it hard to connect with real people. I constantly feel judged and have had so many experiences where people have treated me like a doormat. Books don’t do that and the characters inside stand up for themselves (well, most of the time that’s how it works) and for others. But yeah, it’s a form of escape in that regard too I guess.
Rhianna recently posted…OUTLANDER GIVEAWAY!!!
I’m an introvert too, and have suffered my fair share of bullying, but now I just don’t give a sh*t anymore. My big mouth sometimes gets me into trouble mind you. I forget that I’m not an UF heroine, and telling your boss off is NOT COOL. 😉
I have always been a reader. I used to read for hours on end, and I would still if I didn’t have two busy, noisy children. I am with you, I read to escape and I don’t read a bunch of drama or non fiction books. I want to laugh and have fun when I read. When my kids go to bed at night, I savor that two hours or so I have to read when all is quiet, it is the best time of the day for me.
Heidi recently posted…Something Wicked Strikes Day #16: Tour Stop: The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters: Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!
I reminder the good ol’ days when I used to spend hours on end reading; I do manage to do that occasionally on weekends, but it’s rare. Now, I’ll take whatever I can get whether it be 5 minutes or an afternoon. Beggars can’t be choosers!
I started reading romance books when I was in year 9 b/c it was something different, then it become a entertainment and now its way of life. I can’t imagine not reading. Reading just makes me very happy. It also feels like an adventure from the safety of my own bed and as you mentioned escape, from how mundane real life can be at times.
Izy recently posted…Review: Masters of Seduction Collection
It’s definitely a way of life for me as well. I often find myself planning my days around my reading time. Nothing makes a work day suck less than knowing that you get to come home to a good book.
I know right, it makes the whole automatically better and the days where you know you won’t be able to read makes you feel depressed. I love just checking my TBR pile to see which new books release in the month/week (not that I dont rem which books will release that month since I’m obsessed :P) so i don’t make plans on those days. 🙂
Izy recently posted…Review: Masters of Seduction Collection
I’ve been known to call in sick on days when one of my must-reads hits shelves. Sssshhhh!
It makes me happy 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…Crown of Midnight / Heir of Fire – Sarah J Maas
Enough said!
I’m right there with ya — I read for escape and entertainment. It’s also my way of relieving stress. Sometimes when things are just too crazy, I just need to take a few minutes to read a book (like a time out), and I feel better. Things might still be crazy, but I feel better equipped to handle the craziness. If that makes any sense! LOL! 🙂
Tricia recently posted…The Mortal Instruments TV Show – Will You Watch?
Some people do yoga, we read. It makes total sense to me!
I read to escape, to travel, to have an adventure I could never have in real life.
sherry fundin recently posted…Zoe and the Demon Slayer by Neel Kay Book Blitz Giveaway
Those are all EXCELLENT reasons!
Asking me why I read is like asking me why I breathe. Lol. I really don’t know. One day I went to Borders and bought a book. I picked it up and then I kept picking up books just because. I guess, like you, I like to escape and also to live vicarously. I loved the question this week! Great choice, Carmel.
Marianne recently posted…{Blog Tour} Trust Me, I’m Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer
Exactly! We read because it’s practically one of your bodies’ automatic functions. Books just mysteriously end up in my hands. Weird! 😉
I read for a variety of reasons: 1) to escape, 2) to get ideas for books, 3) to improve my writing (hopefully by osmosis!), and 4) to forget that I’m on the treadmill, since that’s usually where I’m reading. The miles fly by!
I’ve read since I was 6, and never stopped. Purely for escape and fun. My whole family was, and still are readers. It’s still the best escape ever-all these years later.
On another note, I am so sorry you lost your mom so young.
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens
Yeah, it was tough, I was 27 at the time, but it was also a good life lesson. Take nothing for granted!
It’s great to get an author’s perspective, I would have never come up with a few of those points on my own, but they make complete sense.
I read to escape from the real world and de-stress. I’ve always had a book in my hands since childhood and it’s something I’ve carried with me into my adult life (thank goodness!!!). I love to get lost in a new world with sexy alpha and kick ass heroines even if it’s just while I’m on my way to work…LOL Why do I read? I guess the better question is why not? Who doesn’t enjoy an inexpensive mini vacation from real life?! 😉
Lori recently posted…Book Spotlight: Desert Bound by Elizabeth Hunter + Giveaway
Inexpensive is a matter of perspective I guess; I’m sure that I could have paid for a pretty sweet vacay with all of the books that I’ve purchased over the years. LOL
Definitely agree with escape and entertainment. It is just a fun hobby 🙂
Julie recently posted…That’s what HE said Thursday- October 16, 2014
It really is one of the best-est hobbies EVAH!
I’ve always read, but I gotta admit, it got way more fun once I started blogging. It’s really cool to be able to go to the bookstore, see all the stuff in the SFF section and go, wow, I’ve read a lot of those. Plus, it’s so much fun talking to other bloggers about the books you’ve read.
Mogsy recently posted…Tough Traveling: Desert Nomads
Blogging has definitely added another dimension to my reading as well. I love interacting with authors & fellow readers, and free books are a definite perk too.
I read to escape and also to experience things that I am either missing in my life, or never got to experience (yet) and so on. Great topic!
Rose recently posted…That’s what HE said Thursday- October 16, 2014
Everyone needs a little bit of adventure in their lives, and books are a safer & cheaper alternative. Hehe!
You’ve summed it up nicely for me, too–escape and entertainment,and my mother was/is a reader, too!
I’m sorry to hear your mother passed away, but it’s lovely that you can still think of her when you are doing something you enjoy so much. I think parents who read definitely breed children who read as well, as opposed to those who just tell their kids to read but never actually do it themselves.
Wendy Darling recently posted…This Shattered World: blog tour sign-up
Escape and entertainment rank high on my why-I-read list. Books have been a constant companion to me, heck I read at my mother`s bedside when she was sick.
I read to be entertained! And I agree with Melanie way up in this thread – TV and movies seem to be so similar, and most stories I see there make me think of other stories I have already read or watched.
Also, when I read, the characters come alive in my mind, and they all look a certain way that is not like any human being I have ever laid my eyes on. This is a reason why I am often disappointed if I end up watching a movie based on a book I loved…
And I can read anywhere I want, (more or less) anytime I want. My husband watches a lot of sports, and so I can be next to him, but read a story and lust after a crazy vampire, were or rock-star while he is shouting at the referees…
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Ugly Love – Colleen Hoover
I like how characters can be different things to every reader while as when you watch a TV show, they are the same for everyone.
This question made me pause a moment because I’ve always (or at least, as long as I can remember) read. It’s just what I do. But like you, it’s escape and entertainment. I like experiencing the adventures and emotions.
Amanda recently posted…Blind Date with a Book
Haha! Yes, this question isn’t easy for those who’ve been reading since a very young age. Glad I made ya think I bit!
I read books because I love reading about various characters being put into different situations and I love to experience what that character is going through in their adventures. I also read to escape from the complexities of real life and just sit down and enjoy a good story!
Ronyell (a.k.a Rabbitearsblog) recently posted…Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Reading can provide valuable insight to RL problems, but escape is a nice bonus too!
I think my answer would be the same. Entertainment and escape. My mom also read a lot and it’s nice to have something in common with her and I share a lot of my books with her even though we have a lot of differences in taste I have convinced her to try things she normally wouldn’t have, and she ended up loving them. Like she’s a total fan of YA time travel books now. I never would have guessed!
Candace recently posted…Book Review: The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
That’s funny about your mom’s reading preferences, mine liked thrillers and mysteries, but she also loved the Harry Potter series, so you just never know.
Mainly the top two you named, the escape and the entertainment. I loving dipping off in the worlds that authors come up and becoming slightly obsessed with those alpha males 😉
sharonda recently posted…Series Review: The Golden Pack Alphas: The Complete Series
There is no greater escape than in the fictional arms of an alpha male—hehe! Don’t tell my husband that I said that. 😉
I read because I’m never going to find in real life what are in the books I read. Since I read mostly paranormal romance I’m basically talking about vampires, werewolves, ghosts, aliens, and all the sexy that goes with them.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Review: Dot & Dot Small Packing Cubes
This is true. I wouldn’t hold your breath hoping that you might encounter one of your fav supes on the street some day, but in books anything goes!
Because I love it..but seriously I think I began because I always need to be busy.I lose track of time and I am constantly chasing that book high.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Unknown Assailant by Lina Gardiner
There’s no better rush that getting lost in an amazing story, or as you call it ‘book high’. Hehe! Nice one. 🙂
It’s definitely great entertainment, it is a hobby and my ‘me’ time to escape away from the reality of real life and to do something I have always enjoyed doing – immersing myself into another world.
A great post Carmel.
Sharon – Obsession with Books recently posted…Review: Scratch by Rhonda Helms
Me time is my favourite part of every day, but no many how many free hours I have, it’s never enough.
I read to escape as well. Just to forget about school, work, and responsibilities is nice. I also read to be entertained. Reading is so much more fun than watching TV or a movie, to me anyways.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #99: Book Blogger Cornucopia
Movies and TV do have their moments, but as a general rule I’ll pick books over those other two every single time.
I agree with every reason you mentioned above. Reading a book is exactly the same as watching a movie to me! It’s like a film in my head just with much more detail 🙂 Great post Carmel!!
Chanzie recently posted…Teaser Tuesday #15 & Top Ten Tuesday #16
Thanks, Chanzie!