Top Picks For Every Reading Style
There are so many different types of readers - everyone has their own preferences. It can be hard to find recommendations if your style doesn't match the bookstore highlight tables. Many people don't know where to start or find new books they'd actually enjoy. Some readers love spending hours perusing a bookshop, but many who are disinclined or simply too busy need a jumping off point. Even readers who love browsing the shelves enjoy a good curated recommendation shelf. So explore the profiles below and read on.
RICKY
The
Savant Seeker
Reading Style
Books that allow me to learn something new, see the world from a different angle, tell the story of an inspiring individual, or further my knowledge in a particular realm; for fiction, it needs to be based in a realistic & believable setting.
Literary Likes
Thought-provoking, suspenseful, well-written
Literary Dislikes
Overly descriptive writing when not necessary, things that are outlandish/not believable, boring stories
DJ
The
Escapist
Reading Style
I enjoy reading to escape everyday life, as a form of relaxation. I like a mix of genres and I'm not into most mainstream critically-acclaimed literature.
Literary Likes
happy endings, twists, magical realism & whimsy, unique POVs, murder mysteries, romance
Literary Dislikes
focus on tragedy, long series, numerous unlikable characters, purple prose, dragging pace
MADELINE
The
Romantic
Reading Style
When I read a good book, I usually binge it like Netflix, cover to cover. I love fiction either with an element of fantasy or that references a real historical moment.
Literary Likes
whimsical romance, myths and legends, e-books
Literary Dislikes
overly wordy prose, characters that fail the Bechdel test, fantasy novels without maps
BIANCA
The
Page-to-Screen Fan
Reading Style
Most of the books I read are popular as bestsellers or because they are getting adapted into a movie/tv show.
Literary Likes
mystery, romance, healthcare, comedy, young adult fiction
Literary Dislikes
most nonfiction, too much fluff/descriptions, one story told from multiple perspectives
DANIEL
The
Modern Classicist
Reading Style
I go through long periods of time with no reading, alternating with intense short periods of excessive reading; Quality of writing is important to me.
Literary Likes
fiction, fantastic writing, things that are mind-expanding, modern classics
Literary Dislikes
bad writing, nonfiction, things that are not captivating
LAUREL
The
Poet
Reading Style
I have an affinity for nonfiction, for learning, and tend to prefer fiction and poetry that leaves the reader with a sense of newness.
Literary Likes
Margaret Atwood, Malcom Gladwell, Anne Carson, poetry, nonfiction, self-help
Literary Dislikes
James Patterson, 50 Shades of Grey, Chick-Lit
ASHLEA
The
Introspective Researcher
Reading Style
Most of my reading examines life or imparts wisdom in some way. I love reading things backed by research – psychology in particular. I also enjoy random reads.
Literary Likes
science-backed information, travel, strong imagery
Literary Dislikes
romance, things I can’t relate to, slow beginnings
MARG
The
Realist
Reading Style
I like to read nonfiction because it makes me feel productive. I mix in some contemporary fiction that looks at real life in interesting ways.
Literary Likes
memoirs, nonfiction, contemporary fiction, nature, feminism
Literary Dislikes
outlandish fantasy, fiction that feels like it's a waste of time
MICHELE
The
Mainstream Eclectic
Reading Style
I like to read a variety of books; I often get ideas from book clubs or from magazine reviews.
Literary Likes
Thrillers, plot twists, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, biographies, descriptive writing that sets the mood, escapism, books in which I learn
Literary Dislikes
Heavy nonfiction, epistolary writing, slow/mundane stories
MARIA
The
Super Busy Superstar
Reading Style
I lead a busy life in the medical field, so when I have time to read, I tend towards things I can read quickly or in sections to better myself.
Literary Likes
motivational, though-provoking, wellness, poetry, short stories with humor/sarcasm, Atul Gawande, Dale Carnegie, Charles Duhigg, Paulo Coelho
Literary Dislikes
50 Shades of Grey, Game of Thrones
LEAH
The
Light & Fun Reader
Reading Style
I enjoy fun, light reading. In particular, I love addicting series, usually in the fantasy, romance, and/or young adult genres.
Literary Likes
fiction, love stories, mystical shit, teen fiction, fairytales, beach reads
Literary Dislikes
self help, nonfiction, murder mysteries
JOHN
The
"Non-Reader" Learner
Reading Style
I don't read very much - I wouldn't consider myself a "reader" really. I like learning through audio books.
Literary Likes
biography, philosophy, nonfiction, atheism, sports, music, history, innovation & technology
Literary Dislikes
romance, fantasy, graphic novels, long fiction
ASH
The
Spiritualist
Reading Style
I enjoy books that make me a better person, that help me grow in a positive way, or show me a situation from another perspective.
Literary Likes
spirituality, education, 1st person perspective, auto-biographies, positivity, comedies, self help
Literary Dislikes
scary, space travel