But anyways - I get the same thing. Books do seem to invite people. I know it makes ME smile when I see someone engrossed in a book. Because I know what that feels like. So now it is like we are part of the same secret club. Except, well, it isn’t a secret.

Natural: Feel you on those ghetto books. I read one a decade ago. It took me a week just to get my mind right after I finished. My slang had increased. I was using more profane language.

WoW… You forwarded the post? That’s what’s up. Scanning, reading… I’m happy you passed it along. Thank you.

MarvalusOne: There is always an upside of being “nosy” that can help you discover a new offering to read.

Meleah: Same thing I said. I looked at the person like they were crazy. I couldn’t understand it. They obtain magazines for the pictures. Now think about that. Good to be back.

Grace: I remember doing that when I was younger. More so because we were asked to do it by the school. But then I started doing it in my every day life. What I also dis was create a new cover for it. More on that later.

Literanista: LOL… I can see you turning your nose up now. You’re right about those communities. Borders.com just went Web 2.0. I have you check it out?

RawDawgBuffalo: Agreed!

Afroamericawriter: Thank you for stopping through. Reading diversity is something a lot of folk lack. I feel you though. I’m sorta the same. Nora has the affect on people. I’ve always considered a good book or good author to be a gateway drug. Once you start a whole new world is opened up to you.

Ms. Q: I’ve known you to be a well read person. It does take a level of energy to interact with people. Traveling can take a lot out of you. But at the same time you discover so much while at the airport or plane. But you know this already…

it’s true though, books are people magnets. people comment on what i’m reading all the time. i can read anything, but i’m not a fan of ghetto books. too much cussin’.

black people do read, it just depends on who you choose to associate yourself with. the majority of my friends are readers..then i have friends that refuse to read long emails or post. i sent a group of my friends your post on the power of One. I think they scanned it. lol

When it comes to what people read, I admit that I do make some assumptions. It’s hard not to! I also wonder if I see someone reading what I think of as an usual book. I mean, it’s one thing to read something from the best seller’s list, despite how good the book is - I wonder, did the person pick it or do they just read stuff from the best seller’s list? Like this matters! I have read best sellers.

Holding a book can invite conversation from strangers. I have also asked a stranger (man or woman) what they thought of a book I saw they were reading. If they are reading something I’ve enjoyed or something from an author I follow, I may make conversation.

When it comes to traveling and being interrupted while reading…I dunno. It all depends on my mood. If I’m tired, I don’t have the social energy! But sometimes it seems like the other person needs to talk and then I just go with the flow. The book is always there and the person may not be.

I try to read all sorts of novels. Reading definitely improves your writing and of course, writing regularly improves your writing.

I agree with Afroamericawriter - don’t read the same thing all the time! I’ve read thrillers, action/espionage, gothic romance, sci-fi, fantasy, chick lit, self help, classic English Lit (Hardy, Dickens, etc. etc), detective…

First time on your site via Average Bro. Well the lack (or little) reading is one of those things I don’t get with folks. I can always tell through a person’s writing and speaking at times if such habit is missing.

Now I don’t judge folks for what they read but just like a diet; you shouldn’t eat the same thing all the time. Yes you might see me at the airport with a business magazine, Vanity Fair and sometimes a fashion magazine.

But there have been times I just needed a lighter fare. Once during a delay (the holidays no less) at the airport, I bought a Nora Roberts book at the Airports bookstore. It was one in a trilogy and ended up finishing it before I got to my destination. Guess what? I loved the book so much, on my return, I bought the second book in the trilogy.

I think people approach you because you seem like a cool, friendly dude and they want your take on things - the book is an opening, literally and figuratively.

Why do you think those online book communities are so hot? ; )

Peace,
Lit

Glad to have you back!

Why do people do this? Nosy, I guess…I would say that I’m nosy, and curious, and an avid book lover…