Everyone knows someone who doesn’t like to read. What a shocker! These reluctant readers can be of any age. Trust me, there are a good many adults who hate reading, and readers everywhere consider it their life’s mission to convert reluctant readers into eager beavers. While this is certainly a noble cause, many readers can get overzealous and end up driving away reluctant readers. Here are some things that you should not do when trying to get someone to read:
- Do not shove a book in their face and say, “Read, darn it!” I shouldn’t have to explain this one. Don’t shove books in people’s faces. That’s just mean. Don’t give orders to read the book after shoving said book in their face. That’s just adding insult to injury. And shoving a book in someone’s face will not make the book rub off on the person’s brain in any way. That’s not how knowledge is gained. As a reader, you should already know that.
- Do not tell them they will learn to love reading, or they just haven’t found the right book yet, or the right book is out there waiting for them, or something equally sappy that you would expect to find in a romcom. Also, do not say things like “join us”. They will either get their back up and dig their heels in, or they will become a bit concerned for you.
- Do not start them off with a book that is too far out of their comfort zone. If you’re trying to get someone who loves rainbows and bunnies to read, handing this person Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will not end well. Likewise, if your reluctant reader is into horror films, don’t start them off with a cheesy paperback romance unless you want to watch them gag. These people may come to expand into other genres after they start reading, but unless you really know the person and what they’re willing to try, start with something in their comfort zone. Otherwise, you might need to prepare to have the book shoved into your face.
- Do not stop them from reading what they want to read. Many people can be put off reading by being kept from the books that interest them. (e.g. “Science fiction? That isn’t literature! Graphic novel? That doesn’t count! Hey, how come you’re not interested in books anymore?”) Also, imposing strict reading levels (i.e. “This book is too easy/difficult for you so you’re not allowed to read it.”) can bring a reader who is eagerly looking for new books to a screeching halt. There’s no harm in letting someone read an easy book, nor is there any harm in letting someone try a challenging book. I mean it. Nothing bad will happen. Go try it right now. I dare you. Apply Barbossa’s attitude from The Curse of the Black Pearl to reading levels: treat them like guidelines.
- Do not force them to read. Forcing someone to read can make them resentful. Nobody wants to have books shoved down their throat. Just picture someone reenacting the infamous scene from The Shining: someone chopping down a door and yelling through the hole, “Here’s Madam Bovary!” Maybe that’s a worst-case-scenario, but too much forced reading can make someone run from it. And again, you might get a book shoved in your face.
There is a plethora of ways to keep reluctant readers reluctant, but these are some of the best ones. You have good intentions (I hope), but take a step back and make sure you’re not scaring readers away.
For example, are you assigning books because you’re teaching a class on those specific books? Perfectly acceptable.
Are you assigning books because you want to expose your students to a variety of literature? Also perfectly acceptable.
Are you assigning books based on restrictions such as page count, reading level, and “acceptable genres”? Murky waters here.
Use your best judgement. I’m not here to point fingers at people trying to get other people to read. If you’re helping others to read, good for you! If you’re not doing anything on this list while doing that, that’s even better! And if you want something cool to entice reluctant readers with, have them click the button below.
Leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or just have something cool to say!