Skip to main content

Reader Identity

woman reading a book outside in a park

The more I share my book thoughts and reviews, the more amazed I am at how many readers there are out there and just how many people enjoy talking about the books they're reading. Quite frankly, I'm blown away by the notion that there are people actively wanting to adopt the persona of being a reader, whereas I remember growing up, it was stigmatized as either boring or 'nerdy'. I used to cringe when I was in a position where I was asked to share about my hobbies as reading seemed to generate a sort of response where others would murmur about how they didn't know that people did that for fun.

To be fair, this might have been some of the social circles or settings I've been a part of over the years, but I think reading has generally become more mainstream now. Thankfully, I can let people know that I spend almost all of my free time reading (amongst other things), and others don't seem to bat an eye anymore.

While I have seen some content that discourages people from taking on reading as an identity or a personality, I would much rather that someone start to adopt this look or practice with the hope that they will become readers on their own. I think where these warnings originate is the sense that reading is an activity that is not meant to be on display only. I imagine that when authors write, they hope to make a difference in the readers' minds, if not hearts, while the reader interacts with their words. Books that are accumulated purely for aesthetic purposes probably look great, but they don't lead to anything transformative.

In being an avid reader my whole life, I have to admit that it's gratifying to see book culture come alive in different ways, even with all of the changes in the retail landscape. Reading seems to have become more than books; there is now a whole lifestyle attached to it. Whether readers are into cozy or academia motifs, so many products exist now to celebrate the act of reading. In a way, it's strange to think that book accessories extend beyond bookmarks, as anything can now be inspired by literary sayings or themes. Candles, socks, stickers—it's an entire culture unto itself.

I don't mind that some of this has been spurred on by those influenced by Bookstagram or Booktok; however, there is definitely a spicy element there to be avoided. Apart from that contingent, it is heartwarming to see this societal shift. Forbes produced an interesting piece last year entitled "Can BookTok Save Bookstores? Read Between The Lines" which examines this very question about the resurgence of reading. Although the books that are promoted are not ones I would read or necessarily recommend, it does give the appearance that younger generations are more so identifying as readers.

This all brings me back to the question of what it means to have reading as an identity. I try hard to have my identity solely in Christ, but at the same time, it's hard to hide that I'm a reader as well. While I do have to curb my tendencies to get the latest and cutest items promoting reading, I need to remember that I don't have anything to prove nor do I need to compare myself with anyone else. Reading is inherently personal and over the past year, I have leaned more on the Holy Spirit to guide me in this pursuit. I don't want to be a reader for the sake of being a reader. I want to be a discerning reader who continues to grow and transform as a result of engaging with all sorts of ideas, teachings, and stories. If anything, I want to figuratively do the following when I read the Bible and other books that teach me more about God:

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." - Deuteronomy 11:18

I can't not be a reader, but I don't have to let it consume me either. Meeting others online who love reading as much as I do is a tremendous blessing, but I have to be careful that it doesn't take over all of my other activities. At the same time, I can't think of a worthier way to spend time than by reading from and about God and worshipping Him through that action. Being a reader has shaped my Christian walk almost more than anything, and for that reason alone, I pray that I can keep making the time to read edifying books that solely point to Jesus. The joy of being a Christian reader is that we will encounter the One who fully satisfies, while we continue to broaden our understanding of faith.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: A Heart to Treasure - Searching Hearts #1

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s br...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, you’ll receive powerful in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: The Road Unveiled - Bicycle Adventures #2

If you've had the opportunity to read The Persistent Road by  Tim Bishop , The Road Unveiled is the second book in the Bicycle Adventures series where you can follow along for an up-close look at trekking across America with nothing but the wind and the open road. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the end as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of American national parks. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : violence, assault, kidnapping Book Synopsis Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming. Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with...
3 comments
Read more