How do books come to you?
Do you pick up books based on the recommendations of others? Do you stick to one genre?
Do you wait for a sign or serendipitous encounter?
We all know reading is good for us, but how do we find things we actually enjoy?
Reading for pleasure might seem like a far-off dream right now, but whenever you need them, here are some creative ways I jump from book to book.
Your favorite author likes other authors.
I grew up going to the library and have always loved to read. It wasn’t until after college when I had free time (and no assigned reading) I realized I was stuck in a rut of choosing fiction based on authors I had read.
I read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and it became one of my favorite books. Next, I read An Abundance of Katherines because, well, it was also by John Green. When Turtles All the Way Down came out, I read the whole thing even though I didn’t love it.
After that, I took a baby step outside of my norm: I saw a quote from John Green on the cover of a book, so I checked it out. I had discovered We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I finished it in a matter of days. It was a shock to the system; just what I needed to wake up to all the great books out there I was missing by making safe choices!
Your favorite podcaster has written a book.
Admittedly, I started listening to podcasts to help me fall asleep. I found Aaron Mehnke’s Cabinet of Curiosities. His voice is like a soft, sweet lullaby. Through his show I was introduced to my current favorite podcast, Noble Blood, hosted by Dana Schwartz.
She is a talented storyteller AND loves to research. The result is an entertaining, educational journey. The show has the same things that draw me in about true crime; how power or money can help people to get away with (almost) anything.
In short–she has the tea about who you thought you knew from history.
When I found out late last year Dana Schwartz was coming out with a book, of course I pre-ordered it. It is called Anatomy: A Love Story. Great news–you can read it too! It is in the Popular Reading section right now.
Let yourself be curious. Try nonfiction!
I work behind the scenes here at the library. One of my favorite tasks is prepping all Popular Reading books for the shelves. I live for the smell of new books. Plus, I get a sneak peek of the new fiction and nonfiction books available to check out.
Recently, I took home On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed because “Winner of the Pulitzer Prize” caught my eye.
It is a small book, both in dimension and page count – a brilliant tactic. A thick, exhaustive history book may be passed over. A shorter book may land in the hands of many, like me, who are intrigued but only have time or attention for so much.
The author unflinchingly compares the Texas history often taught in schools to her lived experiences and those of her relatives. She crafts an easy-to-understand timeline around complex topics like desegregation.
When we only learn history from a textbook, it can make important events seem safely locked in the distant past.
Gordon-Reed brings issues out of the past and makes them feel so urgent and relevant. Books like On Juneteenth are a great starting point. They challenge you to grow from where you are; to move on, to learn more.
So, after much ado, that is my encouragement to you. Find things that interest you (in formats you can tolerate).
Keep reading and you’ll never stop learning.
Jen
Library Specialist II, Cataloging
