Aug
03
2010
How Do I Pick What Books to Read?
Someone asked me that question in the comments, and I’ve been asked it before. Here’s my brief response:
Well, I usually keep a list of books I’m interested in. When I spot one on a blog or in a magazine or recommended by a friend I write the book on the list (or drop it in my cart on Amazon). Over several weeks books will pile up on the list. Once I have my current “to read” stack down to 3-5 books I usually order some more (I like to read several books at a time).
I don’t have a systematic approach to picking out books. I just follow my nose to what looks good. If the book turns out to be uninteresting (which may be my fault, not the book’s), I’ll skim to the end and get out of it what I can.
As a general rule, I try to always be reading something old (or biography), something fiction (usually P.G. Wodehouse), and something outside biblical-theological categories (usually history or economics). But this is only a general rule. Mainly I read what I’m interested in at the moment. I’ve found that’s the best way to read a lot.