If You Give A Girl a Book...

If You Give A Girl a Book...

• Jan 24, 2013

There is a part of me that's absolutely convinced that part of my mission in life is to make people love books. It's something that really rears its head someone says they don't like to read. Instantly, I have this strong desire to be the person who is able to find that one book that's just so perfect for them in length, genre, setting, writing style, you name it, that they then fall head over heels in love with reading.

It's like a challenge that I just can't refuse. "Oh, you don't really like to read?" [Insert probably not-so-subtle quizzing that I hope will reveal the secret book that will do the trick.] "Hmmm... you know, that sounds a lot like this book I think you'd like..."

This had led to a phenomenon in which I consider every gift-giving occasion an opportunity to give someone a book. I sit down and start thinking of a book for everyone on my Christmas list... but then I have to stop and remind myself that not everyone thinks a book is a good present. I don't gift books all the time, but I do think I'm a pretty good book gifter/recommender when I do.

I try really hard to find a book that will interest that individual - not just a book that I enjoyed. Just because I enjoyed it doesn't mean it fits everyone's reading taste! There are usually five things I like to know that can help me gift the perfect book. I don't sit there quizzing someone (awkward!), I just try to find out through multiple conversations and save the answers away in my brain for future reference.

Five Questions to Help You Gift the Perfect Book

1. What's the last book they read, and why did they read it?

In this case, I think the why is often more revealing than the what. Finding out why someone has been motivated to read in the past can help you find a book that they'll actually be motivated to read in the future.

For example, I have a friend who isn't a huge reader but always gravitates toward bestsellers. When she does take the time to read, she wants to read something that is being read by everyone else. Her motivation for reading has more to do with the desire to stay up-to-date on what is popular and being able to join in on conversations about the book. So, that lets me know that I will do best if I get her or recommend something to her that is either already a bestseller OR (and this is often even better) something that is on the cusp of being the next "it" book.

2. What's one book they really enjoyed and one they really disliked, and why?

It's probably obvious how this one can help you, but it's still something you want to know. If they hated a certain book because it didn't have a happy ending, you'll want to keep that in mind when you're picking a book for them. If they enjoyed a book because it had magic, that gives you a place to start in your search for the perfect book to give them!

3. If they watch TV, what are their two favorite TV shows?

Most people, not everyone but most, enjoy watching TV. And a person's TV show preferences can give you a great head start when it comes to picking out a book for them! It's not a genre, but it comes pretty darn close. It tells you what kind of stories they get drawn into and what characters have won their hearts. Then, you just have to find a book with similar elements (be it tone, characters, plot, etc.) and you have a higher chance of book gifting success!

4. What interests them most in a story: the plot, the writing, or the characters?

This may be hard to find out if they really don't like reading at all, but see if you can figure out which one is the most important to them when (if) they read.

For example, some people need a book with a gripping plot and a significant amount of action. Others might appreciate lyrical, evocative writing more than anything else. And then there are the people who must like and care about the characters to be invested in a book.

Ideally, you want to read a book that has all three things: good writing, interesting characters, and an exciting plot. However, you'll notice that most books will have one that's often a little stronger than the others. So, you don't want to recommend a beautifully written book (that perhaps has a slower plot) to someone who wants adventure and excitement!

5. What do they like to do in their free time?

Finding out what interests someone can help you figure out what they'd actually be interested in reading about in a book. They might love a non-fiction book about a topic the enjoy or a fiction book that includes an activity they like?

If someone is really interested in fashion, how about a biography of a fashion icon or trendsetter? If someone loves sports, what about an athlete's memoir? Maybe they love reality TV, so a celebrity-authored book would be right up their alley.

If someone loves ballet, they might enjoy a book where the main character is a dedicated ballerina. If they love the South, maybe a novel with some good ole Southern charm. Someone who likes hiking might enjoy a book with wilderness adventures.

Use your knowledge about their interests to your advantage and find them the perfect book!

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Gifting books is an art, not a science. These are things I consider that help me gift the perfect book, but I'll still have a miss now and then. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you just won't be able to get someone to read. 

Do you love gifting books, too? Please tell me I'm not the only one who wants to get a book for everyone on every gift-giving occasion! And what do you do if you're giving a book to someone who isn't really a reader? Have you ever asked questions like these to help you gift the perfect books? I'd love your tips for how you help someone find their book soulmate!