Mapping my own reading fingerprint has changed the way I read. It has broadened my reading horizons and I have discovered books and authors I never thought I would like. My reading tastes are constantly changing. Circumstances, moods, and the passage of time can all impact what I like to read so I will never be finished.
Figuring Out What We Like to Read & Why
Delving into a favorite author can be a good place to start exploring your reading interests. Jane Austen is one of my favs so let’s talk about her for a bit.
Austen’s novels are generally romantic, but it wouldn’t be accurate to surmise that I like romances (I don’t). So what do I like about them?
What makes this author special? Why do I appreciate his/her works? Which title is my favorite and why? The answers to these questions can speak volumes!
Jane Austen Is the Best
My favorite Jane Austen novel is Persuasion. Unless I am in the mood for something light-hearted and then P& P is the my go-to choice. The “why?” is the hard part. I love Persuasion because it has a beautiful balance of melancholy and wit. Of course it must turn out all right in the end. (Resolution is essential for me- they don’t have to be happy, but I need resolution.)
Describe your favorite scene in the book. Why did you like it? For me it’s the scene where she reads the letter from Captain Wentworth. Anne has had scraps of hope in a few little things here and there that he has said or done, but she can’t let herself think there is anything in it. She has had a hard time of things- people use her or ignore her, but they don’t deeply care for her. Anne’s joy is palpable and as a reader, I am rooting for Anne. I want her to be ok. Mr. Darcy or no, we all know Lizzie in P&P will land on her feet, but Anne is a different story.
Another reason I love Persuasion so much is the more biting satire of some supporting characters. While Mrs. Bennett & Mr. Collins are certainly ridiculous characters and it’s quite fun to join Elizabeth Bennett in how she might gently laugh at them, Persuasion’s comedic relief in the form of Sir Walter Elliot and Anne’s sister Mary is definitely more sharp.
I have learned through analyzing my own reading tastes that I know I need an ending with resolution and justice. I want a character that I can root for and that I don’t find annoying and dramatic or that makes ridiculously bad decisions for the sake of the story. But one of the most important insights for me personally has been learning what it is I love most about Austen’s books–her ability to draw a sketch of interesting characters and how they interact with one another. I don’t want a story that relies too heavily on plot or on a tragedy or things like that. I enjoy joining the author in examining human nature in all it’s glory and foibles but not too intimately– rather like scientist examines a bug pinned under glass. Also I tend to prefer books written by women about women for women. But there are many books that I utterly can’t stand that are categorized as similar probably by people who have never read or liked either one. Sometimes the books you don’t like are as important as the ones you do.
So in the next post I am going to share my own Jane Austen readalikes and “readnotlikes” (ok I made that one up but figuring out why you don’t like something is equally important!) They are based on my own “why’s” so if they aren’t your cup of tea, that’s ok. We’ll get there. Eventually we’ll walk through step by step to find your “why” and give you the tools to find your own new favs.
