"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it." -- PJ O'Rourke

I have a confession to make...  I discriminate based on books.  I always check out what others are reading.  And I make conclusions about who they are based off of those books.  I'm not proud of this fact, and yet I continue to do it.

You want an example?  The easiest one is Fifty Shades of Grey...  My first thoughts when seeing a woman reading this (because I've never seen a man reading it): she doesn't actually read.  It's a harsh statement.  I don't think those people actually read the same way I don't think members of Oprah's book club read.  For them it's a social activity   It's a way for them to be part of the "cool" club.  They don't read for the love the story or the author.  My second thought: she doesn't have a healthy sexual relationship.  The sex depicted in the book is gross (and this coming from someone who likes sex and reading erotica).  The sex is bondage, but the worst form.  It's one step away from rape and I just cannot find that sexy at all.  My third thought: how can she read beyond the typos?  Ugh! Typos annoy the crap out of me.  I just paid X amount of dollars for a published author.  I expect it to be edited at least for typos.  I would really like if it was edited for content as well.  But no...

My example got kind of ranty, but that's the train of thought that rolls through my brain when I see someone reading Fifty Shades of Grey.  I have many other examples of my book snobbery.  Readers of science fiction: lonely.  Readers of literary fiction: snobs.  Readers of young adult (but are adults): wannabe teenagers.

Why do I have all these thoughts?  I read all these different genres (except  Fifty Shades).  I enjoy these different genres.  I love reading a variety of types of books by a variety of authors.  And yet, I judge others by their reading choices.  I want to change.  I want to a equal opportunity acceptor of reading habits.  I want to not see the book, but see the person.  End personal plea.  Now let me go and read my fluffy romances with the rest of the housewives...