Why You Should Read Whatever the Hell You Want to Read

As a proud 28-year-old reader of smutty cowboy romances, war-survivor biographies, and everything in between, I’m here to tell you something simple and profound: read whatever the hell you want to read.

For far too long, there’s been a weird societal tendency to police the “worth” of certain books and genres, especially when it comes to leisure reading. We’ve all heard the condescending advice, often unsolicited:

“Why are you reading that? It’s a waste of time.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to read something more serious?”

“You’ll never grow if you stick to those kinds of books.”

To that, I say: nonsense. Complete and utter nonsense. Reading is one of the most personal, joyful, and fulfilling activities on Earth. It’s a way to connect with yourself, the world, and sometimes a world completely outside of your own. Whether you’re devouring a spicy romance or a dense political memoir, every book you choose has value, because you chose it. Let’s break down exactly why reading for fun — yes, even smutty cowboy romances — is just as important as reading to learn.

1. Reading Is for You, Not for Them

Here’s the first thing you need to remember: nobody else gets to dictate how you enjoy your time. Reading is a deeply personal act. Some people read to escape; others read to reflect or grow. Some of us read because we want to feel something, and others because we want to know something. But the unifying truth is that reading is yours.

You’re not a student in some stuffy English class anymore, forced to analyze metaphors in 19th-century poetry if it doesn’t interest you. You’re an adult, and you can prioritize what speaks to you. If cowboy smut lights you up at the end of a long day, you’re doing it right. If presidential biographies make you ponder the intricacies of leadership, you’re doing it right. If both live on your shelf side by side, you’re really doing it right.

2. Reading for Fun Is Still Learning

People who condescendingly tell you to “only”read non-fiction or biographies are missing a key point: you can learn from every book. Sure, non-fiction might provide you with direct facts and analysis, but fiction, romance, fantasy, and even smut give you something equally valuable:

• Empathy: Every time you connect with a character, you’re stepping into someone else’s shoes. That widens your perspective.

• Emotional Growth: Books that make you cry, swoon, or laugh give you the space to explore your own feelings.

• Critical Thinking: Complex plotlines and character decisions challenge your ability to understand motives and predict outcomes.

The knowledge you gain from fiction is different, but no less important. And let’s be honest — some of the best life lessons aren’t found in the history of U.S. presidencies but in messy romances, spicy Westerns, or the world of dragons and magic.

3. Genre Snobbery Is Ridiculous

Can we take a moment to address the literary elitism that some people cling to? The idea that certain genres are inherently “better” than others is as outdated as a rotary phone. Genres exist because humans have a variety of needs, moods, and tastes. Nobody expects to eat the same meal every day or listen to only one type of music, so why should books be any different?

Romance novels, for example, are often dismissed as fluff, even though they’re one of the bestselling genres in the world. Why? Because love and human connection are universal themes that resonate with readers everywhere. Smut? It’s fun, and there’s no shame in enjoying a little escapism. Cowboy books? If rugged heroes and sprawling ranch landscapes bring you joy, why not indulge?

Genres are gateways into different parts of ourselves. They all have value.

4. The Pressure to “Read Smart” Is Exhausting

Let’s talk about this idea that reading should always be productive. Who made this rule? Reading is supposed to be a pleasure, not a chore. Life is hard enough without turning your hobbies into a self-improvement project.

The truth is, reading for fun is productive in ways people don’t always see. It’s relaxing. It’s therapeutic. It helps you recharge and process your day. And sometimes, we need books to simply entertain us, not educate us. There’s no shame in that.

Also, let’s get real: the people telling you to only read “serious” books are often just showing off. Reading isn’t a competition. It’s okay to love books that have zero “prestige” — their purpose is to make you happy.

5. There’s Room for All Kinds of Books

The beauty of reading is its diversity. You can read about presidents and cowboys. You can balance smut with Shakespeare. You can dive into true crime today and a magical realm tomorrow. There’s no rule that says you have to stick to one type of book, and that flexibility is what makes reading so wonderful.

You might learn something about leadership in a biography, and then learn something about vulnerability in a romance novel. You might enjoy the grit of a Western and then lose yourself in the lush details of historical fiction. All these experiences feed different parts of your mind and soul, and all are equally valid.

6. You Deserve Joy, Not Guilt

At the end of the day, reading should bring you joy. It shouldn’t come with guilt, shame, or a need to justify your choices. Life is too short to waste time on books you don’t love or to let others make you feel bad about the ones you do.

So the next time someone looks down their nose at your choice of reading material, remind them that the purpose of books isn’t to impress anyone — it’s to enrich your life. Your bookshelf is yours to fill however you want.

Final Thought

To those who say reading smut, romance, or cowboy books will “get you nowhere,” I’d argue the opposite: those books will take you everywhere. They’ll take you to places of passion, connection, laughter, and escape. And if that’s not the point of reading, I don’t know what is.

So pick up that smutty cowboy romance. Dive into that presidential biography. Reread the fantasy series you loved as a teenager. Whatever speaks to your heart, let it guide your reading life — and never apologize for what you love.