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[<thomas AT tbeckett.com>]

Self-Test for Literature Abuse: How many of these apply to you?

1]  I have read fiction when I was depressed or to cheer myself up.
2]  I have gone on reading binges of an entire book or more in a day.
3]  I read rapidly, often "gulping" chapters.
4]  I sometimes read early in the morning or before work.
5]  I have hidden books in different places to sneak a chapter without
being seen.
6]  Sometimes I avoid friends or family obligations in order to read novels.
7]  Sometimes I re-write film or television dialog as the characters speak.
8]  I often read alone.
9]  I have pretended to watch television while secretly reading.
10]  I keep books or magazines in the bathroom for a "quick nip."
11]  I have denied or "laughed off" criticism of my reading habit.
12]  Heavy reading has caused conflicts with my family or spouse.
13]  I am unable to enjoy myself with others unless there is a book nearby.
14]  I seldom leave my house without a book or magazine.
15]  When travelling, I pack a large bag full of books.
16]  At a party, I will often slip off unnoticed to read.
17]  Reading has made me seek haunts and companions which I would
otherwise avoid.
18]  I have neglected personal hygiene or household chores until I
finished a novel.
19]  I become nervous, disoriented, or fearful when I must spend more than
15 minutes without reading matter.
20]  I have spent money meant for necessities on books instead.
21]  I have sold books to support my reading "habit."
22]  I have daydreamed about becoming a rich & famous writer, or
"word-pusher."
23]  I have attempted to check out more library books than is permitted.
24]  Most of my friends are heavy fiction readers.
25]  I have sometimes passed out or woken groggy or "hung-over" after a
night of heavy reading.
26]  I have suffered 'blackouts' or memory loss from a bout of reading.
27]  I have wept, become angry or irrational because of something I read.
28]  I have sometimes wished I did not read so much.
29]  Sometimes I think my fiction reading is out of control.

If you answered 'yes' to five or more of these questions, you may be a
literature abuser. Affirmative responses to ten or more indicates a
serious reading problem --seek help now! Fifteen or more "yes" responses
indicates a severe or chronic "readaholic" personality. Intervention is
seldom effective at this stage.