I have always loved reading. Reading was a way to fully exist in the present and a present that didn’t have to be my own. I would become absolutely transfixed by the characters in my books, their struggles, joys, and stories. I liked all genres; the only requirement I have for the books I read is that they are interesting.  

Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me. Many around me shun traditional reading, opting instead for quick summaries on SparkNotes or cringing at the mention of a new favorite book of mine. Even more fascinating is a peculiar breed I've encountered at university—the Literary Purist. This reader only enjoys Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, War and Peace, books that fall into the category of the “classics”. Mention a modern bestseller by the likes of Colleen Hoover and watch them recoil in horror. They will scrunch their nose in disgust when you share a book that is “too simple,” dismissing anything that doesn’t bear the seal of canonical approval. 

This dichotomy among readers has left those of us who like a simple, engaging book to pass the time to fend for ourselves. So, why did this divide happen?  

I believe that there are three main reasons as to why this divide amongst people occurs. Firstly, our introduction to books—be it in school, by friends, or through family. Secondly, it is the type of books which we were first shown. Thirdly, it is what we seek to gain from our reading experiences. 

I believe that this divide begins at around 11 years old, when you're likely to encounter your first school-assigned book that fails to resonate on a personal level. For me that was Animal Farm. At its core, it’s a tale of farm animals, with a pig who ambitiously seizes control of the farm—an intriguing concept, no doubt. But what ruined the book for me was the emphasis on finding the meaning in every sentence. Whether or not the blue door was a simple choice of setting description or an analogy for the main character's relationship with religion is where my general distaste for reading came from. I believe that is where many people began to roll their eyes and became put off by reading. I decided to make a clear distinction in my mind of what a ‘school book’ is and what a ‘personal book’ is.  

School Book: A book which you have no real interest in and reading it is like pulling teeth. 

Personal Book: A book you pick driven by genuine enjoyment and curiosity, chosen freely, not out of obligation. 

The second reason for the wide range of opinions on books stems from the very first texts we're introduced to. The majority of the first books introduced in school are often written by old men from nearly a century ago, whose commentary on society and language can feel quite outdated. This historical aspect of literature tends to be steeped in elitism, with the antiquated language presenting a barrier to those not versed in its complexities. This wasn’t always a deliberate choice, but it has undeniably made these works less accessible and relatable to many without a certain level of education. Contrastingly, if one’s first introduction to reading is through bedtime stories read by a parent or swapping books from the Harry Potter series among friends, one is more likely to develop a fondness for reading. These experiences offer texts that are more engaging and easier to relate to. 

The third reason for our varied experiences with reading can be explained by what we each seek to gain. When I reach for a book, I look for entertainment—if it can captivate me within 100 pages or less, I’m satisfied. Meanwhile, others crave complicated works and intricate narratives because I assume they seek to be intellectually challenged when they read. The English majors of the world get satisfaction from turning over a page and admiring how their extensive annotations leave little to no blank space. 

That said, every form of reading holds value and deserves respect. Those who cherish the classics aren't necessarily pretentious, just as those who delight in romance or more provocative stories aren't shallow. The real loss is for those who never discover the joy of reading in any form, missing out on the weird random genre that might kindle a love for reading outside an academic context—a skill truly worth preserving.