The real u.....

A very common question that people ask me often is what kind of books I read.....in reply to this, I just smile and correct them to go sequentially by asking the question that should ideally precede this one......"do I like reading or not?".....and to ans this honestly.....not really......yes, I don't read many things apart from my technical documents, as, those help me to stay abreast to the kind of job I do....and normally after the daylong stressful work I don't have enough time (and nerve) left which could help me dare pick up even a slim size magazine.....but it doesn't mean that I don't read at all....I read less often and when I read, I read things which have a message and purpose...thing which would let me wondering for days...things that would help me make my existence worth in this world....I try to keep away from novels.....as I find fiction too unrealistic.....not criticizing, just stating my stand point......most of such fiction books are novels.....it is a fact that often within your group/circle/company who you are is not decided by "who you are" but by how far and soon you adapt the culture of your group/company/circle....and if by chance you happen to descend on a group of novel freaks....and given that you hate novels....you are in a big trouble....because all the time the group keeps discussing only about novels....now the notable thing with novel readers is that, that they form a sort of community wherever they go....and interestingly, most of them throw unanimous views on any bestseller.....if someone praises the author....it's natural for other to repeat the same words......(first guy...)..."ooh, that novel.....awesome man!!"....(next guy...)..."yup....that's really a good read!!"......(you would get a sense of a unanimous accord)...."yes..yes...that was really awesome!!!".... (I wonder...Did anyone really read it?).......As far as my observation in such meetings is concerned.....I have classified the of novel readers as below (no hard feelings):

1. Read-Count readers - These readers.....I don't disagree that they don't enjoy the context and subject of the book.....but they can go to any heights to increase their read counts so they can boast in front of community that they have finished a record breaking "this many" novels....the hastiness to finish novel drives them so bad that they tend to skip pages......"oohh yaar....this page is too boring.....I should drop it and consider reading next page.....ohh next page is same too.....this writer throws too many things far away from real mystery........"...ok on your behest I shall ask author to reveal the mystery in the whatever page you desire....

2. Fast-Finish readers - These readers are more concerned about their reading speed and often take it as matter of dignity......these type of novel readers compete for speed......"oohh....you heard...she says she finished 1000 pages novel in 2 days....Dang!.....sheer bluff!".......some would moan over their speed..."yaar....main 1 hafte se 3rd section pe hi atkaa hun....".....some, in an intent to prove their genius...."well, she read this novel in 2 days......I will show that I can finish this in just 1 day..".......and the entire day ends up in a closet without food (and sanitation??)....putting all their might to finish the novel within 24 hrs of duration....hhhmm....quite dramatic

3. Shelf-decor readers - I am not sure if it is right to call this category people as readers.....because their focus is more on their bookshelf rather than reading......may be they purchase novel.....overturn few pages.....and shove it to bookshelf.......then read the condensed version online.......steal some quotes from Internet and paste it in Gtalk custom status message (particularly with "busy" sign)......later when community visits......they point to the novel in Shelf and say......"This novel kept me thrilled for the entire course of reading"........and then community coos the usual... "I too....." and "Me too....."

4. inferiority-complex readers - Quite large part of community consists of this type of readers.......who find it difficult to speak anything in community discussion as they hardly had had a chance to read any novel and usually have less or no idea.....they think they will be looked down upon in community and that if they have to keep their rapport intact they would have to undertake the business of novel reading.....no matter how unwillingly.......then what?......they borrow novels.....and catch their breathe only after finishing the one or two......this helps them get some space in discussion......

4. simple-sane reader - these are the reader who read 90% of matter in the novel (I know....no-one reads every single page)...they are generally mute when discussions are being done and open their mouth only when required......they have nothing to do with speed, count, show-off or inferiority....because they do have a high score for all of these......they are selective and don't turn to just any novel.....

In summation......reading is something that comes natural to anyone....reading is a hobby.....you cannot force yourself to accept a hobby that you don't consider hobby..... people do anything to prove their fitment in the company they are part of.....even if that would compel them to venture into the uncharted territories of totally different interest areas......well...to get influenced by such social affiliations is good...especially when it is positive.....but getting transformed from 'you' to some 'xyz' just because of gaining attention is what people call "lack of individualism"....lack of "being yourself" thing.....