I used to have a very unique job at the library- I was a book matchmaker.
What does that mean?
It is a unique form of readers’ advisory where I choose books for people who are unable to come to the library because of illness or disability. I have become acquainted with many reader profiles over the years- all of them different from my own. Every reader has unique tastes. I like to think of it as a reading fingerprint rather than a profile. Mapping a person’s reading fingerprint involves much more than defining genres (they like mysteries) or using a book or author that they enjoy (she likes Debbie Macomber so she must likes romance). The heart of book matchmaking is exploring the “why?” Why did he like that book, but hated this one?
I will admit that my own reading interests are not terribly broad. I don’t read the latest bestsellers or the best new “book club” books. In fact, my favorite authors are long dead and not likely to write another book. My own finicky reading tastes have fueled my fascination with exploring book matchmaking. Knowing that I am an ardent Jane Austen fan is not enough information to successfully suggest another title I might like. We would have to dig much deeper to discover what I love about her books and why.
You might think that you have a pretty good idea of the books that you like, but have you ever tried explaining to it someone else? It is a lot harder than you think! Mapping out your own reading fingerprint can help you discover books and authors that you didn’t know you wanted to read, increase your chances of enjoying the books you choose to read, and you’ll probably discover quite a bit about yourself along the way.
