Reading as a social act

I've long thought of reading as an action of the individual.

I am struck, however, by how often people who read seek connection with others based on or because of their reading choices. I've not discovered the study that confirms this, but I'm betting that most folks get their next book via informal, personal recommendations. Aren't we all desperate to talk about the book that kept us up past midnight? And equally anxious to hear about those that kept our friends awake?

Reading book reviews -- something I spend a fair amount of time enjoying in my librarian day job -- is a great way to discover new titles and authors. Getting the same information via a personal recommendation, however, seems much more powerful.

In fact there are folks in my life -- and you know who you are -- that I depend upon for a good title or new author. D will have an excellent non-fiction title my politically responsible brain will enjoy. M will have the wonderful book by a voice I need to hear. W will point me to smart and funny fiction. I'm pleased to admit that the latest addition to these go-to readers is a college sophomore. Evidence that you can teach an old dog new tricks. 

I'm also quite happy to admit that recommendations are almost always not new books, but only new-to-me. While my book-lover vanity might be injured, it quickly recovers when I find out the author of my latest favorite has been busy writing a whole pile of books I'll likely enjoy. How nice of them.

Getting a good book recommendation is a gift. Never hesitate to talk about or invite others to talk about  books, no matter what the genre or reading level. It feels good and it is good.

And don't forget to keep me the loop as well.