Pride and Embarrassment

I realized something interesting about books I was reading in public. Some books I would hold high and almost invite people to see what book I was reading. Some books, I would hold low and cover the spine. This pride and embarrassment syndrome was almost unconscious, but I noticed it.

I definitely think a book is good or bad BEFORE I actually read it. What am I making this judgment on? What are the factors that make me want to advertise or hide the book I am reading? Does it make me look smart that I am reading that book? Does it make me look stupid?

Books for Dummies is an incredibly popular series of books, but I rarely see someone reading one on the train. Usually I see newspapers and magazines. I wonder if people reading the New York Times hold the paper up higher than people reading People magazine.

I imagine I am not the only one who does this. How much of our behavior is so focused on other people’s opinions?

Comments

One response to “Pride and Embarrassment”

  1. Tery Spataro Avatar

    I seen a couple of books with brown wrappers on them. Remember when you covers your books for school? Sort of like that. It often invites me to ask, “Why are you covering that book up?” Happy Glen! would love to hear from you!

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