Scenario: You’ve just bought some complicated gadget home . . . do you read the accompanying documentation? Or not?
Not to be cocky, but define “complicated gadget”? I can usually figure electronics out instinctually, such as my camera, computer, printer, etc. But for set-up, like with the wireless router, I’ll read the documentation because there is a set way to use that.

Do you ever read manuals?
Only if I want an answer to a specific question.

How-to books?
On occasion I do enjoy instructional handbooks.

Self-help guides?
I’m not so big on these… I just get so bored with the material! Haha

Anything at all?
Dictionaries, encyclopedias, informational companions (such as my British Museum book), and humourous books about editing and grammar.