The Genre Reader's Bill of Rights

I got this in a packet of bookish stuff from my library awhile back and really liked it. I'd never heard of it before, so thought I'd share for the few of you that may not have either. :)

The Genre Reader's Bill of Rights

You have the right never to apologize for your reading tastes.

You have the right to read anything you want.

You have the right to read anywhere you want... in the bathtub, in the car, in the grocery store, under the porch, or while walking the dog.

You have the right to read in bed. Under the covers. With a flashlight.

You have the right to carry books in your baggage at all times.

You have the right to read in exotic settings.

You have the right to move your lips when you read.

You have the right to read the good parts out loud to your nearest and dearest.

You have the right to refuse to read the good parts out loud to your nearest and dearest.

You have the right to read and eat at the same time. (This right, however, does not include the right to use food as a bookmark when you are reading library books. Even if it's the very best potato salad.)

You have the right to read and make love at the same time. (But-- depending on local ordinances and regulations-- you may or may not have the right to ask your librarian for suggested books.)

You have the right to read as many books as you want at the same time.

You have the right to throw any book on the floor and jump up and down on it (provided that you paid for it first).

You have the right to ignore the critics at the New York Review of Books.

More importantly, you have the right to ignore the critics in your immediate family.

You have the right to stop reading a book whenever you decide it's not worth the effort, or that you simply don't like it.

You have the right to refuse to read any book anyone else picks out for you. Even if it's a birthday present. (This is associated with your right to refuse to wear any necktie or perfume you receive as a gift.)

You have the right to skip all the boring parts.

You have the right to read the last chapter first.

You have the right to read the last chapter first and then put the book back on the shelf.

You have the right to refuse to read any book where you don't like the picture of the author.

FINALLY, the Genre Reader's Miranda Right:

If you do not have a genre book of your own, a genre book will be provided for you by your public library.

The Genre Reader's Bill of Rights appeared on a listserv in 1995. It was apparently compiled by several people.

(This awesome map is courtesy of EpicReads)