Discussion Post

That’s Not How I Read That…

Have you ever been reading a story and are really into the story, but as the story progresses, you think, “hmm… this isn’t right”? Only to discover that you were imagining the character in the opposite sex. Or that you read the tone completely wrong and are now super confused. Or you thought you knew what a word meant, only to discover that it was in fact NOT what you thought it meant. Yeah… that’s happened to me, too many times.

Reading a book thinking it’s a specific sex when it’s really the opposite has happened a few times to me. Usually, I realize relatively quickly based on context clues. But there was this one time it took me a chapter and a half… when the man was finally introduced. Yeah, face palm.

There are so many names out there that are unisex, like Rory, Hunter and Bailey. I actually knew a boy and girl named Bailey growing up, so we shouldn’t be surprised I was lost. It wasn’t until about a week ago, when I was reading a review on a book where a woman said that she loved the book so much but read a ¼ of the book in the voice of the opposite sex. I realized I wasn’t alone! She was so embarrassed, but I was like girl, same. It happens.

Worse than reading the wrong voice is misinterpreting the tone. UGH! *long exhale* It happens too often to me. As humans, there’s a part of us that is prepared for certain responses. Like if someone is angry, sad, or happy. We know how we would respond and if we know the other person well enough, we know how they would respond. But, when reading a book, we imagine the stories in our head, like our own personal television show. You don’t have the interactions happening in front of you. So sometimes when reading, if it seems a person is angry, I imagine them with a scowl, stiffened body language, and a sharp tone. Only to keep reading and discover it was meant as a teasing tone. UGH, then I must go back and re read the entire page, so I have full understanding of what’s going on. It’s annoying and tedious and I wish I could pick up these social cues better when I’m reading. But alas… I won’t, and it WILL continue to happen. 

Finally, when you think you know what a word means, and it turns out you DO NOT know. Embarrassing, yes. Super common, YES.  

According to a survey given to 2,000 Americans;  

• 44% Have mispronounced or misused a phrase for more than a year before finding out. 
• 41% Avoid the words/phrases and use others.  

• 20% Ask someone how to use or pronounce it.  

• 16% Mumble or lower their voice when they use it, and
• 16% Say it anyway. 

So fascinating! I actually used to be a lot worse until I got my Kindle. Now I just have to click a word and it can show me the definition. LIFE SAVER.

So, whether it’s the wrong voice, tone or word, don’t feel ashamed, you’re definitely not alone!