For The Love Of Books

The more you read, the more you want to, but what kinds of books do you enjoy reading? What kind of reader are you?

What books have influenced you in your life? Are you a person who sticks with one Genre or several? Do books influence you in ways you may not have predicted?

Let’s examine several types of books and their readers, and possibly this will help you find your next most loved book and a new to you book Genre you may not have realized you are looking for.

Although I am an avid reader, I have begun the odd book and never finished it. I have been unable to put down others and have stayed up most of the night reading. This has led me to do some soul-searching to learn more about my particular reading style. I find I am a very impatient reader. The lines have to grab me and pull me in. It is kind of like a dance.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . .”

George R.R. Martin

The quote above by George R.R. Martin hits the nail on the head. In books, we live another life that gives us hope for the one we are living in real life, adventure, love, or a way to resolve something in our own lives. Or perhaps it is something we don’t want to experience in real life, and it is enough drama to read about.

How can I describe it? I enjoy quick-witted prose, yet I also want to linger over descriptive passages that paint a picture almost more enticing than a photograph. A kind of setting filled in with images I create in my mind as I go along. They take me on a journey as if I am living someone else’s life for a brief period. I love to read books with meaning. The frothy fiction that has only superficial characters don’t appeal. I want to delve in deep. Yet I enjoy a good mystery.

I could be odd because I was read to as a child, not picture books, but full-length novels. This may have developed my inner visual capacity for making things up. These books were read to me full of expression with mimicking voices portraying the scenes and characters. I still remember the tears that would stream down my mother’s face as she came to a particularly emotional scene. All those stories were read to me before I could read myself. Before I was six years old! For this reason, I am sorry for many children of today who are fed only the simplest of fare. Reading to a child opens their capacity to learn, and good books stay with you. I remember most of those stories to this day, and they made an impact. Some of my favorites were Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, Heidi by Johanna Spyri, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

The Following are Types of Books

Fiction

• Action: These are fast-paced with heavy plots, usually filled with danger for the protagonist. The characters are involved in many conflicts, risks, betrayals, and plot twists and turns. There are typically several underdogs seeking survival from the villains. The Action novel contains many events like explosions, people chasing each other, car chases, and combat scenarios.
  Action novels appeal to thrill seekers wanting an escape through a nail-biting journey. They binge-read, wanting to know what happens and find a resolution at the end. Often the reader enjoys how a protagonist goes against authority as they root for the underdog in the story. Action Books can have a fair amount of violence depending on the age group they are written for.
  
• Adventure Books: Adventure stories often occur in a fantasy setting, sometimes involving lost treasures, mythical characters, or objects. They involve a quest of sorts most of the time. There can be a considerable amount of action involved, but it differs from the Action novel in that the action is of a different sort or not the main focus.
  
• Classics: Classic novels mainly refer to the works of authors who have contributed considerably to literature. Many times the authors have been avant-garde for their era. Classics are sometimes written in a literary or scholarly style and, in many cases, have sold so well as to become household names. Classic Books come in all genres, from historical romance to horror and everything in between.
  Some children’s books are called Classics, such as Alice in Wonderland, which was written by Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-1898), who used the pseudonym, -Lewis Carroll.
• Comedy: Comedy books are focused on presenting a story with the intention of making readers laugh. These books can be written in a variety of styles, from satire and parody to romantic comedies and farces, but they all share a focus on humor and entertainment.
  
• Cozy Mystery: The Cozy Mystery gives readers a lighter, faster-paced story without too much darkness or violence. In contrast, the Mystery genre of books usually has a lot of darker undercurrents. The character development is well-defined, predictable, and comforting to the reader while still entertaining and exciting.
  
• Coming-of-Age Stories: These can be fictitious or memoirs. Known in literary circles as a Bildungsroman, the coming-of-age story is about a protagonist’s growth from youth into adulthood. It focuses on psychological, moral, and emotional moments during growing up. Everyone can relate an aspect of the story to their own lives. One purpose of reading a coming-of-age story is often to bring up relatable memories, relive an era, or make sense of something that happened to you.
  
  Coming-of-age stories explore the psychological or inner thoughts of the protagonist. What has made them who they are in the present? Internal dialogue takes precedence over action and explores things that have happened in the past. Challenges make the protagonist grow in some way and transition from childhood innocence to adulthood—the inner conflict results in character building.
  We love these stories that bring us forward in growth and hope despite circumstances that may have been untoward. Even if we have had a so-called model childhood, growing up can hold many pitfalls, so a coming-of-age story can help us put things into perspective and be healing in nature.
  
• Dystopian – This is a kind of speculative fiction that is dreamed up by the author as what could be a future reality. It is actually supposed to be a warning as something to avoid. Unfortunately, sometimes elements of a dystopian outlook can become a self-fulfilling prophecy for sensitive individuals, which is not the author’s usual intent.
  Dystopian novels are a depiction of societies in a cataclysmic decline. The characters involved almost hopelessly battle ruin to some degree through government oppression, technological slavery, starvation, and the defeat of the natural world.
  The dystopian setting is an imaginary future environment where people are afraid, unhappy, and subjugated by some powerful enemy. Reading this kind of literature can seem counterproductive; however, the purpose is to help us examine a range of psychosocial fears involving our future society as a whole. It also encapsulates our inner or psychological angst.
  The author’s caution is that sometimes we are right to be afraid of something that could happen if society, and individuals, in particular, let a seemingly inoffensive thing be carried out. Removing individual rights, freedom of speech, or the institution of mass surveillance in the name of keeping everyone safe can have unintended consequences.
  Dystopian novels often look like science fiction gone wrong. They are the opposite of a Utopian Novel where everything is supposed to be good. Dystopian fiction is a commentary on society surrounded by an unusually desperate setting.
  
• Fables: The use of symbolism and metaphor are used extensively to convey the messages in Fables. They are typically short and easy to understand. Although Fables are often classic children’s literature, the messages and lessons are enjoyed by people of all ages. Fables are often illustrated with colorful or intricate images and graphics, which add to the enjoyment of any age. Often the characters in a Fable will be talking creatures endowed with human attributes. These can sometimes illustrate a theme in a more oblique manner without using human protagonists.
  
• Fables and Fairy Tales and Folklore: Many Fables are usually stories passed down by word of mouth for centuries. Even the stories your mother made up on the spot to tell you at bedtime or recollections of family stories she has heard in her own life. All are the stories of Folklore and Fables made into Fairytales and such.
  
  Writing down these Fables and making books with the invention of the printing press, Folklore became a mainstay of literature for children. These stories’ idea traditionally stems from wanting to teach or warn the reader. It was a way to pass along family wisdom in a childlike and clever way.
  
  Animal characters were often used to intrigue children. Teaching lessons this way brings home a point home faster than if the adult were to say it. If a cute little hedgehog, talking like a human, tells you something you should be aware of, you would listen too, right? Because children have such magical minds, these stories make an impression sometimes for a lifelong. For instance, warning children not to wander away from home because they might become lost and perhaps prey to someone up to no good is soon forgotten. However, reading them, the Fable about Hansel and Gretel, complete with colorful images, is far more memorable.
  
  What child is not enticed by the story of a house made of candy? I’m sure you can remember how frightened you were by the Witch when you were told this story. It is an archetype we hold in our unconscious memories not to be too trusting.
  Fables usually have a narrator who is presented as wise and informs the listener of what happens and often gives the reader a sense of the story’s purpose.
  
• Here are some types of Fabels.
  1. Agonal Fables have both a Protagonist and an Antagonist. The good and the bad. The one to be praised and the one who will be punished. These are stories about rewarding or punishing behavior.
  2. Animal Fables. Here the protagonists are the animals who form relationships. Theirs is a magical world where animals speak and act like humans. It is through their interactions and decisions that the story brings home the lesson.
  3. Etiological Fables are about what has happened in a particular place or to a specific set of people. It gives an account of history that teaches a lesson and informs us of time that should be remembered so that we don’t repeat history.
  4. Fables About Nature. Flowers, trees, plants, and possibly insect creatures are given characters in these stories. They think, talk and move as if they were human.
  5. Fables With Human Protagonists. People tell what happens in a given circumstance, acting out behaviors that teach lessons.
  6. Mythological Stories. These are stories about superheroes as protagonists, such as ancient deities or gods. They wield ultimate power in given situations and often present their knowledge as immutably correct. Sometimes inert objects are given characters that teach or become lovable in some way, such as a teddy bear or toy train.
  
• Fantasy: Books that are written in the Fantasy Genre typically involve a fictional world or universe with magical or supernatural elements. They can feature mythical creatures, quests, and otherworldly adventures. The stories in this genre can range from epic high fantasy to urban fantasy, with some of the most well-known works including The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
  
• Historical: Fiction books that are set in a specific time period, most often with actual historical events, people, and places, qualify as Historical Fiction. These stories blend fact and fiction, with the author adding their own characters and storylines to create a compelling narrative. Some historical novels incorporate elements from other genres, such as Romance, Dramas, or even Memoirs, for an underlying imaginative theme. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell is an example of a Historical novel.
  
• Horror: Many readers find things that are scary or unsettling to be their genre of choice. Horror often features supernatural or paranormal elements like ghosts, monsters, demons, or alien creatures. These stories can range from psychological horror to splatterpunk. Some of the most famous horror novels are The Shining by Stephen King and Dracula by Bram Stoker. Splatterpunk is a type of horror fiction -a movement which originated in the 1980s after the term was coined in 1986 by David J. Schow at the Twelfth World Fantasy Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. It is known for its no-holds-barred, extremely graphic, and gory descriptions of violence. A countercultural delivery of hyper-intensive horror not meant for the faint of heart.
  
• Literary Works: Literary fiction is characterized by a complex and nuanced writing style that explores deep themes and ideas. Literary authors write about their protagonists’ inner feelings, characters, and attributes. These books deliver colorful and descriptive metaphors with sometimes hidden meanings to their readers. Character development is paramount, with the plot coming in second. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee are two fine examples of Literary Works.
  
• Magical Realism: A genre that blends magical or supernatural elements with the real world. Creating a dreamlike or surreal atmosphere, these stories often contain descriptions of magic or things that could be considered magically smooth with photographic clarity. A fantastical or whimsical portrayal of the nature of the rational world. Describing a kind of uncanny viewpoint of our modern technological environment. Distinct from Surrealism, the Magical focuses on the material objects and the actual existence of things in the world portrayed in a magical sense. Surrealism is about a more abstract, psychological, and subconscious reality of consciousness. Fairytales are a kind of romanticized Magical Realism marrying the magical with fantasy. They are often set in the Old World realms of magic and fantasy that are forever encroaching upon the realms of the real.
  
• Mystery: The Mystery genre is about an event, usually a murder or other crime. It can contain violence of some sort but can also be a series of mysterious quests or occurrences that must be solved. There is usually a great deal of suspense. The mystery often involves several characters who may have committed a crime, and finding out which of them did it is the mystery. The reader is taken on a journey of discovery with twists and turns to keep them guessing right up until the end.
  
• Mythology: Mythology books explore myths and legends from different cultures, often featuring gods, goddesses, and other mythological creatures. These books can be fictional or non-fictional and aim to provide insight into the cultural beliefs and traditions of different societies. Examples include The Odyssey by Homer and American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
  
• Realism: Realism books are focused on portraying life as it is, often depicting realistic characters and situations without the use of exaggerated or fantastical elements. These books can be set in any time period or location and can explore a variety of themes, such as social inequality, family dynamics, or political issues.
  
• Religious Historical Fiction:  Religious, historical fiction books are set in a specific time period and explore religious themes or figures during that time. These books can be based on actual historical events or be entirely fictional. They often seek to explore the moral and ethical questions posed by religious beliefs.
  
• Romance: Romance Novels center around a romantic relationship between two or more characters. These books typically feature elements of love, passion, and intimacy. Stories of a romantic nature are generally told through the perspective of a woman. Because these often portray strong-willed and clever female characters, women enjoy reading these as they wish to identify with the lead character. All romance novels follow the moral principle that good behavior is rewarded with unconditional love. Most important of all, the stories have a happy ending. Romantic novels are sometimes set in a period in history to give them more realism. Many other genres of writing include romantic fiction within the story.
  
• Science fiction: Science fiction books often explore futuristic or alternative worlds, featuring advanced technology and scientific concepts. These books can range from hard science fiction to space opera, with some of the most famous examples including Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and 1984 by George Orwell.
  
• Thrillers: Thriller books are fast-paced and often suspenseful, featuring high stakes and intense action. These books can overlap with other genres like mystery or horror but typically focus on creating tension and excitement. Readers escape everyday life and mundanity by losing themselves in a thrilling adventure.
  
• True Stories: These most often follow reality or experiences as closely as possible, yet some “true stories” are sensationalized to attract an audience like True Crime, etc. A true account of someone’s life or events involves others; as such, the truth can be someone slanted, depending on who is telling the story. In true stories, there is often a catchphrase to equivocate somewhat. Such as this story is mostly true, or this story is based on actual events. True stories often serve to inspire readers to overcome similar difficulties in their own lives or show a heroic action. Most stories have some element of truth in them as writers use their own lives or those of others to gain inspiration for their works.
  
• True Stories Fictionalized: True stories fictionalized books are based on real-life events or people but are presented in a fictionalized format. These books can include elements of creative writing, such as dialogue or character development, to make the story more engaging and readable. Sometimes elements in other genres draw some appeal from real events or experiences to give them a feeling of authenticity. In some cases, a real story is so close to the author that it is easier for them to fictionalize it rather than telling the reader this real thing happened to them.
  
• Utopian Novels: Utopian novels are focused on presenting an ideal society or world, often featuring perfect social, political, and economic systems. These books can be set in any time period or location and can explore a variety of themes, such as utopian communities, environmentalism, or social justice. Sometimes elements of utopian ideals or other genres capture the imagination so thoroughly that people try to implement these in their own lives. The result of following a fantasy can either be quite disastrous or give a person a goal to strive for. Examples include Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Giver by Lois Lowry.

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

Stephen King

Magic

Yes, that is certainly one of the reasons we love reading. They can make us feel the magic. It is like that for movies too, but to read is to look inside a character’s mind in more specific detail.

It isn’t possible to speak of books without mentioning writers

“The problems of the human heart in conflict with itself… alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat.”

William Faulkner

Yes, writing is hard work, and yet as any writer knows, they just can’t stop doing it. Something has to be said. Some make a living at it while others do not, but still, we have to write. As William Faulkner alluded, the human heart has infinite things to muse over, rejoice over, and be in conflict about. We go through all the sweat and agony, hoping someone will find something useful on the page, for we did in writing it. Writing is the ultimate sharing of oneself.

These days there are so many kinds of writers, from content creators, copywriters, scientific writers, nonsense writers, novel writers, and everything in between. Some writers are so prolific they even add newsletters day in and day out in the hopes that they will find a following.

Non-fiction Books

• Autobiography: Autobiography books are written by the author themselves, providing a first-hand account of their life story. These books can be focused on a particular event, experience, or time period and can provide valuable insight into the author’s personal life and perspective.
  
• Biography: Biography books are focused on the life story of a particular person, often exploring their achievements, struggles, and impact on society. These books can be written by the subject themselves or by a third-party author and can provide valuable insight into historical figures or cultural icons.
  
• Cookbooks: Cookbooks are focused on providing recipes and cooking instructions, often featuring photographs or illustrations to help readers create delicious meals. These books can be focused on a particular cuisine or dietary restrictions, such as allergies or gluten-free recipes. Cooking techniques and recipes by famous chefs or served at restaurants are always a draw. Cookbooks provide inspiration and guidance for home cooks of all skill levels. It is time-consuming to write a cookbook as there is often a great deal of food testing along the way and photographing the results. There are people who love to cook and regularly read cookbooks. The photographs or illustrations can be enticing and inspiring. Cookbook readers often read a cookbook for the author’s anecdotal experiences to do with their lives as a foodie.
  
• Educational: Educational books are focused on presenting information and knowledge on a particular subject, often used in academic settings or for personal enrichment. Everyone wants to learn something, and without educational books, we would always be trying to reinvent the wheel. These books can be focused on any topic, from history and science to philosophy and literature, and can provide valuable insight and understanding for readers.
  
• Essays: Essay writing can be stand-alone short works that explore a particular theme, topic, or personal experience. A book with a collection of essays can be written by a single author or feature multiple contributors that can provide valuable insight and perspective on a variety of issues. Many poetry books are anthologies with various poets contributing their works.
  
• “How-To” Books: How-To books are focused on providing step-by-step instructions on how to do a particular task or complete a particular project. These books can be focused on anything from home repair and gardening to crafting and DIY projects and can provide valuable guidance and advice for readers. There are millions of subjects to write a How to Do This or That!
  
• Memoir: Memoir books are focused on a particular aspect of an author’s life, often exploring a specific event or time period. These books can be similar to autobiographies but are typically more focused on a particular theme or experience. Sometimes the Memoir is about an experience the author had either emotionally or through travel or other life experience. Memoirs are often written late in a career to showcase or celebrate a life’s work. Memoirs can be written about one’s own life or the life of someone else.
  
• Self-Improvement Books: Self-improvement books are focused on providing advice and guidance on how to improve oneself, often focusing on personal development, relationships, or career success. These books can be practical and actionable or more philosophical and theoretical and can provide valuable insights and motivation for readers. Examples include The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
  
• Scholarly: Scholarly books are focused on presenting academic research and analysis on a particular subject or topic. These books are often written by experts in a particular field and can provide valuable insights and perspectives on complex issues for others in the same field of study or research. New scientific discoveries are being made continually. Scholarly essays, articles, and books make this information available to others in the future. There have been numerous instances when a scientist has written about a particular field and been subsequently derided for their theories, only to find that their experiments and theories prove true and useful years later.
  
• Travel: Books about travel showcase the world to those who are not able to visit other places or enough places for one reason or another. We learn about our world and other cultures from those who have traveled to other places.

Books With Drama

Drama is a writing style that is often incorporated into many genres. It can also be a genre all by itself. Dramas are focused on presenting a serious story, often featuring complex characters and exploring themes such as morality, society, and relationships. These books can be written in a variety of styles, from traditional plays to contemporary novels, but they all share a focus on exploring the human condition. The following three genres often have some elements of Drama included, as well as dramatic poetry.

• Melodrama – Melodrama books are focused on presenting a story with exaggerated emotions, often featuring characters who are either highly virtuous or highly villainous. These books can be written in a variety of styles, from classic romance novels to over-the-top thrillers, but they all share a focus on heightened emotion and dramatic tension.
• Musicals – Musical books are focused on presenting a story with songs and music integrated into the narrative. These books can be written in a variety of styles, from classic Broadway musicals to contemporary rock operas, but they all share a focus on using music to enhance storytelling. Examples include Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Tragedy – Tragedy books are focused on presenting a story with a sad or depressing outcome, often featuring characters who face insurmountable challenges or make tragic mistakes. These books can be written in a variety of styles, from classic Greek tragedies to modern literary novels, but they all share a focus on exploring the darker aspects of the human experience. Examples include Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Poetry Styles

The styles of poetry that people enjoy reading can vary widely depending on personal preferences and cultural backgrounds. However, some styles of poetry have gained popularity across various audiences over time. Here are a few styles of poetry that people enjoy reading. The following categories are just a few examples of popular poetry styles; there are endless varieties to explore. Ultimately, the style of poetry that someone enjoys reading is a matter of personal taste and can vary widely from person to person. Because poetry expresses the innermost feelings of the poet most of the time, “There is no bad poetry.” If you find it relevant, touches your heart, or is enjoyable, it is a good poem. If it does not, move on to the next poem.

• Dramatic Poetry is written as a dramatic monologue or dialogue and is usually meant to be performed on stage. This type of poetry often explores complex emotions and themes and is known for its powerful and dramatic language.
• Epic Poetry is a long, narrative-style poem that tells the story of heroic deeds and adventures. This type of poetry often features gods and goddesses, supernatural events, or epic battles.
• Lyrical Poetry Lyrical poetry is a type of poetry that expresses personal feelings and emotions. It often has a musical quality to it, with a focus on rhythm, sound, and imagery.
• Narrative Poetry tells a story, often in verse form. It can be a simple story or a complex one with multiple layers of meaning. Examples of narrative poetry include “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
• Sonnets are a type of poetry that has a specific form and structure. They typically have 14 lines and use a specific rhyme scheme. Sonnets often explore themes of love, loss, and mortality. Examples of sonnets include Shakespeare’s famous sonnets and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?”
• Limericks are a type of poetry that is often humorous and light-hearted. They have a specific structure that consists of five lines, with the first, second, and fifth lines rhyming with each other and the third and fourth lines rhyming with each other. Limericks often have a playful tone and are meant to be enjoyed for their whimsy and humor.
• Free Verse Poetry is a style that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, allowing the poet more freedom to express themselves.
• Haiku: Haiku is a traditional Japanese form of poetry that typically consists of three lines, with the first and third lines having five syllables and the second line having seven syllables. It often focuses on nature and seasons.
• The Sonnet is a 14-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter, usually consisting of ten syllables per line. The most common form is the Shakespearean Sonnet, which has three quatrains and a final couplet.
• Narrative Poetry tells a story, often with a beginning, middle, and end. Examples include epics like The Iliad and The Odyssey.
• Confessional Poetry is a style of poetry that explores personal experiences and emotions, often with a raw and honest tone. Confessional poets often use their own lives and experiences as the subject matter for their work.
• Romantic Poetry emphasizes emotional expression and often includes themes of love, beauty, and nature.
• Slam Poetry is a form of spoken-word poetry that is performed in front of an audience. It often features rhythmic and dramatic delivery and often addresses social and political issues.

Types of Readers

Yes, readers and lovers of books come in as many or more genres as the genres themselves.

1. Biography Reader: A biography reader is someone who enjoys reading about the lives of real people. They are often interested in learning about the experiences and accomplishments of famous individuals, such as politicians, celebrities, and historical figures.
   
2. Book-a-Week (or more often) Reader: This type of reader is committed to reading regularly and may set specific reading goals for themselves. They often enjoy a variety of genres and are dedicated to making time for reading in their daily lives.
   
3. Coming-of-Age Young Adult Fiction Readers: This type of reader enjoys stories about characters who are navigating the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. They often appreciate themes of self-discovery, growth, and transformation.
   
4. Cup of Tea Reader: This reader likes to read for relaxation at a leisurely pace, often while sipping on a cup of tea or another beverage. They may prefer quieter reading environments and enjoy books that have a calming or comforting effect.
   
5. Educational or Student Reader: This reader is focused on learning and may also be reading for academic purposes. They are often looking for books that provide information and insights that can be applied to their studies or work.
   
6. Children’s Picture Book Readers: This type of reader enjoys reading stories that are designed for children, often featuring illustrations and picturesque language. They may read to children or enjoy the nostalgia of children’s books. Many classics are children’s books. The themes can be memorable and impact one’s life in numerous ways. We all know about the book, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. It never grows stale.
   
7. Graphic Novel Readers, Cartoon, and Manga: These readers enjoy reading illustrated stories, often featuring complex characters and themes. They may appreciate the visual storytelling aspect of graphic novels and enjoy exploring a variety of genres in this format.
   
8. Everything Readers: This type of reader enjoys a wide variety of genres and is always on the lookout for new books to read. They may be open-minded and curious and enjoy exploring different perspectives and styles of writing.
   
9. Internet Article Reader: This type of reader prefers to read short, online articles rather than longer books or texts. They may be looking for quick information or entertainment and may read on a variety of topics. Internet readers are searchers for information.
   
10. Newsletter Readers: Although some find newsletters an interruption in their email, others devour them. Well, they devour the good ones for the news, their current in-the-moment information, or even some whimsical insight into the writer. The offers that can come your way in newsletters are endless. A lot of them are just clickbait.
    The Substack platform is wildly popular since it attracts quality creatives who want to be able to share directly with their audience. Unlike offering features like automated ad campaigns, landing pages, and email marketing services, there are different goals for writers and other creatives on Substack. To grow their followers by reaching people directly. To prove their abilities through sharing their work. In many ways, traditionally, creatives have been kept at arm’s length from their followers by gatekeepers. Even in social media, many have built up a following only to find that they can’t reach their followers unless they pay handsomely for advertising. Communicating directly with those who enjoy your work builds your place in the Creator Economy.
    
    If you enjoy hearing from your favorite creators personally, you might enjoy subscribing to them on Substack. I joined the ranks of readers and also have one of my own. I like to read the Substack newsletters that I subscribe to online, so I click the title in the email, and it opens up in my browser. It has been a year now. I have enjoyed some and deleted some. I think most of the writers on Substack try to give more in-depth or entertaining viewpoints.
    

More Readers Styles

1. Non-Fiction Book Reader: This reader enjoys reading books that provide factual information and insights on a wide range of topics. They may have specific interests, such as history, science, or politics, and are often looking to expand their knowledge and understanding.
   
2. Novel Reader: This type of reader enjoys reading fiction, often featuring complex characters and themes. They may have specific preferences for genres, such as romance, mystery, or literary fiction.
   
3. Poetry Reader: This type of reader enjoys reading poetry, often for its language, rhyme, and imagery. They appreciate the beauty of language and the emotions that can be conveyed through verse.
   
4. Read-All-Night Reader: This reader is dedicated to finishing a book in one sitting and may stay up all night to do so. They often enjoy books with fast-paced plots and cliffhangers that keep them engaged.
   
5. Religious Texts Readers: This type of reader is interested in reading religious texts, such as the Bible, Quran, or Torah. They may be looking for guidance, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of their faith. Often religious readers are seeking a closer relationship with God or a way to live a better life.
   
6. Those who Must Highlight, Underline, or Take Notes Reader: This reader is often actively engaged with the text and may mark up their books with notes, highlights, or underlines. They may be looking for specific information or insights or enjoy the process of annotating their reading.
   
7. Vacation Reader: This reader enjoys reading while on vacation, often opting for lighter, more entertaining books. They may be looking for an escape or a way to unwind while on holiday.
   
8. Weekend Reader: This type of reader prefers to dedicate their weekends to reading, often enjoying longer books or series that require more time to finish.
   

Stories

People in books live happy, sad, and miserable lives. They are living through periods of hope and disaster. They are making the best of times from the worst of times. You get to live it all and feel what they feel. Entertain yourself, learn, and feel.

There are worlds awaiting you in books. You can live in books and even feel like the characters. You can love, hate or seek revenge vicariously as you read and then let it all go when you are finished. It is just a story; after all, no need to bear a grudge, get even, or yearn, but live it and let it inspire you or let it go.

Once you lift your head from the pages, your life is still as good as you have made it, and if you learn something from your books, it can be even better!