There’s a certain pressure that comes with being a book lover these days—especially when you’re part of the online reading community. It shows up in quiet ways: a TBR that grows faster than you can read, a list of “must-reads” that starts to feel more like homework, or that weird twinge of shame when someone says, “Wait—you haven’t read that yet?”
This Thursday, I’m asking a simple question:
When did reading turn into something we feel guilty about?
📚 The Guilt Comes in Many Flavors:
- Genre guilt – “I should be reading more literary fiction instead of cozy mysteries.”
- Speed guilt – “Everyone else is reading 100 books a year… why can’t I?”
- Backlist guilt – “I can’t read something fun—I still haven’t tackled that ‘important’ classic.”
- Mood guilt – “This book doesn’t spark joy but I have to finish it.”
Sound familiar?
🧠 Reading Is a Personal Ritual—Not a Performance
Somewhere along the way, it feels like “reading” became a numbers game. We chase Goodreads goals, follow endless recommendation lists, and worry about keeping up. But here’s the truth: you don’t owe anyone your reading life.
You don’t have to justify reading a romance over a Pulitzer winner.
You don’t have to finish a book just because you started it.
And you definitely don’t need to feel bad for not being in the mood to read at all.
✨ Joy Should Be the Default
Books are a form of nourishment—mental, emotional, sometimes even spiritual. And like any good meal, reading should satisfy. It should challenge you sometimes, yes, but it should also make you feel. Escape. Expand. Or just take a freaking break.
If a book doesn’t serve you in this moment, it’s okay to put it down. Or not pick it up at all.
🍷 Final Thoughts from the Glutton’s Table
As someone who runs a blog literally called Literary Gluttony, I want to give you permission to indulge. Read the book that makes your heart race. Reread your comfort series. DNF without guilt. Take a reading break. Make reading feel like a feast again, not a chore.
💬 Let’s Chat:
Have you ever felt reader guilt? What helps you shake it off and find joy again?
Drop a comment or share this post with a fellow bookworm who needs to hear it today. 🖤
literary gluttony 
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