Tell Me Three Things, and I’ll Recommend a Book You’ll Love
Have you ever found yourself browsing through bookshelves, scanning recommendations, or scrolling through online reviews, only to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities? We’ve all been there. But what if you could find a book that truly resonates with you, one that speaks to your unique tastes and preferences?
The key lies in understanding what makes you tick, what themes, genres, or elements draw you in, and what you value in a story. By sharing your three things, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of book recommendations that will transport you to new worlds, make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the human experience.
My Story
The other day, I was texting with an old friend, who told me he reads only non-fiction but wants to read more fiction. So, I encouraged him to tell me three things he likes, generally, so I could give him a rec… “I like something dramatic that makes me laugh rather than something made to make me laugh,” he told me. “I’m not above being on the edge of my seat. And people doing the right/selfless thing goes a long way with me.” After thinking it over, my recommendation for him was James by Percival Everett — the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that retells the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who runs away with Huck. Have you read it? You’ll devour it in one big gulp; it’s funny at times but also serious and sad and thrilling; and there’s lots of morality/immorality baked in. (Plus, a runner up? An American Marriage .)
This book challenge was compelling, so I asked friends and family to give me their three things, so I could suggest a book for them, too.
My Family and Friends’ Three Things
Mom’s Three Things:
- People’s inner lives, listening carefully, poetry
- My mom loves books that explore the human condition, where characters are complex and multi-dimensional. She’s particularly drawn to stories that delve into the inner lives of people, where she can listen carefully to their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
- Poetry is another area where my mom’s heart lies. She appreciates the beauty of words, the power of language, and the way poetry can capture the essence of human experience.
Recommended Book: Heating and Cooling
Heating and Cooling by Beth Kephart is a poignant and lyrical novel that explores the inner lives of its characters. Through the eyes of a young girl, we witness the complexities of family relationships, the beauty of poetry, and the power of storytelling.
Dad’s Three Things:
- Focus on family; sailing and all that therein is; exploring new places
- My dad is a man of adventure, always looking for stories that take him on thrilling journeys. He loves books that focus on family, where relationships are at the heart of the narrative.
- Sailing and exploring new places are also passions of my dad. He appreciates stories that transport him to different environments, where he can experience the thrill of discovery and the beauty of nature.
Recommended Book: A Marriage at Sea
A Marriage at Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick is a sweeping narrative that explores the complexities of family relationships, the thrill of adventure, and the beauty of nature. This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories about sailing, exploring new places, and the human condition.
Friend Brooke’s Three Things:
- Gardening, birding, nature, introspection
- Brooke is a nature lover, always drawn to stories that celebrate the beauty of the world around us. She appreciates books that explore the intersection of nature and human experience.
- Introspection is another key area for Brooke, where she can reflect on her own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. She loves books that encourage her to slow down, observe, and appreciate the simple things in life.
Recommended Book: The Vaster Wilds
The Vaster Wilds by Kathleen Kent is a mesmerizing novel that explores the intersection of nature and human experience. Through the eyes of a young girl, we witness the beauty of the natural world, the complexities of family relationships, and the power of introspection.
Friend Rob’s Three Things:
- Flawed protagonists, huge plot twists, the teenage years
- Rob is a fan of stories that feature flawed protagonists, where characters are complex and multi-dimensional. He loves books that keep him on the edge of his seat, with unexpected plot twists and turns.
- The teenage years are another area where Rob’s heart lies, where he can relive the angst, the uncertainty, and the thrill of discovering oneself.
Recommended Book: Demon Copperhead
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of storytelling, and the beauty of the natural world. This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories about flawed protagonists, huge plot twists, and the teenage years.
Friend Pri’s Three Things:
- 1990s sitcoms, relationship drama, books that pull you right in
- Pri is a fan of stories that capture the spirit of the 1990s, where relationships are at the heart of the narrative. She loves books that explore the complexities of love, friendship, and family.
- Books that pull you right in are another key area for Pri, where she can escape into a world of drama, romance, and intrigue.
Recommended Book: Sorrow and Bliss
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Elison is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of relationships, the power of love, and the beauty of the human condition. This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories about 1990s sitcoms, relationship drama, and books that pull you right in.
Your Turn!
Now it’s your turn to share your three things. What do you like? What themes, genres, or elements draw you in? Share your passions, your interests, and your favorite things, and we’ll recommend a book tailored just for you!
P.S. A darkly funny book I can’t stop thinking about
As we wrap up this article, I want to leave you with a question: what’s the most memorable book you’ve ever read? Was it a darkly funny novel that stuck with you long after you finished reading it? Share your favorite book with us, and let’s continue the conversation!
What are your three favorite books?
We’d love to hear about your favorite books, the ones that have left a lasting impression on you. Share your favorite novels, memoirs, or poetry collections, and let’s discover new books together!
By sharing your three things, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of book recommendations that will transport you to new worlds, make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the human experience. So, what are you waiting for? Tell us three things, and let’s recommend books for each other!
