(Q) Are there any laws about underage reading?
(A) No, not even in those states with funny ages for getting married or
driving cars or buying guns.
(Q) My school librarian says that I should only read the books with the
yellow stickers, because I'm only 8 years old and won't understand the big
words in the red sticker books. Do you think this is fair?
(A) Gee - what happens if you want to use a dictionary?
(Q) If I read to myself, will I go blind?
(A) No. Unless you do it somewhere with really bad lighting.
(Q) Are there any places where I shouldn't read?
(A) Most authorities recommend you do not read and drive at the same time. But hey! If you can do your hair/lipstick/shave or cart around noisy kids, how dangerous can it be?
(Q) My fiance and I will be getting married next year, and we're looking forward to having a big home library. Should we start planning now?
(A) A home library is a big commitment. Have you considered who will get custody of the books in the event that it doesn't work out? You shouldn't rush into this. Spend the first year or so enjoying each other's company - once the books start coming there'll be endless rounds of conferences, workshops and conventions you'll have to attend.
(Q) Should I only use books that are covered?
(A) Unless you know where the book has been before you got it, it¹s a good
idea to use a cover for hygiene. Although some people do read books in the
rest room, even with a cover.
(Q) My boyfriend and I are both 16, and often read together. Will I get
pregnant?
(A) Not from just reading books. No.
(Q) Are there any differences between a suitable amount of reading for males and females?
(A) Some sources quote figures relating to bodyweight, but in general any gender can read any amount of written material without any significant harm. Except for Math text books, which should be restricted in both the volume and frequency of intake.
(Q) I have a friend who I think might be binge reading. Are there any signs I should look out for, and who should I tell?
(A) Do you see your friend as regularly as you used to? Often binge reading is accompanied by social withdrawal. Although considering the sad state of society these days, this is not altogether a Bad Thing. Get over it.
(Q) I read a lot professionally, but also enjoy recreational reading. Will
my work interfere with my pleasure?
(A) Well, not as far as the reading bit goes. But I've always found that
you'll have a lot less hours in the day to read because your employer will
expect you to do some actual work during work hours. Bummer, Dude!
