Why We Read: one reader's exploration of the power of books in our lives

Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries and Just One More Page before Lights Out by Shannon Reed. It has been asked of every bookworm: Why do you read so much? What is so great about ink and pages? Why are you crying so hard at a fictional story, for functional people? Shannon Reed, a longtime teacher, lifelong reader and a New Yorker contributor, writes to make the case as to why readers read in a collection of stories about reading for escape, reading to learn, to find love, and encounter new worlds are among the many, many reasons. She shares stories from her life as a reader, as a teacher, a student and later a professor. From the varied novels she cherished and the ones she didn’t, trips to libraries and introducing classic novels to a new generation, Ms Reed writes to take readers on a tour through the world of literature and celebrates the beloved books which bring comfort, tears and transformation. 

I was excited to read a book on books and bookworms, expecting a hilarious exploration of the joys of reading and the books that changed our lives in a “whip-smart, laugh-out-loud funny collection.” Unfortunately, that is not what I got. It wasn’t a deep dive into the transformative power of reading. Ms. Reed came across as condescending and smug as she writes. I feel that as an Academic overshadows her personal connection to books and her fellow bookworms. She had an “I know better” attitude. At one point, she talks about not writing to authors as they are busy writing and they don’t want to  interact with readers. I found this weird and untrue. Granted some authors may agree with this statement. However, many authors I have interacted with, online and in emails, love hearing from readers. Her humor fell flat for me. I didn’t laugh, I rolled my eyes, cringed at certain statements. I could see where she was trying to be funny but it wasn’t working for me. I do not recommend Why We Read. It should be titled Why I Read. 

Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries and Just One More Page before Lights Out

Is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook