Anne Bogel

I suspect that most of us love books about books or reading. I know I do, but I typically don't like heavyweight books. I prefer lighthearted, breezy books about reading and this one absolutely fits the bill. For Bogel, a reading tastemaker and blogger, books are part of life and, in this short (160 page) book, she talks about books that first grabbed her and how she became the reader she is. As I read this in nearly one sitting, I found myself saying constantly "YES!! that's me, too."

Of the show more 21 short chapters, particular favorites for me include Bogel's chapter on living next door to a public library (which had me dreaming of such a thing); book bossiness (something I definitely try not to be); and, most especially, the chapter on bookworm problems. On bookworm problems, I think she presents maybe 100 of them and I excitedly said yes that's me for virtually all of them.

This is a fun little book about reading which I think many readers would enjoy (since I don't want to engage in book bossiness, I won't say "you must read this." Probably my favorite book of the year so far. show less

I wandered through this charming book of short essays on the reading life over several months. It can certainly be read in one sitting but I preferred to nibble on it one tidbit at a time. Some vignettes were endearing and nostalgic, others intriguing, set aside for future thought. Still other chapters were foreign to my experience. This is a book for anyone who loves reading. The small size and lovely cover art makes it an ideal gift for the reader in your life or as shelf décor in your show more personal library.
With the final chapter, I felt for the first time that my habitual record-keeping has been validated. I started in 2001 and yes, I wish I had started in my childhood, many decades ago! When I remember a book I read before my record-keeping began, I maintain a separate list of titles with no dates or other info, just for the joy of remembering. Thanks Anne for making me feel less obsessive! show less

Full disclosure: I adore Anne Bogel. I was a guest on her podcast -- twice -- and I'm a fan of anything she does. I think she's genuine, thoughtful, and sweet. So I had high hopes for READING PEOPLE -- especially after having really enjoyed I'D RATHER BE READING a couple of months ago.

This one didn't land nearly as well with me. I think I'm not the target audience. I'm not Christian, so all the bible verses and references to the church fell flat. I'm also very well versed in personality show more frameworks. From the MBTI to Enneagram and, most recently, Human Design (which isn't mentioned at all in READING PEOPLE), I've studied them all.

This book would serve as an excellent introduction for anyone new to the world of viewing themselves through the various lenses of personality frameworks. But those more versed in the topic can safely skip it. show less

This is a short book with a beautiful cover and highly relatable content for book lovers. I particularly enjoyed Bogel’s descriptions of living next door to a library (so much envy on my part) and the chapter where she talked about the challenges of recommending a “great book” to someone or naming a favourite book, singular. Because reading tastes are so personal, it’s hard to know what a reader might want to read. Also, telling someone they “should” read something may have the show more opposite effect. And when you name a single favourite book, it doesn’t represent all of the aspects of your reading personality.

Another element I liked about Bogel’s reading life is reading by whim, or having a pretty good idea of what book itch needs to be scratched at any given moment. I am a big whim reader myself (within the strictures of library deadlines, where applicable) and like following those little nudges to pick up certain books at certain times: requesting books that I’ve listed as to-read and that others are suddenly reading; books mentioned in other books or on TV; or one book reminding me of another for some reason.

Overall, this is a good book if you like to read others’ thoughts on the reading life, especially if you follow Bogel’s blog (Modern Mrs. Darcy) or her podcast (What Should I Read Next?). show less