The 10 Commandments of Reading Books

Forget everything you’ve ever been told about books. Here are the ten commandments of reading books, modeled after the original Mosaic laws.

So much has been said about reading literature. Do this, do that. Don’t read this, don’t read that. So much has been said, in fact, that many of these rules have become more of hindrances than actual guides for book lovers.

Instead of properly instructing readers of the fundamentals of book culture and its many liberties, these rules draw the attention of readers away from the joys within the pages to things that don’t matter.

So, it’s become imperative to once again remind readers of the things that do matter.

Here are the ten commandments of reading literature, modeled after the original Mosaic laws:

First Commandment: Thou shalt have no other hobbies before me (except writing)

Readers who are movie lovers and gamers will quickly find that reading does not combine well with other hobbies.

As a unique form of recreation, books have eternally struggled to hold on to prime spot in the hearts of people keen on social media and digital entertainment.

The first commandment of reading literature drives home the truth: the more involved in these activities you are, the less of a reader you will be.

Of course, this isn’t to say that reading fewer books is a bad thing. It simply means that you cannot put other hobbies before reading, and stay the same.

The only exception to this commandment are writers, with whom reading quite naturally melds.

Second commandment: Thou shalt not make unlicensed likenesses of me

Piracy isn’t a joke. Writers are losing money here. As an amateur writer myself, I understand the pain of seeing the results of your sweat peddled around without a care as to how you feel about it.

Now, nearly everyone has tasted this pain, what with the advent of AI and the accompanying intellectual property thefts without so much as a by-your-leave.

If you’ve already had similar concerns about AI, you should understand the importance of adhering to this commandment as it applies to books.

Third commandment: Thou shalt not profane the name of any author, genre, or book title

In Roadman accent: Shut up!

The above is what we are urged to say anytime we’re faced with an unruly reader who shows slighting disregard for an author, their book, or a genre.

These book snobs, as we know them, have a special place in the literary lake of fire—a place where they’re hung through balls and teats, pleading for a chance to make amends.

In place of abuse, expertly delivered constructive criticism can better convey the message, regardless of the extent of negative reception or perception.

Fourth commandment: Remember to observe respect for my pages

Some of you are criminals who deserve jail time with the way you treat physical books! Physical books aren’t merely the products of lumber processing. They are valuable items to be handled with care.

Don’t:

• Make illicit markings
• Tear the pages
• Break the spine
• Manhandle the jacket
• Stain the pages
• Flip the pages carelessly
• Drop it haphazardly
• Fold the pages

Observing respect for a physical book’s pages helps you maintain the integrity of the item, preserving it for generations to come while serving as a store of intellectual and fiscal value.

Fifth commandment: Honour and befriend fellow readers so that your love for literature may grow

As the only commandment with a promise, the fifth law of reading books preaches the importance of community and fellowship in the love of literature.

Amid the whirlwind of life and its many cares, many readers inevitably fall out of love with the hobby. Whether through the advancing of years or mundane responsibilities, ever-changing human interests can usher in a reduced interest in the literary arts.

To stay a reader, you must gravitate towards those of your ilk, discussing your favorite books and dissecting the core matters in each work of literature that you read. This way, your love for reading will forever blossom, and you can consistently renew your mind through the words on the pages.

Sixth commandment: Thou shalt not slander another reader

Maliciously calling out another reader for their tastes is another form of book snobbery that should not be tolerated, nor exhibited. There is a place for mutually understood jokes, trolling, and playful banter.

But nothing more.

Whether a person prefers to read books written by a certain author, or of a particular theme, theirs and indeed, all reading tastes are valid and should be respected as such.

Seventh commandment: Thou shalt never place one genre over the other

Like love for an author or title, preference for one genre should not be exhibited through the debasement of other genres.

No genre is superior to the other. Some genres are, however, more popular than others.

Eighth commandment: Thou shalt not skim (for review purposes)

If you expect to be engaged in a formal book discussion or to give an unbiased opinion or critical review of a piece, it is a sin to proceed with it only armed with the knowledge you gleaned from merely skimming through the pages.

Such a crime is akin to an agent attempting to provide a service while being grossly underqualified. The result? Poor service.

While book skimming is not itself an offence, reviewers and critics should avoid it if they have to give an opinion of the book.

Ninth commandent: Thou shalt not give an untrue opinion of a book for any purpose

Book reviews and opinions are subjective, making it tricky to determine when someone is deliberately dishonest about their thoughts on a book.

Still, intentionally expressing untrue opinions about a book is wrong. Misleading people about books to read will make them distrust your views and possibly ruin their potential experience with the book.

Tenth commandment: Thou shalt not wilfully destroy a book

The last commandment is curt and to the point. No grey areas. Just one, straightforward instruction.

Wrapping up

The laws of Moses were not an exhaustive book of instruction on how to live. Rather, they outlined the core tenets of the service to God and humanity.

Likewise, this piece draws upon the most fundamental aspects of reading literature and enforces their importance to readers.

Which of these commandments have you fallen afoul of? Let me know in the comments.