Reading Profile

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Working in the library has taught me that I'm a slow reader when compared to many librarians and our hardcore reading patrons. I like to proclaim this fact up front with patrons that feel shy about asking for reading recommendations and especially when I'm working with teens. I want them to know they shouldn't be discouraged if they love books but aren't reading as avidly as other book lovers. So, I love reading and getting lost in a good book or audiobook, but I typically like to take my time with them and may take long stretches between books.

Growing up, I was a reluctant reader until I found fantasy books. Specifically the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and the Wheel of Time Series. While I still love fantasy elements in a book, I tend not to read fantasy series because they require a bigger commitment than I'm willing to give. Now, I'll go for a stand-alone fantasy like Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik or something with fantasy elements like Midnight Library by Matt Haig and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.

My previous library position focused on working with teens, so I have read more YA in the last several years and I still tend toward fantasy and science fiction in YA. However, I have also loved several relationship fiction stories by authors like John Green, A.S. King, and Patrick Ness.

So, when I look at my reading history, I still see that my go-to genres are Fantasy, YA, and Science Fiction. However, I'll read outside of those often enough as well. I tend to look for intricately plotted and character-driven storylines. I also look for books that are genre-blending, have a strong sense of place, are thought-provoking, and include authentic, diverse characters. I would usually rather read something with a dark, or intense tone than a light-hearted, gentle read.