Indeed reading is a subtle form of communication. Our books talk to us in all kinds of ways. They teach, they entertain, they create tension, they challenge.
In my previous posts we’ve looked at the kinds of books Bold readers like and the kinds of books Technical readers like. Today we want to examine the Sympathetic personality and look at books they might prefer. If you’re not sure what kind of personality you are, try taking this quiz.
Wow, that was a great read!
Sympathetic people are patient, dependable and good listeners. They are hard workers and productive but they are willing to follow, if they believe in the reason to do so. They are even-tempered and amicable. They care about people and are quick to ask how others are doing or to recall if someone has an ill family member. They recognize stress in others. They read nonverbal behaviors. Their empathy and compassion make them likable to be around.
So what does this mean as far as their reading habits?
They prefer stories that contain human feelings–preferably romances but not necessarily. Books with characters who share their emotions would suit them the most. They read some mystery but preferable cozy mysteries that do not have a lot of violence or explicit sex scenes. They are often offended by bad language in books.
As for nonfiction, they prefer memoirs which share the individual’s feelings. One example, The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. They do not like adventure memoirs that might threaten the life of the character.
When do Sympathetic readers find time to read? When everything else is done. They consider reading their time. Whenever someone else needs them–a child, a spouse, a friend–they put the book aside. Reading is their pleasure time and that’s why it must satisfy. They enjoy reading about places they have never been. Learning about new worlds. Some Sympathetic readers enjoy sci-fi that creates a new world so long as that world is not too threatening.
They are loyal to the authors they like. They will read everything by an author and then often write reviews or tell their friends about the books. They do read what the librarian recommends to them or what their friends suggest.
A Sympathetic reader feels a book is a good read when they close it with a satisfied sigh–everything tied up nicely.
Sympathetic readers loved my book, The Clock Strikes Midnight because it is full of feeling and emotion. Check out this book trailer to see if you might enjoy it as well.
.
Leave a Reply