Would you Share The Book You're Reading if Asked?

Today, my friend told me that her husband asked her to read an excerpt of the book she was reading aloud to him, and when she refused, and he got a little miffed at her over it. She feels that books are her escape route from the real world, and that reading it aloud would diminish the sacred nature of the 'book world' it's created. She wanted my feelings on the situation. Her two-part question asks: would I have acted the same way, and/or was she being selfish/childish? Here's what I replied:

I can't really say for sure, personally, what should or should not have done in this situation because every person is different. We all experience a book in a different way.

Chance and I read a lot of the same books, so either he's already read what I'm reading (or plans to later), or sometimes we read aloud to each other (mostly he reads aloud and I listen because I really like to hear his voice), and other times we sit there and read the book together. We really enjoy discussing the layers of meaning and all the little intricacies of whatever book we've read, and it's ever so much more meaningful when we both know the book, even more when we read it together (or separately but at the same time).

I completely agree with books being an escape, but for me, I want to share whatever magical fantasy world (I read a lot of fantasy and science fiction) I'm in with anyone who will listen, because I want everyone to love the book as much as I do. 

We read a lot in our house, though, and it's something we are teaching our kids to value. I never turn down reading to them when they ask (unless they ask at a really bad time, like when I'm in the bathroom or cooking. Then they have to wait). I can't count how many times I've read Harry Potter to my kids, and I eagerly await the day I can read Lord of the Rings to them (atm it'll just go over their heads too much, I feel). 

So in conclusion,no, I don't think you were being selfish. I really think it varies from person to person and is completely based on how you feel (of course, if it's gonna cause hurt feelings for one party or another, it's something that should be taken into account. "does this mean enough to me to hurt ___'s feelings by not sharing, or cause me to have hurt feelings because ___ doesn't understand how I feel about it'. It could be a good way to open a dialogue about how you both feel on the topic). 

A side note though, sometimes reading to each other (or your kids, or whoever) can create a new and different type of intimacy you wouldn't otherwise experience, because you are sharing this sacred and magical 'book world' with people you love and care about. It can not only enhance the book, by having a sharing experience, but it can be really enjoyable to share in the first place, depending on what you're reading.

It's not to say that I don't experience the same level of selfishness, I also just love reading so much and want to encourage it in everyone that I'm able to look past my personal feelings to welcome others into my book world with me. I want everyone to experience the same magic and excitement I experience (and I get really childishly hurt and upset if they don't feel the say way I do about the book).

It's all about personal viewpoints, I guess. You're never too old (or too young) to fall in love with a book. 

This leads to opportunities for lively and great discussion, and a lovely opening to create a dialogue with your partner on the subject of books and reading. Would you have acted the same? How do you feel about books and reading? Do you like to share your book?

Regardless of how anyone feels, books are a magical world to be shared with everyone. Anyone can become a reader at any age. Reading expands your mind and opens you to new experiences, all from the comfort of your own home.  It is vitally important that we teach our children the same love and respect for books that people like my fellow bookworms and I have, and nuture and develop a love of reading that extends well into their adult lives. No matter what genre you read, reading is vital to a child's learning and development, and if they see their parents/guardians/idols/care givers reading, it well help to foster and encourage a love of literature that will last through the ages. 

Remember, children learn by watching, so let them see you read! Let them see how important it is to you, and encourage them by reading to them, or if they are old enough to read on their own, praise them for choosing reading as a free-time activity. Establish rewards in your house for number of books read, or choosing to read a book instead of watching TV/playing video games. Nuture and encourage a love of reading, because all children can appreciate a trip to a magical new land, one they wouldn't have found on their own. 

One of my all time favorite things to do is curl up with a good book and read all day, and this is doubly, triply awesome when my kids want to do the same thing. I can't begin to find the words to describe how happy it makes me when my children ask me to read to them. There's nothing like having your toddler bring you a book and say 'Lets read, mommy.' For me, it's truly one of the most beautiful things in the world, seeing my kids love books as much as I do.