Dreaming Novel Things: Converting People to the Bookworm Religion

Dreaming Novel Things is a feature in which I discuss book related subjects, but in a creative way. I’ll use interviews, narratives and lists to talk about book trends, book opinion and bookish matters. If you have any book related subjects you’d like to see me discuss just leave me a comment below!

 

 

Believe or not but there is a process one must undertake before they can wear the Official Bookworm Badge. This process is officially converting a non-book lover into a bookworm. Once you have achieved this, you can officially wear your official badge as it will be official. If you don’t know the process (which you don’t) I have an easy step by step guide that any could follow. Yes, I made this process up and yes, it is complete and utter nonsense. Shall we move on?

1. First one must approach the topic with the non reader.  This is THE most important step as if you do it wrong you RUIN ALL CHANCES OF ENLIGHTENING THIS PERSON. You must try to engage in a casual way for example: “I got no sleep last night because I ended up reading this book all night that I couldn’t put down.” Remember to be welcoming and smile as the non reader could easily feel attacked or criticized.

2. Ask the non reader why they don’t enjoy reading. It is important to hear out their ideas without interrupting. Nod in the appropriate places and smile as if their nonsense makes sense to you. If the person feels as if you actually listened to what they said, they in turn will be more willing to listen to you. So try to look like you’re focusing on what they are saying even though every word is going in one ear and out the other. (Be sure to notice when they have stopped talking as staring at them in a dazed like way will be their biggest indicator that you weren’t listening).

3. Provide your counter arguments to their points. BUT REMEMBER, in a polite way. If you use a condescending tone or put them down for feeling the way they do you might as well write FAILURE on your forehead because you will never convert this non reader. Also, remember to use valid arguments. Simply saying, “Reading is good,” or “That’s stupid,” will do nothing to win your case. Keep smiling and make sure they are comprehending what you are saying in fact use small words (they are non readers after all)! 😉

4. Tell a personal story to make this relatable. If it’s a funny story than all the better. Nothing bonds people better than laughter try to work your best jokes into the story. Don’t discount the importance of this step! It’s important for a non reader to know its possible for someone like them, as far as they are on the other side of the fence, can cross that bridge into the world of reading. Tell them about the moment you fell in love with reading, about encountering the book that changed your life forever. Your story should have heart-warming, Hallmark quality to it.

5. Present the book/movie trick. Unless you’re a whizz with words (which if you are then why on earth are you reading this?) the non reader is still hesitant at this point but definitely more open-minded. This is the perfect time to sneak in the old book/movie trick. Find out their favorite movie by doing a quick search on Facebook, (bonus points if you already know what it is) and share the fact that their favorite movie was actually based off a book. (They all are these days). This will peak their interest and give them a sense of comfort of starting with something familiar. Now you can point out there’s a whole slew of books in the same genre as the book that was adapted into their favorite movie. Show them the many options that lie in their preferred category to get them started. (Goodreads would be the best way to do this but you may choose another site if you prefer).

6. Go in for the kill. Produce the perfect book for them that you had picked out before your meeting (yes I expect you to have known which book as any OFFICIAL bookworm would). Put it in their hands so they can physically hold it. Tell them how this could be the book that changes their life. This could be the book that opens their eyes. Say in a soft voice (for you don’t want to interrupt their thoughts) that all they have to do is give it a try. If they accept this book then you can say that you just converted a non reader to the bookworm religion.

CONGRATULATIONS! Grab your badge (by grab I mean copy and paste) and display it with pride my friend! You can officially say that you are an Official Bookworm deemed official! Go celebrate, you deserve it and you made the world a better place so be proud!

(While the narrator wishes you to celebrate in true form she feels obligated to remind you that it is never safe to read and drive).

Have you ever encountered someone who simply did not like reading and try to talk them into it? How did it go or what would you say if you were in that predicament? Share it below and happy reading!

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