Discussion: 5 things to do if you come across a non-reader

It's a pretty harrowing thought - but....some people out there DON'T READ. AT ALL.

Shocking, I know. *sigh*

In fact - they might just hate books altogether. 

That in itself is a hard thing to accept for us bookaholics - but alas - it is a phenomenon that does exist.

Though it may be tempting to simply look down upon people who think in this way, there are much more effective methods of turning even the most passionate book-haters into bookworms (or at least occasional readers), rather than simply doing this:

If you know any non-readers out there, here are a few of my tips on how to encourage them to pick up a book and get reading:

1. Explain that within the realm of infinite pages and possibilities, it's not all about those big heavy classics which may instill fear in some people because of their daunting size. 

Side note: This doesn't mean that one should avoid classics altogether for this reason - and in fact, there are some which are quite short eg. The Great Gatsby. 

Obviously there are many genres out there to choose from, and taking a person along to a library or bookstore with you could really be a positive experience. Try to suss out what they might like by making a few suggestions, and perhaps you could be well on your way to convincing someone that books aren't so scary after all.

2. If that doesn't work - maybe convincing them via movies could be a help. 

These days book-to-movie adaptations are more popular than ever, so if you know the person has seen a bookish movie, then why not say that it may be good to read the book? Even better, if you know an adaptation is coming out soon, a buddy-read may be helpful so that you can bond over the book before going to see the movie together.

The Fault In Our Stars is one of the most prominent examples, but a few others in the YA world include:

• The Maze Runner
• The Book Thief
• If I Stay
• Vampire Academy 
• The Hunger Games/Catching Fire/Mockingjay Part 1
• Divergent
• The Giver

3. Take them to a book event

Now it might be hard to convince them to go in the first place, but this could still be worth a shot. What they expect to be a gruelling and boring experience at first, might just turn out to be something they enjoy. If there are authors signing, that would be even more special - having a signed book and meeting the writer in real life can be really motivational when it comes to picking up their story which they took so much effort to write. 

4. Get reinforcements. 

In the form of your own companions who are fellow readers, or virtually through book blogs - providing exposure to a non-reader to these reading advocates can make all the difference. Getting them in touch with a non-reader to reader convert could well be a method of getting through to them from the perspective of somebody who's also felt that way. If they can understand that the reading community is a wide, welcoming and diverse one, then they might just feel more compelled to join. We don't bite (most of the time)*

*just kidding!

5. Last resort - shove a book in their face and hope for the best.

This gif is probably one of my all-time favourites. It just works in so many situations.

It's all or nothing - if all else fails, just giving them a book as a gift or one of your own to borrow (if you're willing to risk it), is something that could kick-start those non-readers who have no idea what to choose. Going for a well-known release might pay off in this case, especially if it's received lots of positive hype, but if you're willing to lend some of your own lesser-known gems then this could work as well. Encouraging them to enter book giveaways on blogs is another way to introduce them to books with the possibility of a freebie, as well as immersing them into a plethora of bookish posts to be found. 

If you're lucky and at least one of these options work, that person who once avoided books will become one who embraces them. 

What do you think of my tips? Do you have any of your own to add?