Picking Up a Good Book

​By Diana

Some people love reading and can easily pick up a book and get lost in it, while others might not enjoy reading as much. For me, reading was always an activity I loved, and I adore finding the next book to read. I have spent countless hours in libraries and bookstores, browsing shelves and picking out books from various genres: non-fiction, fiction, sci-fi, graphic novels, biographies, and more. It may seem daunting to find a book to read, especially if you do not know what you specifically like, but you should not hesitate to explore.

Most individuals have had books assigned to read at school, but it is always beneficial to learn how to find one based on your interests. There are multiple ways of going about finding a book to read: asking friends and family for recommendations, searching up books that are currently popular, asking a librarian, or simply by genre. All of these methods are acceptable when looking for the perfect book to read. Another good idea is to look back and reflect on which books you enjoyed reading more than others. Once you realize what you like or dislike, you will be that much closer to finding a book to read.

As this year has progressed, I realized that I have not been reading as much as I would have liked to. When I wanted to read, I had difficulty discovering books that interested me, but I was fortunate enough to find a way to find books that interested me. The book that I am currently reading, I discovered through my Health Psychology class. My professor assigned us a chapter to read, and after reading the assigned chapter, I found the book interesting because of the content covered in it. Although I found a book to read through my class, I also had luck finding books through websites such as Barnes & Noble - by viewing different categories sorted by either genre or popularity. Based on the title and cover of the book, I click on it and read the description. Although everyone has their own opinions regarding books, I like reading reviews written by people who have read the books that interest me before buying or checking that book out from my local library.

Recently, I had a friend tell me that she was having trouble picking a book to read. For her, most books she picked up did not interest her to a point where she genuinely wanted to read more. I told her that maybe she was choosing the wrong books to read. If she has a desire to read, she should pick a book that covers topics she is interested in. After probing her mind with questions, we have come to the conclusion that subjects such as fashion, cooking, and health peak her interests. Afterward, finding books that she was intrigued by was both easy and enjoyable. 

People are different, and what each person enjoys reading also differs. For those who have been reading for as long as they can remember, finding a book to read may not be a difficult task in comparison to someone who wants to begin reading and is unsure of their preferences. In this case, it is important to know that there are many books to choose from that cover a variety of topics and span many genres, that you are bound to find at least a few books that you will enjoy. Narrowing down the topics that interest you, and seeking recommendations from individuals who have read books and have a lot of knowledge of books can simplify your search. Keep an open mind and an open eye - you never know what books you will find yourself enjoying.