I do.
I'm not talking about laughing or crying at a book which I think is pretty universal. I mean actually talking to the book, or the characters in the book. Even though they're...um...fictional and can't talk back.
Usually the talking happens when I've read something I either don't agree with or is annoying. Such as:
You idiot, why are you standing for that bullshit? He's lying to you.
or
There's no way you could even remotely be in the mood for sex now, you silly man. You were shot in the shoulder no more than half an hour ago and you're not even on pain killers.
or
Oh please, I'm drowning in sugar here.
or
You've only known him a day you can't be in love. It's just your bollocks talking.
Sometimes it's for good things though. Things like:
Aw that was nice.
or
Yes! You tell him mate.
I've noticed that the talking started after I got an electronic book reader. Possibly because I couldn't throw it across the room in disgust (or rather I could but I'd regret it). What worries me is that it seems to be getting worse and that one day I'll find myself muttering away to my book on the train. That's when the docs will be called and I'll end up in my padded cell.
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| This woman actually looks like a thinner version of me. From Deviant Art |
So help me out guys. Please say it's not just me who talks to my books and that I'll have company when they lock that door :).
Hmm. I'm not sure I've ever done it out loud but good lord yeah in my head. "No you idiot, use a condom you just met him 5 min. ago!!!" "Seriously? Love? Right."
ReplyDeleteAt least Kristen has commented that I do it out loud and I'm pretty sure she would.
I've occassionally muttered things to authors too. LOL
You're in good company. I say, "No way!" a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteTam: I do it out loud! That's what worries me :). I mostly do it when there's no-one around but sometimes hub will say "You're chuntering to yourself again". That's really worrying when I don't know I'm doing it!
ReplyDeleteVal: Oh phew! Glad it's not just me :)
I talk to the people in the book quite often, and to the authors too. Worryingly, sometimes they answer back, so I have to fight my corner or apologise if I'm proved wrong ...
ReplyDeleteDo you think I might need help? :))
Anne
xxx
Hmmm, I think we all need help, Anne :).
ReplyDelete*raises hand* Yep guilty of talking to the characters whilst reading - normally along the lines of "what were you thinking?" and "No, seriously!"
ReplyDeleteI very occasionally will talk to the author when I come accross something that causes more than a raised eyebrow
Funniest thing though was when my friend's 16 year old daughter "forced" her to read the first of what is known round here as the "the bad-breathed sparkly vampire books". She did whilst at my house, so I got the running commentry of her "thoughts" on the book without having to read it myself :o)
I have my moments ;)
ReplyDeleteSo, yeah. I do that to, sometimes
Though I try to be mindful when hubby's next to me in bed, fast asleep
Uhm, yeah...
ReplyDeleteI talk or yell at my books all the time. Most of them aren't very smart they never listen to me.
ReplyDeleteLike when I yell "You better not cheat on him" they just do it anyways.
Suffice to say, you are NOT alone.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not alone on this one! Though most often I'm caught giggling madly (sometimes when it's not even that funny) and having to explain to my coworkers why...
ReplyDeleteBut yes, my neighbors probably why I randomly start yelling at people who they didn't see come into my apartment...
Definitely not alone on this one! Though most often I'm caught giggling madly (sometimes when it's not even that funny) and having to explain to my coworkers why...
ReplyDeleteBut yes, my neighbors probably why I randomly start yelling at people who they didn't see come into my apartment...
You're far more eloquent than I am, Jen. I'm more in the "oh, come on" or "give me a break" or "niiiice" category. If I'm really disgusted, "f*** this s***" tends to slip out.
ReplyDeleteThat's when the dogs go elsewhere. :)
Hi Kate
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I don't often talk to the author, just mainly the characters, unless there's an excess of typos in which I may talk to the author and the editor :).
Funniest thing though was when my friend's 16 year old daughter "forced" her to read the first of what is known round here as the "the bad-breathed sparkly vampire books". She did whilst at my house, so I got the running commentry of her "thoughts" on the book without having to read it myself :o)
I've no idea which book you're talking about, I'm sure ;). I expect you're pleased she did you such a favour!
I talk to books all the time, but then again, I talk to plants and household objects too. Usually unrepeatable curses, but occasionally nice things too.
ReplyDeleteeeh no, I can't remember that I ever talked to a book.
ReplyDeleteI do the cry thing on occasion, but the story must be really sad to do so.
Hi Blaine
ReplyDeleteYes, muttering is very much frowned on when hub's trying to get to sleep. Although in my house he's not keen on me reading in bed at all when he wants to sleep and so makes these cross huffy noises until I give in and switch off the light!
Aleks: Oh good, not just me :).
ReplyDeleteDarien:
Most of them aren't very smart they never listen to me.
*sigh* Me neither :(.
Alex:
Though most often I'm caught giggling madly (sometimes when it's not even that funny) and having to explain to my coworkers why...
Oh that can be awkward, can't it? Especially if you're laughing at something funny that's happened in the sex scene :).
Joanna: Yay, I feel all affirmed :).
ReplyDeleteKZ:
You're far more eloquent than I am
Surely not! I bet you can come out with some very choice phrasing when necessary :). In some ways it's the muttering that seems worse. The odd expletive can be explained away as frustration at the book, but whole sentences not so much!
I do, but (so far) mostly in my head. I think. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteAnother person who talks to/argues with characters (or even the book/plot itself) while reading reporting for duty here. This tends to get worse (a lot worse) with frustrating books with characters bordering or falling into the TSTL category.
ReplyDeletepsst, I also do this with TV shows and movies. It's always a chore keeping silent at the cinema.
Hi Jo
ReplyDeletebut then again, I talk to plants and household objects too.
Really? *sidles carefully away*.
:)
Hi Ingrid
ReplyDeleteeeh no, I can't remember that I ever talked to a book.
OK, obviously you are completely sane and the rest of us are touched by madness :).
Chris: I'm sure if I asked Chaos and Mayhem they would have a very different story to tell.
Not that they could actually speak to me but you'd be amazed how much a cat stare can tell a person :).
Hi Eva
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the book talking to club :).
It's always a chore keeping silent at the cinema.
Oh that can be really embarrassing when a comment to jumps out your mouth before your brain engages!