In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Isn’t Your Face Red.”

Have you ever been embarrassed by the books on your shelf at home or are you happy to show them off to the world at large? Do you hide the cover of the book you’re reading on the train, tilt your e-reader so no one can read over your shoulder or are you out and proud?

I’ve always been a firm believer that you should be proud of the books you read regardless of whether they could be considered low brow or a children’s book or any other kind. There is nothing worse than a book snob. That person who only reads the classics or who’s only interested in award nominated literary works (not because they enjoy them but so they can brag about having read them). Personally I enjoy the classics but I also enjoy young adult fiction. I like some award nominated books (some just really aren’t for me) and I like a steamy romance. As an adult I queued at midnight for the release of the final Harry Potter book and I did get the version with the children’s cover. I read for the love of it not so that I can one up someone else.

I have to admit however to a recent somewhat embarrassing incident at work when I got a little overexcited about a new steamy romance becoming available and mentioned it a little too loudly to one of my co workers. Suddenly I had 10 pairs of eyes on me mouths hanging open (I should say I work in a senior position in a finance department so there isn’t much excitement). I’ve never seen so many people so shocked. How could I possibly read that type of book? There was bit of light hearted banter but I will admit I was embarrassed. How did I respond? I bluffed it. “It’s a great book, loads of people have read it”, “You should totally try it. It’s not what you think”, “You don’t know what you’re missing”. So now my whole office knows my secret and do you know what, I don’t really care and I’m fairly certain they don’t either.

In other book related embarrassments, while reading on the train someone tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I was enjoying my book. I said yes and they responded “I thought so, you kept smiling”. I was somewhat mortified as I hadn’t realised I’d been doing it. Now when I read on the train or in public I hide my expressions behind my hand.

So how about you? Have you ever had a book related embarrassment?