Does your reading make you feel rejected and/or an outcast?

Question

Very few in my family read, and can't care less about reading. Not my wife, neither of my brothers, my cousins and so on. When I have family over and they sit in our living room surounded by hundreds of books, I sense that they get uncomfortable, for some reason, I'm not sure why. And its difficult to talk to them about my writing. I feel there is a wall between myself and the majority of my family and friends.
Is anybody in this situation? How do I reconcile my two worlds? What should I do?

Answer 1

Vive la difference! Difference is what makes the world go round. No, it shouldnt make you feel outcast or uncomfortable. It sounds like it is a case of people feeling inferior to you - like maybe they aren't smart enough for you. Are there other things you enjoy with them? Do you watch sports? Do you maybe sit and play games with them? It sounds to me like sitting in your living room doesn't come with much fun for them. Well, show them they are wrong about that. I get the impression you don't sit and READ in front of guests, and that is probably a good idea. But what if you turned on the TV and said "How about those Yankees?" and sat down with them to cheer for a game? Or dig out some of the old board games and get the family laughing and playing. It sounds like they don't feel that they communicate on the same level as someone who has read Ulysses or The Odyssey. Well, show them that you can be just as much of a fun guy as the next guy can. Plan some fun activities for when your family comes over. It's summer - plan an outside BBQ so they don't have to sit in your book room. Believe me, I totally understand. When we have guests, my mother and son scream HIDE THE BOOKS. Like I was committing a crime here. Sheesh! Find different ways to take the emphasis off that room and away from your books. If there is one family member you are particularly close to, maybe the two of you can sit down and discuss this. (I bet behind your back they call you "Shakespeare" or something! I think my family calls me that behind my back too). But the most important thing is that I don't think you should feel depressed because of it. You are what you are - you were blessed with the thirst for knowledge and the love of reading. I got mine from my Granny who was a newspaper reporter. I'm sure somewhere in your family, someone passed the gift along to you, too. Enjoy your gift, but enjoy your family, too. Pax - C

Answer 2

These days a larger and larger portion of the population may know how to read, but choose not to. It's not a common gift anymore. Most people these days are more apt to watch tv, movies, websurf, rent DVD's, or just about anything BUT read.

There's nothing wrong with reading - it expands your mind in ways that no illegal drug can EVER do. It enriches your imagination, and gives you insights into things that most people do not have. Never stop reading - books are the writer's way of saying to the whole world "You are not alone..."

Answer 3

I feel similar too.

I get into books way too much. I speak of them like...like theyre real and people always rudely snap in my face 'Hey its a book get over it!'

For instance -

While reading the Outsiders by S.E Hinton I went crazy over Dallas's and Johnny's death...everyone rolled their eyes and told me to wake up and start worrying about 'real' things.

When Sirius back died in Harry Potter 5...I went crazy...I started making things up telling people he wasn't dead...and you know what people do? Laugh in my face.

I take books so seriously. Idk why.

The thing is with a book...you feel like you're part of it. You have no worries, no cares, no fears. Except the ones from the book. Its like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

My whole family will sit on the couch or computer while I'm curled up in a chair on our deck reading something.

I have alwasy been big into reading.

2nd grade I had a 10th grade reading level...o.0

3rd grade I had a 12th grade reading level...o.0

BY 4th grade....I had the reading level of a college kid. amazing I know.

I feel like theres a wall too. I can relate more to these characters from a book...nothing more than a figment of our imaginations, more than I can relate to real people...

What to do? I honestly don't know.

I have found talking to people who like the same things...even if theyre total strangers helps. It makes you feel as if youre not alone. Around your family and friends, try not to talk about it. One day they'll realize of the greatness you and your reading/writing carries. Then we'll see whos blocked by the wall.

One day the people who dont care about reading and writing will NEED to know how. And theyve put it off so long there will be a wall longer the the Great wall of China. they'll try to get by and try to pass, but the books wil be hitting them in the face.

so try not to feel bad. Dont feel like an outcast. This means your just smarted. ;)

I hope I helped!

Answer 4

Well do you intentionally shut them out while you read? Do you read while you could be interacting with your family or friends?
I read quite a lot and don't find the experiences you have had. I too have an extensive library and my friends while they're not as enthusiastic as me about reading, aren't uncomfortable about them. It could be that you're becoming an island in a large sea.

Answer 5

Don't let others make you feel like an outcast because you read.I read all the time, whereas my fiance only reads the sports section of the newspaper.Do what you love to do.They have no right to judge you.

Answer 6

I am lucky here I like to read and my husband also like to read also..I get so wrapped up in it..Love too read.But I know how you feel cause my daughter does not read books nor does her husband .I know at times you feel like an outcast..but you are not..You can learn from books and it is very enjoyable too.

Answer 7

Don't feel depressed because of this. All people are different and your love for books is shared by lots of people here.