I bet I would feel like that too if someone in my family owned a bookstore. Luckily (I guess) no one does, so I just buy most of my books online these days. Which means I have tons of books and sometimes no time to read them.
I do think that most kids should decide what they want to read for themselves. I agree so much. It annoys me when people say they are going to read this and that book for their kids or make them read them. Just, don't. Let them decide themselves if they want to read them or not. Harry Potters and Lord of the Rings are not for everyone. Yes, if your kid wants to read them you should let them, but for the love of god don't force them.
I do prefer originals too, but then again, I'm in such a wonderfully lucky position that the Finnish translations are most of the time excellent and new books appear in the libraries very fast so it's just easier to wait a while and then go pick them up there.
Ah, that BBC list. It is so heavily dominated by books originally written in English (which, well, is understandable since it was put together by Brits) but it does make me sad when people don't take the time to look for novels that have been written in non-English speaking countries. I feel like asking people on my flist to make a post recommending books from their countries, because it would broaden everyone's horizons and it would be interesting to see what kind of literature tops their bestseller lists. Ultimately, for me, reading is about feeling happy, so if chick-lit is what makes you happy you should definitely go for it. If it's biographies you're into, then read those. I'm past the point of judging people based on what they read, I'm just willing to love them because they do read.
I love you and your long comments. Like I said, you have so many good points. :)
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I do think that most kids should decide what they want to read for themselves.
I agree so much. It annoys me when people say they are going to read this and that book for their kids or make them read them. Just, don't. Let them decide themselves if they want to read them or not. Harry Potters and Lord of the Rings are not for everyone. Yes, if your kid wants to read them you should let them, but for the love of god don't force them.
I do prefer originals too, but then again, I'm in such a wonderfully lucky position that the Finnish translations are most of the time excellent and new books appear in the libraries very fast so it's just easier to wait a while and then go pick them up there.
Ah, that BBC list. It is so heavily dominated by books originally written in English (which, well, is understandable since it was put together by Brits) but it does make me sad when people don't take the time to look for novels that have been written in non-English speaking countries. I feel like asking people on my flist to make a post recommending books from their countries, because it would broaden everyone's horizons and it would be interesting to see what kind of literature tops their bestseller lists.
Ultimately, for me, reading is about feeling happy, so if chick-lit is what makes you happy you should definitely go for it. If it's biographies you're into, then read those. I'm past the point of judging people based on what they read, I'm just willing to love them because they do read.
I love you and your long comments. Like I said, you have so many good points. :)