You can tell a lot about a person by the titles you see on their bookshelf. Most people read books that interest them, so it's a great way to get to know a person. Lots of history books? They're probably into history. Biographies about famous athletes? They probably enjoy sports. Books on Feminism? You guessed it, they're probably into Feminism. Same goes for politics, animals, economics, and so on.
I follow a few book blogs on Facebook to help expand my reading list. The site "Book Riot" recently re-posted an older blog that appeared on their website called, "If We See These Books On Your Shelves, We Should Probably Be Friends" (you can read it here). Most of the list consisted of obscure books I had never heard of, except for The Hobbit. I don't think the author and I would have made very good friends.
It got me thinking, which books would make me say, "Let's be friends?"
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Absolutely, positively, 100 percent yes. I fell in love with the Harry Potter series when I was in sixth grade. One of those Scholastic Book Fairs was at my school, and it was one of the most popular books. I jumped on the bandwagon to read it. I worked my way through the first half, unsure of what the fuss was about. By the end, I was hooked. I read the first book when I was 11 years old—the same age as Harry and the other First Years in The Sorcerer's Stone. As the other books were released, year after year, I was usually about the same age as the characters. It made them feel like friends I was growing up with. The final book came out when I was 19. Since then, I've tried to re-read once every year or two.
If I see these books on your shelf, I can assume you're probably pretty empathetic. Or so Scientific American believes (no seriously, check out the link!). You, like me, may have grown up with the characters. You probably feel like they're old friends, just like I do. And you probably enjoy reading. Why don't we get together and watch the movies while comparing to key plot points that are missed?
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I only read this book for the first time a few months ago. I fell in love with the story, the relationship between Jem and Scout (it reminded me of my sibling relationship with my brother), and the kind of father Atticus chose to be for his children. I'm glad I read it when I was older because I believe I appreciated it more. Many of the novel's themes would have been lost on me as a teenager.
If I see this on your shelf, I assume that family is important to you and that you like to stand on the side of what is right and just. We should meet for coffee and discuss current injustices in the US.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
While a children's chapter book, this story has some more adult themes (such as a love for education) throughout its pages. There are so many puns , idioms, and wordplay that most of the targeted audience probably misses those references. Reading it as an adult is even more exciting than as a child.
If you're reading this, you probably enjoy wordplay and you might also have studied English in school (like me!). You probably have a strong imagination and are genuine, since you don't find it a shame to read books marketed to a younger audience. Good for you! Now, what is your stance on crossword puzzles?
John Adams by David McCullough
While this is a massive history book filled with information around the time of America's founding, it reads like a novel. John Adams is probably my favorite founding father, even though he doesn't always have the most positive reputation.
I'll award you half points for owning the HBO miniseries (which is fantastic and a must-watch), but major bonus points if you have a book of letters between Adams and his wife, Abigail. The letters are basically a beautiful love story between a couple that was separated for many, many years during a time where post was hand-carried by people going to the same place and travel was extremely dangerous. The book only scrapes the surface of that relationship.
If you have this on your shelf, I imagine you have an interest in history (at least of the founding period) and enjoy gripping stories. You may even have a slight romantic edge to you or pine for the days of letter writing. We could discuss details of the founding and the declaration over warm mugs of coffee. Certainly not tea.
America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines by Gail Collins
This is a fascinating history of women in the United States, those who were often hidden from history books and missing from memories. As the title suggests, the book packs in 400 years of historical females and the stories provide today's women, young and old, with new role models to admire.
If you have this book, I would assume that feminism is somewhat important to you. You believe that women have had a place throughout history even if we weren't learning their names or deeds in high school classes. I'd love to chat with you about who your favorite lesser-known lass is and why.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I think a lot of classics can seem pretentious when they make their way onto a book list. I believe a lot of readers keep classics on their shelves, but rarely read them (unless they were a literature or English major in college). Even I have a number of classics on my shelf I haven't yet managed to get through or to. That said, Pride and Prejudice is one classic novel that I actually thoroughly enjoy and frequently revisit. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said it's her favorite book to revisit once per year. I try to read it just as often.
If you have this book, I assume you probably wear your heart on your sleeve. You aren't one to be fooled by flash and expense, but look to the genuine heart of a person. Who wouldn't want to be friends with someone like that? Let's meet up sometime to discuss the appeal of Darcy.
What books would make you say, "Let's be friends?"
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