What It Means to Read Without Rules
I’ve never cared much about reading the right books at the right moment. I don’t focus on reading what you’re supposed to read. I also avoid keeping up with what everyone else is reading. Reading without rules is my way of stepping away from that pressure. I choose books by instinct. I also consider my capacity and what I truly need.
Since I began reading, I’ve felt pressure. There is an expectation to be informed, impressive, current, and serious in just the right way. Well-read and a bit of a literary snob. There are always reading lists to follow, must-read canons, and challenges to meet. There are moments when reading feels forced rather than a pure act of enjoyment.
Reading without rules is my way of stepping away from all that pressure. I read what I want when I want, and I read everything. You might find me deep into Prince Harry’s Spare. Or Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Other times, you’ll find me reading vintage issues of PS Monthly: an Army maintenance magazine. Or the back of cereal boxes. Or about prisoners of war captured during the American Revolution.
Reading starts with focus for me. I gravitate towards works that spark my interest. I also choose what I’m capable of and what I’m truly craving. Sometimes that means a slow-paced novel. Other times, it’s a memoir, something comforting, or something unusual and absorbing that defies explanation. Occasionally, I reread a familiar book because life has changed, and I want to see how the story resonates now. I’ve read and reread Shelley’s Frankenstein. I’ve also read O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. And I’ve delved into Blatty’s The Exorcist numerous times. Each time, I finish the book with a new experience.
I don’t choose books out of obligation; I’m drawn to them. Finding interest in many things, I read across genres. Sometimes I read purely for entertainment; other times, I read for catharsis.
When I say I read everything, I don’t mean I read nonstop or without intention. I’m not trying to finish every book, although I do have a personal policy of never abandoning one. Sometimes, I don’t feel the story until the end, but it’s worth it. Reading everything isn’t about meeting expectations; it’s about feeding my soul.
You’ll find every kind of book here—nonfiction, literary fiction, genre stories, short essays, poetry, and long, indulgent novels. There are cookbooks, crochet books, maintenance manuals, and travel guides.
My reading habits have evolved as I age. Some years have been intense; others, quiet and simple. There have been times for exploring new things, and moments for returning to old favorites. It’s like hanging out with old friends. Sometimes I can read anything. At other times, I turn to favorite authors for comfort and familiarity. Sometimes I opt for less-intense books to get by. It all matters. Reading without rules doesn’t mean reading carelessly—it means reading honestly. It means being true to yourself.
She Reads Everything is for that kind of reading. It’s not about keeping up with trends or proving anything. It’s about reading widely, satisfying the yearning within us for connection and meaning.
If any of this seems familiar, you’re in the right place.
