Booking Through Thursday – Definition
Posted on June 26, 2008 in Books
What, in your opinion, is the definition of a “reader.” A person who indiscriminately reads everything in sight? A person who reads BOOKS? A person who reads, period, no matter what it is? … Or, more specific? Like the specific person who’s reading something you wrote? – BTT
When someone proclaims that they are a reader, I infer that the person reads a lot of books or periodicals frequently and enjoy it. I tend to relate it to a hobby so people who use the term mean they enjoy it. I guess some people can say that a reader is just someone reads whatever, but most of us in the Western world are literate, and those who enjoy it or do so often enough can be considered readers. My definition of it is a bit broad.
the ability to perform the mechanics and having the understanding of written words does not count as “literate”, I think. I think it was Mark Twain who said, “A person who can read and doesn’t, has no advantage over someone who cannot read.”
It’s the joy of reading that makes the difference, I agree.
I agree: my definition is broader, too.
I think it’s reading for pleasure that defines a reader, but I don’t think only someone who reads books is a reader. I used to lament that my boys weren’t readers because they rarely read books, until I realized my oldest reads much more than I do on the Internet. He is constantly sharing interesting tidbits he finds. That kind of reading gives him pleasure: he’s not so much into stories.
I think enjoying it is a big part of being a reader!
Yes, I agree. A reader is someone who chooses to read instead of other things because they enjoy reading.
I often think of a reader as being more well rounded. Although they may have a favorite genre they still know a bit about all.
I agree. A reader enjoys reading.
Hi, I’m here to cheer you on for the ‘Thon!
and, I’ve been reading all these ‘what is a reader’ posts and I think if someone calls themself a reader, who am I judge that they are not?