On Reading People Like I Read Books

As a librarian, I read a lot, though almost never purely for my own pleasure. Usually I am doing Readers Advisory (RA) reading as well. Often, even though I hope to enjoy the book, I am primarily reading for RA purposes instead of recreational. Readers Advisory is what we librarians like to call the act of recommending books to interested readers, and all readers have different interests. Some want to escape, some want to learn, some want to be challenged or thrilled or amused or scared or titillated or any number of other things. Some want books that move fast and some want languid plots with poetic prose, some primarily care about authentic characters they relate to, some want stories that make them feel while others want ones that make them think. Tone matters. Atmosphere too. There are innumerable ingredients readers are hoping to find when they ask for a good book, and it’s the librarian’s job to understand what that is. Every reader is different and every book is a good book to someone. RA reading is evaluating each book from the perspective of its appeal factors. It’s not evaluating whether a book is good or bad absolute terms, but how it might be good for someone who wants what it offers. When I read, then, I am trying to imagine that book’s perfect reader.

It is an approach I try to take in other aspects of my life as well. It’s one of the reasons I have so much trouble identifying favorites—in any area—because I try to appreciate foods, colors, movies, songs, styles, and etc. for what they are. I try to find what is good about them. The hardest, though most important and rewarding, area to apply the principle, is people. I do my best to see people as I read books. To not evaluate them but appreciate them for who they are and what they offer. To find the good in them. It’s one of the best things I’ve learned from being a librarian.