Book Lovers: Which Type of Reader Are You?

There are many different types of book lovers out there. Some people only read certain genres, while others will read anything and everything they can get their hands on. Here are a few different types of book lovers. Let’s see which category you might fall into.

The Avid Reader

The avid reader is someone who will read just about anything. They don’t have a specific genre that they stick to and they’re always on the lookout for their next great read. Avid readers often have a giant stack of books by their bed, just waiting to be devoured.

The Genre Lover

The genre lover only reads certain books within a particular genre. Whether it’s romance, mystery, or fantasy, they stick to what they love and know. Genre lovers often have a large collection of books within their chosen genre and are always interested in adding new titles to their collection.

The Classics Lover

The classics lover enjoys reading the great works of literature. They take great pride in reading and understanding these complex works. Book lovers who are drawn to the classics often have a deep appreciation for the history and context surrounding these works.

The Casual Reader

The casual reader picks up a book when they have time and they’re not too picky about their selections. They might read for pleasure, or to learn something new, but they’re not as dedicated as the other types of readers on this list. Casual readers often have a small collection of books they return to when they need a good read.

Which Type of Reader Are You?

Do you fit into one of these categories or are you a mix of two or more? I’ve created a short quiz to help you identify your type. The quiz is free and it’s fun and you can take it now.

Know Your Why

For me, my reading life became even when sweeter when I identified the why that influenced my reading selections. Book lovers who know which type of reader they are will make informed decisions. Choosing the kind of book you’re most likely to enjoy means you’ll probably keep reading (and waste less time slogging through books you don’t love).

Here’s a deeper look into the motivation behind why we read, and a few specific book recommendations.

Entertain Me Erica

A voracious reader who craves the adrenaline rush of a captivating story. You’re a book lover who reads for entertainment and will often stay up past your usual bedtime because you just can’t put the book down. If you learn something new while you’re reading, that’s an added bonus, but the need to know how the book ends is what really compels you to keep turning the pages. Domestic thrillers, fantasy, family sagas, cozy mystery…the genre doesn’t necessarily drive your selections. You just want to be entertained. Here are some books that you might enjoy:

The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Memory Lane by Becky Wade
The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

Take Me Away Tina

You’re the type of reader who wants to escape. Not forever. Only for a few hours while you devour the next book on your toppling to-be-read pile. It’s not that you aren’t grateful for your current reality. You just want to feel and experience different emotions, visit a unique setting vicariously through the pages of a novel, and relieve stress with a lighthearted feel-good story. You often choose books with a guaranteed happily-ever-after, because you like knowing there’s a satisfying ending. Here are 5 books I think you’ll enjoy reading:

First to Fall by Jenny B. Jones
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
His Alaskan Redemption by Heidi McCahan
The Reunion by Kayla Olson
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Educate Me Elyse

You read to learn and grow. Expanding your knowledge about other cultures, historical events, and the lives of influential people inspires you. Happy endings aren’t always realistic, so you don’t mind if a book has a less-than-happy conclusion. Other folks can boast about reading one hundred books per year. You prefer savoring each novel, memoir, or self-help title that you intentionally select, taking time to ponder what you’ve learned and hopefully discuss with like-minded bookish friends. Here are a few titles for you to consider:

The Measure by Nikki Erlick
I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist
The Water Keeper by Charles Martin
The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton
Fraser by Susan May Warren