Hello everyone! Happy July! How are you? June was a pretty stressful month, except for a lovely weekend spent with my sister. I’m really looking forward to some time off. What about you? Any exciting plans for the summer (or winter)?
I’m back on the blog today to talk about all the damn reader stereotypes you can find out there about us bookworms and to tell the whole world how wrong they are (well…most of the time at least)! I bet you’re curious, let’s get right to it then!
10 Reader Stereotypes (And Why They’re Wrong)
🌪 Girls only enjoy romance books
… Or boys only like books with a lot of action in it. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It’s like saying girls only like to play with dolls and boys with cars or something. I DO love romance but I bet a lot of us out there don’t. And I really like other genres too, I enjoy fantasy and science fiction a lot and why should that be surprising really?! Love what you love, there should be no judgement about that. EVER.
Related blog post: Do YA books have too much romance?
🌪 We all want to be librarians (or writers)
… And want to write books, too. I guess it could be understandable.
Since we like books so much, why not work in that field? I bet it’s true for some of us. Me? I work in Communication and I love it. Would I enjoy working with books? Sure, why not, but right now I wouldn’t change anything. I love what I do and I love getting back from work and read… for pleasure only!
Readers are all wanna-be writers? I really don’t think so. I do like to write… blog posts, social media posts, press releases, etc… (I DO work in Communication) but a whole book? On my own? I just don’t think I have what it takes.
🌪 All readers are nerds
Geek, smart, intellectual, doing well in school, perfect with grammar and spelling… Mmh…why? How are the two connected? Sure, I did well in school (was…that time is long gone, haha!) but in English and reading helps me with writing, spelling, grammar, creativity but I sucked in Maths or Physics so yeah… not really true.
Am I smart? I guess. But there are so many kind of “smart” out there. Am I a nerd? A geek? If you look at the true definition, it says it’s someone passionate about technical novelties, particularly by computers, the Internet, video games. Uh…not at all.
🌪 If you’re a reader, you’re antisocial
You’re shy, introvert, kind of lonely, you don’t like to go out and party, don’t have many friends or none at all. I think we can blame movies, tv shows and even books on that one. I mean the girl who reads is ALWAYS the antisocial one.
WHY? Because reading is something we do alone? So it means we don’t like being with others? Bullshit!
Sure, reading is not really a “sharable” activity. It’s not like sports or theater or I don’t know what else. Even if, when you think about it… ever heard of buddy reading books? Or, I don’t know, book blogging?
I really don’t think all readers are like that. Truth to be told, I AM shy and introvert and not really into parties but is it really the norm for ALL bookworms?
🌪 All bookworms are know-it-alls
We know everything about eveything and we like to show it. Wrong!
I don’t know anything about anything and I absolutely hate to show off. So no, I don’t know where this stereotype is coming from.
🌪 We all are really snobby
We only values literary fiction or classics. We think all the “supermarket” books are garbage.
Uh? Really? I couldn’t be less into classics. They’re not my taste and sometimes I read books not really well written with plot holes and everything and you know what? I’m actually enjoying myself and I’m not even a little bit ashamed about it.
🌪 Readers hate all movies inspired by books
Wrong! Do we like the book better? Yeah, most of the time!
But we’re also capable to make a difference between the written story and the one on our screen. I LOVED To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (both the books and the movies), same for The Hunger Games. And that doesn’t make me a bad reader either.
🌪 We always wear glasses
OK…I’ll admit it… I wear glasses. But like A LOT of people these days. And do the glasses really make the bookworm? I’m not sure…
🌪 Book lovers hate the outdoors
Going outside? For some shopping in the city? Or go on a trek? Into the wild?
Well… YES! I LOVE to travel, I love nature. I’m not the most adventurous person out there but I do like to do other things besides reading. Shocking, right?!
🌪 Readers spend all their money on books
And we have books absolutely everywhere in our home.
Well… for the first one, I DO occasionally buy food, you know? Honestly? My money goes more into trips than books.
And for the second one…I gotta admit that…YES there are books everywhere. And I don’t regret a thing about that!
Bonus one!
🌪 All readers love cats
Where is this one coming from?? You want the truth? I DO love cats. Favorite animal ever. End of the discussion.
📌 Pin 10 reader stereotypes and why they’re wrong on Pinterest!
What do you think? Do you ever encounter those kind of reader stereotypes? Which ones are true about yourself? And which ones are making you really mad?
What about stereotypes in books? Do you think they are still really present or is it getting better?
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Loved this!!
Few of them were true for me too (yep- im also wearing glasses 😝) — but in fact, I’d spent most of my money on games a little bit more than books..
Thank you!! 😊
Haha, yaaay to glasses 😉
Thank you so much for stopping by, happy reading! 😘😘
This was such a great post to read! I hate when people just naturally assume that I know a lot of stuff since I read and I also hate when people believe that reading fiction is not good enough to expand our knowledge…I mean excuse you but I can plan a war and win…can you? It makes me so angry 😡
Thank you, I’m so happy you liked it ☺️
YEEES, YES, YES! It’s so annoying!!
This is a great post!
Bookworm stereotypes create a certain aura around you. When I say I have a book blog, most of the replies are “Oh! So you must have great marks” or “Are you planning to be an author?. Most people simply associate books with encyclopeadias and textbooks. Reading isn’t considered ‘cool’ anymore by some people. This is one of the stereotypes that annoys me a lot. No, I’m not a masochist. I don’t spend all my time studying and I do take breaks. Reading for fun is way different than studying.
I frequently encounter the author stereotype. Although I like reading fiction books, I prefer writing non-fiction. When I explain this to people, they act as if I’m not a true bookworm just because I’m not working on a fiction novel.
I absolutely loved this post and it’s address to bookish stereotypes.
Thank you! ☺️
YES, YES, YES! That’s exactly it!!
Ugh, people are annoying! 😓
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 😘😘
Even though I see myself in A LOT of the stereotypes, you’ve made several points. No two people in a group will ever be alike, so it just makes sense that readers aren’t all the same either.
Yeees! Stop making stupid assumptions!
Thanks for stopping by Kat 😘😘
This post is PERFECTION lol! So much fun to read and I would say something useful here but I can only agree with you tbh!!
Aww, thank you!! I’m so happy you enjoyed it ☺️☺️
Some of these apply to me but that doesn’t mean every reader should be classified by them. Like I wear glasses but I was reading before I wore glasses. Loved this post!!
Yes, exactly!!
Thank you so much 😘😘
This was amazing. I have seen and heard many of these stereotypes. I hope this changes people’s thoughts for readers.
Thank you! 😘😘
I hope so too 😊
YES!!!! I am screaming this is amazing!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
That second one about working as a librarian, I SO agree. As much as I love books… I don’t really want to work with them because they are something I love too much, you know? I’m very good with proofreading something other than books is still pretty fun, I should know I proofread food packaging 😅
Amazing post! 💕
Awwww, thank you!! That makes me so happy! 🥰🥰
Yes, I totally get that!
Oh, that’s so cool!!
Thanks again 💞💞
You’re very welcome! 😊💕
💞💞
The librarian one is definitely true about me 😂 I spent all of my time in the library at school and even helped out the librarian with her work, and it’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since.
Haha! Well…that’s awesome!! I hope you’ll get to do it 😁😁
Thank you so much for stopping by 😘
Great post, I was laughing a lot while reading! I think these days it’s harder to find a person who matches these cliches than the opposite. And, oh, men def love romance, maybe a little bit spiced more with action but most would never admit that which is ridiculous! As for pets, who doesn’t live them, book nerd or not. Only heartless people who come up with such cliches!
Thank you, that makes me so happy! 😁
Yes, totally agree with you! 😊
Happy readiiing 😘😘
One day my boyfriend and I went a bookstore (he loves the bookstore and I sometimes refuse to go because I’m so tempted to buy some books) and I found him in the store looking for Terry Brooks. I told him that they are in fantasy aisle. He was shocked I read fantasy books. That day I found a martial arts fantasy book series on that same aisle. I thought he would like it so I read it first, but he refuses to read it. Right now I’m reading The Hobbit.
Haha, totally get the temptation! 😂
I love thiiis, stop making assumptions people!
Thank you so much for stopping by 😘😘
“If you’re a reader, you’re antisocial”
*stares in extrovert who enjoys talking to people*
😂😂😂
Stop making stupid assumptions people pleaseee!
Thanks for stopping by 😘😘
OMG yes so many of these are so wrong! I do love romance, but I enjoy Fantasy more personally since I like escaping into a new reality. And for being antisocial? No. Yes, I’d rather stay home a lot but if my friends want to come over or just meet anywhere, I love to see them too!
YEEES! Same here!!
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Happy reading 😘😘
I love how some of these are so true but also very, very not! I LOOOOOOVE the outdoors!
Haha, YEEES!
Thank you for stopping by, happy readiiiing 😘😘
As a book lover who also adores the outdoors when she can drag herself outside, THANK YOU! All of these stereotypes def had me nodding my head.
I def used to be a book snob, though. I am sorry for contributing to that lol
Aww, you’re SO welcome! Those damn stereotypes are annoying as hell!
Haha, no worries 😉
Thank you for stopping by 😘😘
Is this right Every people judge the person with their shoes.
This was such a fun post, Nyx!! I have definitely heard of every single one of these stereotypes and even though I do fit into quite a few of them, doesn’t mean at all that you automatically have to if you enjoy books or vice versa!
Thank youuuu, I’m so happy you enjoyed it 😊 Yeeees, exactly! Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 😘😘
Okay, well I do want to be a writer (and I wouldn’t mind being a librarian either), and I wear glasses, but the other stereotypes don’t fit me at all! 🙂
Hehe! 😁
Thank you so much for stopping by 😘😘
Some of these stereotypes annoy me so much that I’ve written full fledged blog posts about the topic!
I feel like anyone could enjoy romance, but it’s mainly women that take the chance on the genre and display their love for those stories. I’m sure there are plenty of men out there that love romance though. But also, not every woman loves romance! Gendered genres are just the worst. Let people enjoy what makes them happy without judgement!
And I actually deliberately made the decision not to work in publishing. I love reading so, so much, but I want to keep it as a hobby. Although, part of that stems from me being a total nerd and wanting to pursue all the science and math with my engineering degree, so I guess I do fit one of those stereotypes after all!
Also, in terms of spending money on books, that one is probably true as well. I spend most of my money either on food and eating out or on books! The two most important things in life!
I really want to go into detail on my thoughts on all these stereotypes, but I’ll spare you! Just know that I agree with you wholeheartedly! These stereotypes have no basis. Some readers will happen to fit the stereotype, and others won’t, just like with any other kind of generalization!
YES, YES, YES! 100% agree with you!
Thank you so so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic! Glad to see I’m not the only one being annoyed, haha!
Talk soon! 😘😘