Am I the only one who doesn't read? Ever?

[Anonymous]

Not completely true -- but if it isn't in the Wall Street Journal or Forbes, I frankly probably don't care enough to read it.

I find it amazing that all of my friends and colleagues have a book going at all times. The last time I read a book for pleasure was 1 book 10 yrs ago. The last time before that -- someone was forcing me to read the "classics" in HS though my idea of reading those was speeding reading and reading the cliff notes to ace the test. I didn't read a single book in college (finance major and I made sure to come in with AP credit so I could get out of the reading intensive liberal arts kinds of requirements though I think we were only required to take 2-3 of those max anyway).

I used to read a lot when I was a kid -- up until maybe 6th-7th grade (think Babysitters Club and the like) and then when I stopped, that was it. I'm otherwise a well educated professional, 2 ivy degrees etc. I just can't pretend to care about fiction; I don't know how to get into it. As for non fiction -- theoretically that sounds better bc at least you're learning something, but I don't have the attention span to stick with a 300 pg biography.

[Anonymous]

I don't read for pleasure.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, OP. You're missing out on so much.

[Anonymous]

I read at the pool and that's about it.

[Anonymous]

I stopped reading fiction a long, long time ago. Before I had kids, I had two magazine subscriptions: Smithsonian Magazine and Scientific American. I used to read those cover to cover. Apparently, non-fiction is much more my thing. Since I've had kids, the magazines piled up so I cancelled the subscriptions. I pretty much just read stuff on the internet when I'm in the mood. Both of those magazines have nice websites.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a huge book reader either. It's kind of odd because I used to love to read books and was obssessd with romance novels in high school. I think lack of time is why I lost interest.

[Anonymous]

I read a lot. Combination of fiction and non-fiction depending on the mood. I can't imagine not reading. OP what do you do to get your mind off of work and kids. Serious question. Reading is my form of escape.

[Anonymous]

Man, I LOVE reading. I work full time with two young kids and love reading, both fiction and nonfiction. I commute by metro usually 3 days a week and try to read then, as well as sometimes on the weekends when kids are playing or I'm waiting at one of their activities. Love it! I go through about a week a week or every two weeks.

[Anonymous]

I love to read as well, probably get through a book every 2-3 weeks (sometimes faster depending on what's going on). DH hates to read, and thinks I'm crazy. It's also my escape.

[Anonymous]

I read, but mostly I listen to recorded books thru Audible.com. I listen when I drive, when I walk the dogs, when I'm cleaning up the kitchen. I love it and go through about a book a week

[Anonymous]

I mostly read nonfiction when I do read, but really haven't read much since having kids. The times I used to read - on planes, on vacation, at the pool, etc. are now all occupied by child duties. I read all day at work for work purposes and so it is not my choice of activities in the evenings. Mostly I do jigsaw puzzles.

I did read a ton during my first maternity leave thanks to a Kindle and a baby who slept nowhere but on me. Not all nonfiction is biography. I rarely pick up a biography.

After law school I had no desire to read anything ever again. It took me years to pick up a book for fun.

[Anonymous]

If I didn't have kids, I would be reading all the time. I sometimes read after they go to bed but I am so exhausted I end up falling asleep.

[Anonymous]

Do you have other hobbies? What do you do when you're not reading? Do you have kids, and do they read? (Or do you make them read?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not completely true -- but if it isn't in the Wall Street Journal or Forbes, I frankly probably don't care enough to read it.

I find it amazing that all of my friends and colleagues have a book going at all times. The last time I read a book for pleasure was 1 book 10 yrs ago. The last time before that -- someone was forcing me to read the "classics" in HS though my idea of reading those was speeding reading and reading the cliff notes to ace the test. I didn't read a single book in college (finance major and I made sure to come in with AP credit so I could get out of the reading intensive liberal arts kinds of requirements though I think we were only required to take 2-3 of those max anyway).

I used to read a lot when I was a kid -- up until maybe 6th-7th grade (think Babysitters Club and the like) and then when I stopped, that was it. I'm otherwise a well educated professional, 2 ivy degrees etc. I just can't pretend to care about fiction; I don't know how to get into it. As for non fiction -- theoretically that sounds better bc at least you're learning something, but I don't have the attention span to stick with a 300 pg biography.

You're reading DCUM. I'd say that counts as reading both fiction and nonfiction, as well as social science research.

[Anonymous]

My relative, who dropped out of high school, does not read and is very proud of that fact. I think as long as you are ok with not wanting to read much, and don't fault others for wanting to read, it really is ok. It's when you either make fun of others for reading, or beat yourself up for not enjoying reading, that are problems.

I have a friend who only reads non-fiction (and the shorter, popular forms of non-fiction) and I only want to read escapist mysteries after majoring in English Lit.

I love reading, but know not everyone does. You may have other hobbies you enjoy more.