How to Read Like a Book Dragon: a Reader’s Manifesto

Read like a Book Dragon. When I read, I focus…and this is one of two pictures of me prepping to read. It’s so normal…it’s like a fruity cocktail on a cruise…

I am not an ordinary bookworm. I do not crawl around contenting myself on bits and pieces of writing. No, I am a book dragon who treasures books like gold! I am the girl who, when faced with the release of her favorite author’s book, will wait in line for hours at Barnes and Noble and then stay up all night reading it despite what’s going on the next day. Because that’s what I do.

When people start a conversation with “what do you think I should read next?” I really don’ t think they’re prepared for my answers.

I am the girl who declares my reading list to be 4,586 fabulous books long on my GoodReads account …and am slowly chipping away at the stack.

I am the girl who forgets when she has read a book because I only started keeping track of them a few years ago…and sometimes when I get to chapter three, I think, gee, I’ve met this book already. And I read it again anyway.

I treat books like friends.

The only rule in my house for dogs is thou shalt not eat books.

Secretly, I love reading uber reading lists – and then comparing my list to other lists.

I have, on occasion, told people I had plans and stayed up reading all night.

I believe there is a connection between reading and everything else – it’s a way to connect with people in an introverted way.

I collect reading lists like most people collect shoes.

The only rule in my house for dogs is thou shalt not eat books.

I don’t have a single picture of me reading…because it’s something I always do. The closest one I saw was on a cruise ship with a book beside me…and that was before I settled in to read.

I have plans in my mind for a secret reading lair.

While reading, I have: drank water, coffee, tea, and fruity beverages depending on the book, genre, and topic. Example: when reading Jane Austen, I drink tea. When reading Stephen King, it’s a Bloody Stephen.

I know that there are moments in literature where food comes off the page so well I can almost smell it – and I sometimes make the food I read about.

I geek out when I see there is a “List of fictional beverages” online.

I know how to make a Gryffindor cocktail.

I’ve been to the places online where Hobbits make food and Trekkers imbibe recipes from Quark’s Bar.

I have genre-specific reading lists.

I think about joining writing groups, but respect my self-imposed reader deadlines – I get serious reading done. And I may join in for the comradery, I’d rather read on my own. For me, reading is a single-player event. 

I have traced the literary lineages of my heroes.

I keep notes on all the books I’ve read…and there is a specific folder marked “BookDragon’s Lair” that no one ever wants to go in…it scares them.

I continuously look for ways to make reading more fun.

I read epic shit, but I’m no book snob. I also read bodice rippers, paranormal romance, science, and things that just make me smile. I know there are people out there who are classics only and others who only want to read genres…but I like to mix it up – one day I’ll be reading Homer, and the next, I’m on to the latest Susan Grant or Preston & Child novel.

I read in PJs.

I read when traveling.

I read when stuck in line pretty much anywhere.

I was a “real books only” girl until my sister bought me a Kindle…and I crossed over to the dark side…and now I see that reading is reading no matter how you do it. I don’t care if you want to read on a computer, by paper, or smoke signals – get it done because reading changes lives! It opens you to new experiences.

I read prize winners…but I don’t stop there…I read things recommended by friends, librarians, and writers.  

I pay no attention to the New York Times Bestseller List – because it doesn’t show the total love of all things literature – although it’s a good place to start. What I read is a mark of distinction – I know what I love and read what I love. I would suggest you do too. 

I have an ancient hardcover dictionary marked with highlights, sticky notes, and paper clips.

I read that dictionary.

I never shame anyone for mispronouncing things because I too find new words through reading and don’t always take the time to go to the dictionary and learn it…sometimes I just search it online and that doesn’t always turn out best… so please, don’t shame others. People read to better themselves. Don’t tarnish other people’s sparkle. Instead, celebrate the fact that they are reading and appreciate them for who they are.

I love that words have multiple meanings and I often define words based on context clues.

I have traced word origins.

I love to predict the outcomes of mysteries…and love it even more when I’m wrong and the author shows me their logic!

When assigned readings came up in college, I read everything…sometimes twice. I loved dissecting the work and it always made me steamy when everyone else didn’t read it. I mean, we’re there to learn, so do the freaking learning.

When people tell me to skim words, it makes my skin crawl.

Want more books and more book dragon? Check this out.

Darlene’s Book World 

 

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