One of my favorite things about books is getting to offer recommendations. I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t take it personally if people don’t like books I suggest and instead take any misses as clues for how to be a better book pusher in the future.
During Armchair BEA, I tried taking my love of book recommending up a notch, offering personalized nonfiction recommendations for people interested in trying nonfiction for the first time or looking for more books on a particular topic. I had a lot of fun doing that, but one of the coolest things about the post was the way other readers jumped into the conversation in the comments, helping to recommend books I’d forgotten about or had never even heard of before. It was just awesome.
In the comments, a couple people also suggested that the recommendation project would be a fun blog feature. After spending some time working out the logistics in my head I decided to try doing something like an advice column for book recommendations.
I’m still trying to think of a name and graphic for this feature (ideas more than welcome), but the bones are in place. If you’re interested in getting a nonfiction recommendation, please follow this link to a form that will ask you a few questions about you and what kind of book you are looking to read.
I’ll do some digging and post the requests and recommendations here on the blog periodically. I’m not sure how frequently this feature will run — it depends on how many people make requests and how quickly I can write up the posts — but I think initially about twice a month seems reasonable.
Really though, the only way this is going to work is if there are readers looking for books — here’s the link to the form again — and people willing to help join the recommendation party as the posts go live. I hope you’ll consider playing!
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Yay for it becoming a regular feature! I haven’t any ideas for names or graphics at the moment, but I’m sure you’ll find one. Adding to the discussion and everyone being involved sounds brilliant. You’re on to a good thing here.
That was my favorite unexpected part of the whole thing — even on Twitter, people offered a lot of great suggestions that I hadn’t even thought of. I’m hoping that will continue.
I have so many books I can’t even almost ask for another rec! But I think it’s a great, great idea. PS: Thanks again for the gift certificate! I haven’t used it yet – it’s like a piece of chocolate I’m saving for a rainy day… or something 🙂
I do that with gift certificates all the time! I like to know they’re waiting for me 🙂
Very cool idea, Kim. I think I’ll participate…but reluctantly, since every time I try to read nonfiction, I just can’t seem to get into it. I think it’s that I want to escape and don’t want the reality. I see enough of that on the news.
I definitely know what you mean, I can be the same way about wanting to escape. There’s some nonfiction that does that for me, but a lot of the time it’s fiction.
This is Bryan’s wife here, very interested in this feature. I love nonfiction, in fact he bugs me to read fiction when he thinks I’ve been over indulging in real life. 😛 My fascination with nonfiction is a natural offshoot of my obsession with documentaries and started with throwing books on my to-read shelf that I’ve heard discussed on NPR.
I find a ton of books to read from checking out NPR, always stuff I haven’t come across otherwise. Thanks for playing — your the first one on the list, so hopefully I will have something for you next week!
Already tweeted it! So so so excited! Love this idea.
Thanks Andi 🙂
Awesome feature! I’ve filled out the form with my request. Whenever you do this feature, you’ll link to the form again, right? Just to make sure we don’t get forgetful that we can fill it out more than once?
Yep, that’s the plan. I hope once people see it in action they’ll be more excited to sign up.
I love, love this idea! I’m a fairly big non-fiction reader, but I always love finding out what other people are reading and I’d be more than happy to throw some added recs in!
Wonderful! I think the extra recommendations from other readers will be what makes this feature.
Such a great idea for a feature! Love it 🙂 I’ll definitely be paying attention