Do you have a Book Twin? A Book Twin is someone whose reading taste is remarkably similar to your own. When this person recommends a book, you can be pretty sure you will like it as well. I am still searching for my true Book Twin, but have come pretty close.
I enjoy a bookish podcast called Currently Reading, whose hosts Meredith and Katee have steered me towards some of the best books I have read in the past year or so. That is not to say that their recommendations are 100% on target for me. Katee reads a ton of social justice-themed books, which are not my first choice of bookish entertainment. However, when she suggests an "own voices" book, I know it is going to be authentic and well done. (Example: With the Fire on High, Transcendent Kingdom, The Girl With the Louding Voice). Meredith enjoys story tale retellings and fantasy, which I typically avoid. However, I tried A Court of Thorns and Roses and A Curse So Dark and Lonely because of her and liked them. On the other hand, when Meredith recommends a mystery it is a pretty sure bet that I will love it. (Any Louise Penny book, Home Before Dark, The Magpie Murders). Interestingly enough, when Meredith mentions a book she did not like, and I have also read it, I tend to be of the same opinion.
There is such a thing as an Anti-Book Twin as well. I think I have discovered my Anti-Book Twin is Reese Witherspoon. I have enjoyed exactly three of the last 17 of her book club suggestions. (Such a Fun Age, The Guest List, and The Henna Artist). Some of her recommendations have actually been on my Least Liked Books list. Despite the trend of their bad book recommendations, keep in mind, sometimes even your Anti-Book Twin may get it right!
Many readers recommend that you keep a list of the books you read in a given year to keep track of your reading life. I use a little leather notebook, but Goodreads is another good place to track your reading. I track the title of the book, the author, the date I read it, and my rating of the book. Katee and Meredith recommend tracking one more detail, and I think it is brilliant. They track the source of the recommendation of each book. Where they heard of it first, who said it was good.
This would be a great way to find out where you consistently get good book suggestions. We all want to improve our reading lives. Spending time and money on a book you are not enjoying is a huge waste. If you can find your book twin, you could be on your way to loving a much greater number of the books you read!
Well Nicole I think you are pretty close to my twin! I have really enjoyed your book recommendations over the past 2 years. I don’t know if I have mentioned this title to you already but I loved New of the World by Paulette Jiles. Hope your dad is on the mend!
Posted by: Kerry L. | January 25, 2021 at 08:06 AM
I have yet to find a Book Twin, but come relatively close. My college roommate (of 47 yrs ago!) and I read things together and have a good long distance call on Saturdays to discuss. I love Love LOVE Goodreads and have been on there for 12 years this month. I'm not however as prolific a reader as you. I rarely recommend books because people's tastes are SO different. When I'm choosing, I look at other people's reviews and their general taste in genre's - which is even more of an indicator.
Posted by: Nancy L Buennemeyer | January 25, 2021 at 09:05 AM
PS - we do like the Louise Penny books but joking call him Inspector "Fudge."
Posted by: Nancy L Buennemeyer | January 25, 2021 at 09:06 AM
I always think of you as my book twin, Nicole. I almost always enjoy your book recommendations and look forward to your book reviews.
Posted by: Joan S | January 25, 2021 at 12:12 PM
My BFF and I have always lived in different towns (we met while mutually commuting to work at the same place). Freakishly we regularly find we've purchased/read the same books, cookbooks, etc. We've joked that if we would both become widowed, we should buy houses next door to each other so we can purge half our books and just trade things back and forth.
Posted by: Robby | January 25, 2021 at 01:37 PM
I hope your dad had a good weekend! Those are all useful ideas for finding like-minded readers. I often check the recommendations in magazines & newspapers (online) in addition to asking what my sister is reading. I'm all over the board with no specific genre, although 'chick books' would probably be a good start! Stay well!
Posted by: Jan | January 25, 2021 at 04:35 PM
My SIL had recommended Louise Penney for years but I'm not a fan of her other choices. However, now that I AM reading Penney I'm hooked! Saw her in person shortly after her husband died and it was very moving. I'm not your twin, but I do check out your choices and some look interesting!
Posted by: sue s | January 25, 2021 at 07:24 PM
I always love your bookish posts, Nicole. You introduced me to several great reads, and I did go on quite a Meisner tangent awhile back. I have a couple of book twins, and they are wonderful. One learns very quickly who offers up the really good recommendations. Interestingly, I just wrote a post about my 2020 reading yesterday. Now I have more titles to investigate.
Posted by: jayne | January 26, 2021 at 05:45 AM
I love your book posts and recommendations and usually agree with your highest rated recommendations, like many others have commented - thank you for always sharing!
Posted by: Jennifer in Indy | January 27, 2021 at 05:34 PM
Lol that reminds me of a Pinterest Twin! I think I just love pretty much everything you recommend. I really enjoy your reviews and always jot downs the ones that get high marks, so far I have not been disappointed. I do tend to forget though, so I like the Goodreads option. Thanks again for another great tip!
Posted by: Anita | January 28, 2021 at 10:49 AM