I don't necessarily think being well-read means having to read lots of different genres. That being said, I do think it means you need to read many different things about many different topics. For example, reading all you can in newspapers, periodicals, biographies, non-fiction selections, historical fiction, fiction, self-help will make you well-read. In my mind, being well-read means obtaining knowledge of many different subjects through reading. So, if I choose not to read YA or fantasy novels, I don't think I'm not well-read because I may instead choose to read a periodical article about authors of fantasy or a book about the lasting fixation with vampires, and I may then be able to speak to the subject without having to endure reading any actual novels.
I think many people equate being well read with having read 'the classics'. I think a lot of the 'classics' are just really, really good stories and we should not skip them just because we don't 'have' to read them like we did in school.
ReplyDeleteInteresting way of looking at it.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine:
http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/07/musing-mondays_11.html
Excellent answer! Makes me want to change mine. :)
ReplyDeleteHere it is: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/alexs-blogs/