I’ve seen several takes on topics like this, but I’m only responding to this because this is someone whose views I respect. People have turned reading into this strange intellectual hierarchy where what you read determines how much of a “real reader” you are. It doesn’t. Some books will teach you history, medicine, politics or science. Others will give you language, perspective, emotional intelligence and access to lives and situations you may never experience yourself. And sometimes a book will simply entertain you. ALL of those are valid reasons to read. I read academic books and I read romance and fiction, and I genuinely think I’m more thoughtful, articulate and compassionate because of the different worlds I’ve entered through books. I’ve encountered scenarios that may never happen to me, formed opinions, watched those opinions be proven wrong, understood perspectives I wouldn’t naturally consider, and learnt from them. Knowledge isn’t acquired through one medium, and reading isn’t only worthwhile when the subject sounds intellectually impressive. A bibliophile is someone who loves books. You don’t become more of one because your bookshelf looks more “serious.” Stop turning reading into a superiority contest.