Could someone please tell me what a book snob actually is?
Could someone please tell me what a book snob actually is?
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Could someone please tell me what a book snob actually is?
Ha! My mother in law. She will only read books that have been well reviewed by respected critics. Mostly NYT critics.
Isn’t that her choice? Some people I know only read mysteries by women authors, others like romance, etc. As long as she doesn’t look down at others, others shouldn’t look down on her for her choices.
Totally her choice. Also no library books, only new hard backs. Also her choice. She also makes comments about how those are not my choices which I think makes her snobby.
@Ellen , oh wow. That is not kind to comment(or even think!) in other people’s choices. Ugh. I always wonder if people act superior about one thing if they also judge people on other things. Sorry you have to deal with that!
I thought this cartoon posted on here the other day sort of addressed it.
You like what you like. Everybody is a snob. Some for high brow; some for low brow. Some for both. (Me) ?♀️
I enjoy a bit of both.
Book snob has a particular meaning. Here’s a humorous summary: https://101books.net/2012/06/08/how-to-know-if-youre-a-book-snob/
There’s only so much time in life to read. It’s worth being picky about what you personally read, using whatever criteria appeal to you. It’s probably not worth looking down on other people for reading a book you wouldn’t.
I like all of these answers.
I’m pretty sure that is what people with shitty, lazy reading habits call people who are passionate about literature. :/
Who gets to decide what counts as “literature”? you? Why would reading other things make one “lazy”? Let me guess, you don’t really “enjoy” reading at all. It’s something you do to help you feel superior to other people. Sorry. That’s just SAD.
Blimey, you are grumpy. I was joking.
I learned not to knock other people’s reading choices. Especially when you are sitting in an outside toilet and you discover you are going to be there for awhile. Also, if you really didn’t like it you could always express your opinion when you were ready to leave the outhouse Either that or the Sears and Roebuck Catalog!
I thought it was funny lol
I’m just happy people still read! I know so many people who never read at all, especially young people. So I find it encouraging to see other people talking about favorite books, recommending books to each other , etc.
I didn’t start reading till I was in later thirties, just cause I always felt like a slow reader. I picked it up cause my mom always enjoyed reading and I was sick of bad tv.
I read anything. My interests go from fiction, mysteries, science fiction, basically anything that captures my interest.
I think of a book snob as someone who ridicules another person’s reading interests.
I don’t think it’s actually based on what you read because we all have different preferences but more of you coming off pretentious. It’s super annoying when someone has a holier than thou attitude when talking about what they read.
Any of you see the movie “A League of their Own”? One of my favorite scenes in that movie is where all the gals are on the bus, and Madonna’s character is teaching one of them to read. It is some sort porn book. One of the characters acts outraged over the porn. Madonna’s character says basically – at least she’s reading! Always loved that scene!
Shirley Baker: Her. M – mi – mil – mil – milky, milky. White, white. Milky white.
Evelyn Gardner: Mae. What are you giving her to read?
Mae Mordabito: Oh, what the difference does it make? She’s reading, okay? That’s the important thing. Now go away, go, shoo, shoo. Go ahead, Shirley, you’re doing good.
My personal definition: A reader who is insecure in their own intellectual and taste capacity, and therefore relies on others/awards to establish criteria for values in reading.
Corollary: An internally secure reader finds enjoyment and value wherever their personal interests lead them.
I like this summation. I think you are right.
Spot on, Laura.
In my opinion, it is a person who feels like there are “quality books” and “junk,” and likely reads “junk” on the sly, lol.
My opinion? It’s all good. I’ve read the cereal box a million times and I’ll read it again tomorrow. 🙂
Yes! I do the same with my shampoo & conditioner bottles
My People!! I will literally read anything that lies close at hand.
In Germany, we officially have this distinction. It’s U and E literature, U being Unterhaltung (light enjoyment) and E being Ernste Literatur (serious, of academical interest). In my opinion, it does no good because authors who want to be acknowledged as serious can’t write entertaining, because then they are in danger to being put in the “wrong” category. And yet, having studied literature, there are some quality criteria one can (!) apply to his or her read. But nobody has to anyway 😉
I believe we make the same distinction in the US by dividing fiction into literature and genre fiction. Serious writers might write a dystopian novel, but they don’t want it called science fiction.
@Patricia oh thanks I didn’t know that! Actually, that had been my explanation, why so many US American and Canadian Authors manage to write qualitatively well AND entertaining at the same time, while in Germany, it’s mostly either-or. Will have to reconsider there 🙂
I loved living in Germany but they sure love being exact.
Someone who doesn’t read anything you can buy at the supermarket.
I Don’t read Mills and Boone : D!!
Look back through some of the earlier posts today. I think you just might find the perfect example. ???
I think I know exactly what you’re talking about. I read that post right before getting out of bed and all I can say is that I don’t need coffee anymore today 😀
Agreed!
Yep, read that one and was just shaking my head!
@Nancy Right? That person is practically saying we’re not good enough to recommend our crap, “but do try…” ? No thanks.
Lol, true. Several of my favorite authors were mentioned. I knew I was “not worthy”!
Exactly! Let us just bow down and cater to her elite and pretentious tastes, shall we? Our recommendations are clearly not good enough and we need to do our research and make sure our responses are well thought out before we reply to her posts…..right…. ?
Jennifer Swickard …or do something better with our lives and ignore that. 🙂
Well, I’m not too sure about that. The poster freely admitted to reading “trash”, so I think the post was more dismissive than intended. I think the poster was just trying to avoid random selections that wouldn’t appeal. Just my opinion there, however.
Andreia Niculita I think you were reading something that wasn’t there. If you don’t like what she reads, just don’t offer her recommendations. When I read her list, I thought, “Wow, this is MY list.”
It wasn’t the list as much as the attitude that went with it.
Ah, that’s easy. There are many books out there that are not what someone well read would consider good literature. They would not consider even lifting a finger to certain “styles”. In saying that, there is a place for everything, but book snobs exist as do any other kind of snob.
then we must define ‘someone’, ‘well-read’ and ‘good literature’
I’d gouge my eyes out instead of reading those romance novels. I want to learn something when I read.
The Jane Austen mafia… sigh. Oh, and those people who think that reading anything less than Joyce, Faulkner or Marquez is beneath their contempt
Personally, I believe a “book snob” is the person who always says about a movie “yes, it is good, but you must read the book. The book was much better!” Of course, they’re usually right!
Oh dear, that is me.
Me too!
Oh I’m so guilty of this ?♀️ @Maria hahaha
Yes
I’ve been there, but a really picky book person pointed out that many movies are better than their inspiring books—we just don’t notice that because most people haven’t read the books.
It’s someone who looks down on others for their taste. It is not someone, who just has a specific (maybe academic) taste in books. No need to hate and shit talk about people who like Kafka per se.
Yep. My interests include lots of things, but I often feel scorned for talking about…oh, maybe Italo Calvino or the Victorians. If someone can read, say Patterson, why can’t I read Trollope? Doesn’t make me a snob. It just means I have different reading tastes.
Gail Doughty my friends and family made peace with the fact that I am nerding out on books a lot ? Googling Trollope right now, I am German so I have another reading background. Never heard of him!
I always thought when I read at work lunch table and folks around me are talking.
I would say it’s someone who reads what they think is “fancy” just so they can tell others they’ve read it (by “tell” I mean writing a small autobiography about how special their taste is and how nobody could ever recommend anything to them because they have such special requirements from books and such special preferences; and they might also mention “there are no good books out there anymore”), and then go home and sit in bed and cry while reading some mainstream book they would be embarrassed if seen reading in public.
Great post. I am enjoying the replies
Me too!
I used to be a self proclaimed book snob. I would only read nonfiction books. I felt life was too short to read “fake” books. I have seen the light and I now know all books can entertain, educated, and engage me. I still toss in some nonfiction, but gosh darn it I love those cozy mysteries lol
i totally get it, i used to be one myself. so much into “the real thing” when i was ignoring that sometimes there’s more truth in fiction than in our crazy reality. fiction is not escapism as i thought, but a tool of self learning 😉
Exactly! Glad I’m not alone
@Cassandra I used to read a steady diet of nonfiction only, and in the past year or so I started reading fiction again. I think it was because someone influential in my life told me that fiction was a waste of time (this person spends a lot of time watching movies, I guess that’s okay). I write a lot of quotes in my journal when I read, parts of books I don’t want to forget. I have learned a lot of valuable lessons from fiction as well, and it was an eye-opener to me. Inspiration can be found anywhere.
I too have a strictly nonfiction reader in my life. He doesn’t watch movies or much TV at all. I guess he was a big reason I went to nonfiction. However, since I’ve gone to fiction he hasn’t said anything about it. He has asked me to read some nonfiction he’s really enjoyed and I have, but I know there’s no way he will read fiction for. Oh well, as long as what I read makes me happy.
for me, a book snob is anyone who considers superior because he/she reads books. i believe most people who don’t read haven’t just found the right book
I like this definition. I have friends that say, “I’m not a reader but I should be…”. Nah, you just like your stories told in a different way. Watch a movie or TV show, listen to an audiobook or podcast, read a book, none are better than the other. We all like the same product, the escape from reality and experience of something different than the everyday. Just have different delivery methods.
Umm I don’t know. I read a lot of not so literary fiction. But not like…Harlequin Romances. So maybe I’m a book snob about Harlequin and feel sort of less than (reverse book snob) for not reading more literature or better quality of book myself. I try to be self aware about this tendency.
I do not read romance, but it’s because it’s not a genre I enjoy. If you’re not reading because it’s not your genre isn’t that okay
@Cassandra Oh yes absolutely! Read whatever you want and enjoy it with no worries about anything!!!!!
Romance has never been my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love romance in real life, but oddly not when reading.
It’s actually just a book slob with a typo.
As a teen and younger adult I know I could be visibly judgmental about people saying they didn’t like to read, liked to read but gosh who has the time, or liked to read but didn’t read the exact same stuff I did, which I figure made me a book snob. Then I came to Jesus and removed the stick from my own ass.
I don’t look down on people who don’t read. But I’m kind of amazed because I love it so much.
On the other hand, I can’t set up a stereo system or fix a leaky sink.
Among those who read, a real book snob is one who quotes the “Classics” and looks down his/her noses at all who cannot do the same! I think many of us who do read are snobs to the non readers; it is incomprehensible to us that there are people who do not enjoy books of any nature!
A lot of it is genre based. A non fiction reader who looks down at a fiction reader, a literary fiction reader who looks down on a fantasy/sci-fi/romance reader, a high fantasy reader who looks down on a supernatural fiction reader.
Then you have the people who won’t read something because it’s popular (Stephen King, Sandra Brown, Dean Koontz) or sold in the grocery store. Or the people who look down on YA labeled books (John Green, Harry Potter).
THEN you have the people who look down on e-readers, audible readers, fan fiction, or comic book readers.
There are many levels to the snobbery. But any reading is better than no reading.
Oh yes, I get tired of the audiobook snobs. I listen to audiobooks when I drive and I consider that reading. I get the same from the book if I listen or read.
@Cassandra Exactly, and you get more from it than just listening to music.
I’m still struggling to learn to enjoy and to become accustomed to audiobooks. My attention wanders quickly. So far books I’ve already read but want to revisit, or short stories work well for me in audio. Not giving up though!
I use the 30 second rewind button on audible a lot!!! That’s why it’s there!!!
@Gail, I have trouble focusing on audio, too, but I’m getting better. I’m a visual learner, so it’s tough to retain what I hear.
Perhaps the key is not looking down on other people for any reason.
@Gail I’ve found that some narrators are easier for me to engage with than others. I try to listen to the full sample beforehand. I also can’t listen unless I’m mindlessly doing something else, like driving to work or playing a relatively easy video game with no sound, painting… something with my hands. I can’t just sit around and listen bc I get distracted. Idk if any of that will help.
I find it does go better if I knit or crochet.
I thought it meant you only read the genre (s) you like
Good question!
Somebody who has the attitude “If you don’t like what I like, you don’t count.”
Snob: a person who believes that their tastes in a particular area are superior to those of other people.
I do not read certain genres and certain authors, but I do not look down on those who do.
I just like to read!!! On a variety of topics.
And that is good! I know A lot of people who Never read!
My mantra…I don’t care what you read, just hope that you do.
Wow. I’m amazed and gratified by all the thoughts expressed here.
I asked the question for a reason, of course. If there’s a topic running about a particular book which lots of people love, and I don’t and say why, I’m often branded a book snob. I’m not looking down at those who liked the book; I’m just expressing my opinion about it. Lots of people don’t like or wouldn’t dream of reading some of the things I read; so what? It would be a very dull world if we all liked vanilla ice cream.
So: when I don’t like your most favorite book, it doesn’t mean I don’t like you or am judging you. I’m just talking about the book as a book.
From The Book of Snobs by Thackeray 😉
A book snob is someone I won’t follow. If someone doesn’t think a posting here is lofty enough for them, perhaps they should find another book club.
All I can say is, my sister is one. She has said to me more than once,”Why do you read that crap?” Ummm, cuz I like it. She sticks to the best-seller list and anything Oprah reads. I am more sci-fi, horror and fantasy . “Crap,” by her standards. She is a book snob.
Not impressed with either the best seller list or Oprah’s list. I have read a smattering of both lists but I listen to my close friends, if they like something I’m pretty sure I will too.
I have a friend who only reads nonfiction and the way she says it you know she feels fiction unworthy.
Evidently her nonfiction reading hasn’t included the recent neuroscience research on the greater benefits of fiction deep reading for brain health and even longevity. ?
I saw that article, too.
I feel sorry for those that avoid fiction. They miss out on SO much goodness. Oh well.
We believe that Silent Book Club is a No Judgment Zone — If you don’t like the book that someone else has recommended, just scroll on by. If people are legitimately asking for feedback and you have a reason why you didn’t like a book, then feel free to share it. But opinions about books are just that: opinions. Not put-downs. The discussion should be about the book and not the person reading the book. Be nice, choose kind, don’t sell stuff.
I’m with you all the way.
A book snob is someone who won’t allow a self-published book be discussed, reviewed, or recommended. I have a Master’s in English literature, have spent four years writing BLUE ROPE, and have given my all. Today’s authors must promote their own work whether they’re published traditionally or by putting their foot in their hand (as wise Br’er Rabbit would say) and just doing it. As a result, many will miss out on a book they would genuinely enjoy. #proudtobeindie
Kudos to you! Certainly we can remember when Indie films and Indie music were considered unacceptable. If we continue to do so we will all miss out on so very much. I’m definitely not a book snob… I’ll read anything anywhere anytime!
There is good reason self-published authors are prohibited from publicising their work. We cannot, as you just demonstrated, help ourselves. 🙂
we all got a taste of one yesterday, you have to wonder if that person even enjoys reading
I have to say I didn’t see it that way.
An a**hole who specializes in books.
Well, they’re everywhere, even among book lovers.
My husband calls me a book snob purely for the fact that I prefer hardback books
I can relate!
Snobbery can, I believe come in a variety of forms… such as Elitist Snobbery–only reading books that make you look smart or part of the “in crowd” [defined by the snob, no doubt] or by “credentialed people” so these people should form their own elitist group and leave the rest of us alone. I enjoy reminding them that “It’s what you learn AFTER you know it all, that really counts. Then there is the VOCABULARY SNOB…of which I have been sporadically accused [as parish librarian, retired editor and writer]– because I would very much like people to continually seek to “raise the bar” of their own understanding and not be put off by a book that makes you look up a word or two. I have many readers who are, quite frankly LAZY, and they don’t want any sort of book that might, perchance make them think further than a simple, predictable story line…and lucky for them, but not for avid readers, there is an overabundance of option. I am a confessed STORY SNOB and this sign I wear proudly. I want a book that lingers, that makes me sad it’s over already because I loved–or loved to hate–the characters. If it’s a dual book, about the characters and has a “big picture” too, I feel doubly blessed. If it’s a whodunnit, I want lots of red herrings, a skillful plot and surprise at who did it. I love books and I certainly don’t take myself or my snobbery too seriously. It is so sad that that these sour-faced readers miss the whole point of a GOOD BOOK, so they settle for the minutia of obscure criteria. Ignore all that. and Sally T. Hayney…don’t bother with them dear, they aren’t going to recommend a book most of us would like anyway. Ask your friends, find someone who liked the same book you did and others will follow… and as for Snobs, forgive some of us because we’re still in teaching mode and that’s how we share.
in fiction I want characters that seem so alive I find myself thinking about them…and I love a book that’s so good I want it to go on And on. In Non fiction I want to learn something as opposed to reading about a subject I’be already mastered . BUT, there are NO rules about reading. Books are like art and music, sometimes you feel like a mystery and sometimes you want literature (not that there are no mysteries that are considered lit.). That’s why I have so many books on my nightstand–ready to address any kind of mood.
Like any snob, someone who condescends to the taste of another based on their belief in their own superior taste. Frequently insufferable.
My thoughts exactly!
One problem I’ve had is one or two people who continue to push books down my throat even when I’ve been pretty firm about not liking that genre or author. Most annoying. I try hard not to do that.
ETA: Not in this group.