John Waters on Reading

13 June 2010, 6:58 am · 3 comments

From his new book, Role Models:
You should never just read for “enjoyment.” Read to make yourself smarter! Less judgmental. More apt to understand your friends’ insane behavior, or better yet, your own. Pick “hard books.” One you have to concentrate on while reading. And for God’s sake, don’t ever let me hear you say, “I can’t read fiction. I only have time for the truth.” Fiction is the truth, fool! Ever hear of “literature?” That means fiction, too, stupid. 
He then goes on to give his list of the five books he thinks you just must read, and not surprisingly, there are no Oprah’s Book Club selections. 

{ 3 comments }

rg June 15, 2010 at 5:18 pm

He is correct. 100%. I read books on astronomy and physics to learn something new – I might not understand all of it, but that makes me even more curious to learn more!

John Marshall June 18, 2010 at 2:14 pm

I was going to pick that book up at the Seatac airport just the other day. I agree on finding challenging books, I believe the hardest book I have ever completed was Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace. Fuck me that was a read. I am adding John Waters book to my purchases this week. More dog pics please.

Peteykins June 21, 2010 at 5:47 pm

I love that book! I was so thrilled that he wrote a book called Role Models, because he’s always been an important role model for me.

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