How do you choose what to read? And more importantly how do you choose what books to buy? Are you influenced by the opinions of others?
In the February 11, 2008 Publishers Weekly published an article called Word-of-Mouth Top Book-Buying Decisions. It statistics which were the result of a survey among African-American readers. The online survey found most readers chose books recommended. In fact 55% bought books recommend by a family member or friend.
In my case, I might read something recommended by a friend. More often though I search out particular authors I like or I read the blurb on the book jacket or a review at Amazon.
However, I rarely buy fiction these days mostly because, unlike my husband who re-reads his favorites again and again, I rarely re-read fiction. So fiction usually comes from the library.
If I buy a book, or drop hints to family about books I would like to own, they will be poetry (which I re-read and which often inspires me to write a poem) or non fiction. This is usually biographies, inspirational, or books about writing or writers. If you’re interested in writing, have a look at some of my favorites on my write and read with dale blog dated May 18, 2006.
One of the books I gave to several people last Christmas was ‘The Singing Silence.’ See a review here.
I have a friend with whom I often discuss books. Several times I have loaned her or recommended she read books with a Christian emphasis or slant to them, in the hope that one day something will spark a response in her. No, it isn’t an excuse to be quiet and say nothing about my faith but just another way of trying to open the doors of communication.
You never know how God will work in a person’s life or what will challenge them. What about you? Have you ever thought about books and this aspect of using them as an evangelistic tool or opening to talk to your non-Christian family and friends? Have you tried it and with what result?
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