Being a bookworm is really NOT good for one’s social life. I’ve loved to read since I was in second grade (that’s when I remember reading my first chapter book on my own – I think it was one of the Ramona Quimby books). But having your nose in a book all the time does not make you popular.
Exhibit A: I am 10 years old. My family is on vacation in Tennessee, driving through the Smoky Mountains. I, of course, am reading a book. Out of the blue, my dad says, “Karissa! We’re driving through these beautiful mountains! You don’t get to see this view often! Put your book down and look out the window.” Even though my feelings are a teeny bit hurt, I oblige. After about a minute of taking in the view, I really want to go back to my book.
Exhibit B: I am 19 years old. My church college group is on a mission/fun trip to Los Angeles. We have rented a 12-passenger van and are driving to some church to paint and clean. I have a book to keep me occupied while we inch through traffic. I spend the rest of the trip getting made fun of for reading. Even when it’s my turn to sit shotgun and pick the radio station, I can’t decide and keep flipping through stations. I’m pretty sure the entire group shouts in unison, “Read, Karissa! Read!” As in, get the heck away from the radio dial and go back to your book, you nerd! (Lesson learned: Cool college kids don’t like books . . . or at least they don’t admit it.)
Exhibit C: I am . . . my age right now . . . we’ll say 29 (wink wink) and I’m sitting at a birthday party for my son’s classmate, thinking that kids’ birthday parties really make me feel like a socially awkward teenager again. Two parents near me are discussing this big production the school put on the week before. I was not able to attend it because I had to work, but I figure this might be my chance to edge into the conversation. “So did you like the K4 presentation?” I ask. The mom turns to me and said, “Oh, yeah, I thought they did such a great job and were so cute in their Chinese costumes. What did you think?”
Crap. Busted. “Well, actually, I wasn’t there. I had to work,” I admit.
Look of judgment from super-I’m-at-every-single-school-function-and-so-I’m-better-than-you mom.
My last attempt at saving myself: “So, have you read The Hunger Games?”
“Um, no.”
Epic Fail. I guess I’ll never be part of the “in crowd.”
But I’ll still love books.
*Thanks to my daughter for posing for a bookworm picture.
There’s nothing wrong with reading. I remember a picture my mother took of me when I was about 9 y/o sitting a table reading. It’s always good to be an avid reader. I haven’t read the Hunger Games trilogy yet, but I have seen the movie. Maybe I’ll get started on the books this summer. Btw, it seems like your reading trait was passed down to your daughter.
I agree! A lot of this post was tongue-in-cheek (although it was all true). I will not apologize for loving to read. And yes, my daughter’s a book lover too. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
found your blog searching “books” and can i say i wholly relate! not everyone can appreciate a bookworm, but being a bookworm automatically makes you a more interesting and well-rounded person in my opinion.
Great opinion! I agree . . . actually I’ve been in lots of great conversations about books with other adults . . . but yes, there have been those awkward “I’m a nerd” moments, too! 🙂
I still remember when I was a little girl and my mother took me to our town library. It was in the basement of the court house and smelled musty, but I found Nancy Drew books there and books about ballerinas and Amelia Bedelia, of course! Lots of fun memories. Glad you and your daughter are continuing the bookworm tradition in our family!
What a great memory! And I remember being a little girl and you taking me to the library . . . the torch keeps getting passed! 🙂
Ugh! We’re all a little socially awkward! :S
I don’t remember Exhibit B at all!
Were you in the other van? Maybe we rented 2?
It was still an awesome trip – I will always remember Alan going, “Read, Karissa! Read!” LOL
wow- this is totally me. And it will be my first born, and probably more of my kids. No matter how much they try they will be geeks who find their clique in the bandroom or computer lab (for programming, NOT playing games!). Love that you wrote about this, it’s so stinkin’ true!! 🙂
Oh, yes, that’s me too. Never outgrown it. My oldest daughter is an exact copy.
I can relate 100%! I’ve always been a bookworm. I’m hoping my kids follow in my footsteps!