This is it. The end of my post recommending books to specific kinds of readers. I hope I touched on your genre of books and I hope that you found some new, out-of-the-box books to bury your nose in next time you get the chance.
Below is part 3 of this series of articles. If you didn’t relate to any of the categories from before, you may find your reading group listed here.
Animal Lovers
It’s seems like all of us have a soft spot for the cute and furry, but you, my friend, are obsessed. Grab a box of tissues for these reads as they follow the life of the animals you love.
Dewey by Vicki Myron (A Fave of mine!) is the story of a kitten rescued by small-town librarian and being true to his nature, captured the hearts of the town and saving his new home, the library, as well.
Marley & Me by John Grogan is another touching story about a young husband who unwittingly takes on the task of raising a Golden Labrador Retriever that, through the ups and the downs, eventually wins his heart.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is a story about a horse name Black Beauty who lives in Victorian England and is sold many times to owners of all trade and caliber. I can still remember the lessons it taught me as a child about how to treat others and the importance for caring for animals.
The Book Snob
OK, so you don’t go around turning your nose up to everyone you meet, however, you do have a certain knack for only reading novels “worth reading.” You enjoy the classics and can’t seem to keep interested in anything remotely pop-culture. Let these three classics open your mind to both classic literature and culture at the same time.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852) is the story of an American slave named Tom who finds faith while enslaved in a New Orleans plantation and never sways from his faith, even in the face of pure cruelty. His companion from the original farm where he was enslaved, name Eliza, faces a fate all her own. She flees for Canada after fearing she may lose her child to the slave trade and through trial and suffering eventually finds her way to freedom and is reunited with her long lost mother.
The Complete Sherlock Holmes: All 4 Novels and 56 Short Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1986) will have you twisting in your chair as Holmes and his faithful companion, Dr. Watson, help those seeking a private investigator to set things right. Originally published as a series of novels and short stories in a London magazine in the late 19th century to early 20th century, this book brings together all the episodes in one collected work. (A fave of mine!)
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway (1940) is the story of a young American soldier named Robert who is part of the International brigade during the Spanish Civil War. While working with guerillas to overthrow the facist forces of Francisco Franco, he meets and falls in love with a woman who has been traumatized by the war named Maria. When the guerillas are ambushed and killed, Pablo, an ally to Robert, betrays their mission by stealing the dynamite caps that are needed to blow up a bridge. In the end, Pablo returns to aid Robert in blowing up the bridge and Robert is maimed in the aftermath. Ensuring that Maria will be safe with his guerilla comrades, he sends them away and lies in wait for the enemy so he can take out one more soldier before his life is ended.
Just the Facts Please
You’re not a fiction reader and you did not keep up with all 6 years of schooling and 7 years of dueling Harry Potter suffered thanks to Lord Voldamort. You have no idea who Frodo or Bilbo are and what Aslan has to do with Christianity. You like the facts, black and white, and biographies are your best friend when it comes to book. Try these non-fiction reads on for size to see if they can give you the info you’re looking for.
In the Water They Can’t See You Cry: A Memoir by Amanda Beard (2012), winner of 7 medals among four Olympic Games. Amanda Beard was on top of her game and enjoying all the perks of her sex-symbol celebrity status. But what the world didn’t realize is that she was hiding a severe clinical depression that led her to abuse drugs, alcohol and herself. It all came to a head when her future husband walked in on her cutting herself.
Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy (1955) is the book JFK wrote while a U.S. Senator in the 1950’s. He profiles eight of senators throughout time who were willing to cross party lines, and in most cases lose popularity among their constituents for causes they truly believed in.
Profiles of Power & Success by Dr. Gene Landrum (1996) profiles 14 of the most innovative world leaders and creative geniuses that ever lived. Creative and entrepreneurial geniuses from Nikola Tesla to Frank Lloyd Wright are profiled as Landrum identifies six character traits that lead to success.
Inspiration Seekers
You can read for fun, but generally you read to seek inspiration. From finding spiritual satisfaction to getting motivated to go after the body you want, you’re looking for the right words to light a fire under your butt and get you moving. Check out these inspirations read to see if you might find a spark in there somewhere.
Under God by Toby Mac & Michael Tait (2004) profiles men and women of faith who helped to establish the country we now know as the United States of America. The authors also look at stories in history of darkness in order to help a new generation to not repeat the mistakes of their ancestors.
If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg (2001) examines how the story of Peter walking on the water in the New Testament of the Bible can be a cornerstone to inspiring us to move out of our comfort zones and be all that God created us to be.
Secrets of an Irresistible Woman by Michelle McKinney Hammond (1998) helps single women to discover their values, understand what true love is and find the encouragement to be the woman that God created them to be. Michelle seeks to empower single women not to give in the stereotypes of who they should be or want out of a relationship so they can be strong enough to find that perfect match God has for them.
Did I mention a reading group who you think you belong to? If not, stay tuned as I’ve got one more posts coming soon.
