Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

10 Types of Readers

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I love you all, of course. You each have your own individual ways of blessing me, challenging me, and making me smile.

Here are the ten reading styles I’ve found among my audience:

  1. Breathless—You see the wonder in every word. Each book you read takes your breath away. I’m totally flattered by your raving reviews until I realize you raved just as crazily over another book that I couldn’t even finish. Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine was completely flattered when a doctor calls her “breathtaking” until he uses the exact same term for an ugly baby. I may not totally trust your judgment, but I’ll be using your review in the next meme I make. (If you haven’t already made your own.)

  2. Attentive—You may have enjoyed the story, but you’re concerned about that typo my editor missed. You don’t want it to distract from anyone else’s experience, so you send me a complete list of all the things I should change to fix my novel. Sometimes I want to mimic Adam Sandler and shout, “Once again, things that could have been brought to my attention YESTERDAY!” Instead, I take notes and use them to improve on the sequel.

  3. Unexpected—You’re a man who reads romance novels with your wife. Or you’re in a retirement center, and you stole the book from my best friend who was reading it to you as a group, but she read too slowly and you couldn’t wait to finish it. Or you’re the girl in my daughter’s middle school English class who borrowed my book from her teacher’s library three times and refused to return it. You’re not the audience I write for, but learning that one of you has read my book totally makes my day.

  4. Type A—You read books because you’ve heard it’s what successful people do, and you want to be able to check that off your list of steps to success. You apologize to me for not having time to read more of my novels because you want to help me be successful too. I appreciate your sentiment and the new readers who find me when you drop my name to your sphere of influence.

  5. Nurturing—Because you love my characters, you love me. I’ve tricked you with my words into thinking that I’m a funny and exciting person, so you want me to move in next door or be my BFF or bake me crumpets. I want that too, though I’m a little afraid that if you were to see me checking the mail in my bathrobe, my true boringness would be revealed, and you’d be disappointed.

  6. Spiritual—You only read my books because they are Christian, and the church sermons are your favorite part. My characters sometimes have a few too many flaws for your comfort, but when they get into trouble, you pray for them. You forgive all my writing mistakes because my message is most important. We’re in this together, and as I grow in my faith, I hope that sometimes my message challenges even you.

  7. Romance Junkie—You’re a reformed Danielle Steel reader. You love romance and know that without God’s love, it’ll leave you empty. Though you still rate my kissing scenes, and it’s the chemistry that keeps you turning pages. I’m glad you found my books. May love change your life the way it changed mine.

  8. Repetitive—You like series because you know what you’re getting into. You don’t like the risk of trying new things. Somehow you took a chance on my books, and now you’ve read them all multiple times. My characters have become your safety net. You slurped down the epilogue to Finding Love in Park City like the last scoop of Ben and Jerry’s. You email me to suggest I write stories for Genevieve’s family. Oh how I hate letting you down. If I could write faster, I’d totally do it just for you.

  9. Pre-Published Writer—You love books with all your heart. You fall asleep with story ideas in your head. The desire to write runs in your blood. You read for research. My novels are your textbooks. You put me on a pedestal and feel like publication is unattainable. Just remember that everyone starts somewhere. Don’t give up on your dreams. My ceiling is the floor on which you can build.

  10. Stranger—I’ve never met you. You’re not reading this. We’ll probably never interact. You won’t remember my name. You might remember “that one book where the guy was presumed dead” or “the mystery series with the girls who own a coffee shop/tea house,” which is still pretty cool. Even though I’m nothing to you, I hope my words bring you joy or peace or hope or whatever it is you need today.

Wherever you’re at in your reading journey, I’m glad you found me, and I hope this is just the beginning for us. As 1 Timothy 4:15 says, I pray you “see me mature right before your very eyes.” If so, know you’re an important part of my growth.

Which type of reader are you?

Angela Ruth Strong (54 Posts)

Angela Ruth Strong survived breast cancer, works as a flight attendant, and uses her own crazy life experiences as inspiration for the stories she writes. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. She and her husband also got to play extras when her novel Finding Love in Big Sky was adapted for film. To help aspiring authors, Angela started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho.


Comments

  3. As I mentioned I don’t fit in either. I will write a review but they are not all the same. I don’t put up bad reviews or under 3 stars. I try now to reserve 5 stars for the very best book.
    I will write if I love a book and let the author know I don’t catch typos as I speak fluent typo and cant spell to save myself. The only time I will mention an error like wrong name is if an author asks if I see a mistake let me know (and then most I miss).
    I think I am more the escape reader as I like to escape into a book and I often daydream about being in the book.

  4. Hi Angela! Interesting blog. I agree with Mary Preston and Ausjenny that I really do not fit any of the types. I am a blend. My type depends on the season of my life and the season of the year or the mood I am in. As a young adult, before e-books I was the breathless reader; because sometimes had few good clean books available or as a young mom had very little time to read for enjoyment. Now being a retiree at first I found lots of new authors and I was number 1. Now I enjoy finding the “unexpected” – unique setting, premise, part mystery, unique characters (older, ones with handicaps). As a beta reader, I then am an attentive reader – usually not so much for typos (unless they are glaring), but for tidbits to use to write a unique review. Interesting blog. Enjoy your day. In Michigan fall is in the air.

  6. I don’t think I fit any of these, either. I love to read, have since I was a kid. I read all kinds of books, and actually like to find new authors! I refuse to leave less than a 3 star review, and I haven’t done too many of those. I reserve those for books I really have to push to finish.

  9. Interesting post…I think I’ll be modified #1 and definitely #2 lol
    I don’t do reviews below 3…like many of us

  13. I don’t know what category I fit into!?!? That’s something to ponder, but I do know that I would never point out spelling or grammar mistakes, I won’t read your book because “it’s the popular thing to do”, I won’t be all stalkerish because I love your books so much (but I will follow you on Facebook and subscribe to your newsletter), I do realize authors are people too and have unflattering characteristics just like I do (I love that you said that, lol), I will write fair & honest reviews without tearing you or your writing apart (I have more tact than that *wink*) and I WILL love your characters that I’ve come to think of as my own friends and therefore read every book you write :-)

    I love authors, I love the books they write, I love the characters they create!

  14. Okay, a readerly personality test. Let’s see which boxes I check off.

    I am:

    2. Attentive. I notice detail. Sorry. It is what it is. I didn’t read it YESTERDAY, so I only offer my observations as a beta reader and you didn’t ask. Sorry.

    3. Unexpected. I’m a man who reads Christian romance. Not with my wife. She prefers news and political commentary. And Narnia, definitely Narnia. I read romance because I am a romantic at heart. I got hooked on happy endings for characters that have some relatable depth. I have enjoyed many other genres. My writing, though, has only a touch of romance. No kissing to be rated. I leave that to my wife. Results are good.

    5. Nurturing. At least a little. I’m always on the lookout for friends. You have to admit, a man who reads Christian romance might be challenged when it comes to fitting in. No crumpets, though. Brownies. I’d definitely go with brownies. Get your mail however you’d like.

    10. Stranger. I mean, really. Read the above. You can’t get much stranger.

    Ah, well, yet another view of the many facets of the diamond that I am. Or crusty old charcoal briquette. I can never quite figure out which.

  18. That was hilarious!! I don’t fit any of the molds really either, lol. Or maybe I do read as an escape, but dunno from what…. I am actually pretty happy with my life atm. God is gracious.
    I must admit I got into CCR after my divorce, to attempt to stem the cynicism against men that was invading my thinking. It worked, actually. The stories and godly principles I read helped me realign my mind and heart. I love my author friends and I don’t expect you to be perfect. Crumpets sound good!!

  29. I love that, Margaret. I write for people like you. I’ve been divorced too, and I’m almost done with a prayer book for divorced women. So many things I had to learn the hard way. Hugs.

  32. I love this post! It’s so true about the different types of readers out there. I’m a solid romance junkie, repetitive and pre-published writer. – they all tie for 1st place.

    Great post!

  33. Lol. I enjoyed hearing the categories for readers. It probably helps sort through reviews with a good perspective . :D

    As someone else mentioned, I have been a different reader at different points in my life. These days, I am the “Escaping“ reader (someone mentioned it as a possible Category). The televised news is so disappointing that I keep the tv off & am reading mostly positive, light, & shorter novels to maintain a positive attitude. On my quest for “lighter” reads I have discovered new authors, which has been fun.

  34. I’m a mix between #2, #5 and #10. #2 is mostly when I’m reading ARCs, since I’d consider it a bit rude to send the typos after the book has been published, unless the author has stated that they are totally fine with it. #5 happens with 5-star books/reads. I definitely want to become best friends with my favorite authors, but I’m not sure about crumpets… maybe chocolate cake? And #10 here just applies to the fact that I haven’t read anything from you yet, but based on this blog post, I know I’ll totally enjoy it :)

  35. Hi Angela, When I was #9 (pre-published) I would have looked like #1 (breathless) because I only ever posted high star reviews for books I enjoyed reading. I usually only finish books I enjoy because life is too short to waste on reading boring books for pleasure. Escaping into a great story is my goal. If I’m not hooked into the story by the end of the Amazon sample, I know the story isn’t going to get better – which kind of makes me #8 (repetitive) but also #5 (without the crumpets). I’ve learned to call #1 (breathless reviews) ‘book recommendations’ because I’m often friends with the author. I will post recommendations for books I love to support the authors I love to read, yourself included. 😊

  36. Hi Angela,
    I’ve found I’m a mix of many of these. The ones I closely relate to are 2, 5 and 8. But yet, I’m also a 1 because I do guish all over when I read yours and many other CF authors’ books. I once heard I shouldn’t give 5 starts often, but I just can’t help myself because there are so many wonderful authors and books. I’m just pleased we now have a verity of Christian fiction I can choose from. I love many genres of books.
    Thank you for writing what you write!

  42. Much appreciated! And I agree on life is too short for books that don’t immediately whisk you away, though there have been a few books that made me really good I pushed through to the end.

  46. I guess the closest for me is 2. I am always saddened at errors, because it can be a distraction from the authors work and I was raised to get it right the first time (as a sign of respect). I only contact the author if I am on their beta team though. Mmm crumpets dripping with melted butter, yumm!

  47. Of the categories you mention I think the one I fit the best is spiritual. I really only read inspirational fiction because I know I won’t be offended.

    One of the early responses mentioned being an escape reader. That one definitely fits me. I love the fact that even though we are still pretty much locked down where I live. I can go anywhere.

    I have a t-shirt and mug that have the Cat in the Hat with a mask on and reading a book. It says, “Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.” It totally fits me.

  48. I am definitely a mix between several; but together they do not completely define my reading style. I love words and reading; I write short stories, but have no desire to be published. Because I love words I have a little of #2 in me.
    I prefer Christian because they usually stay clean and I like how God/prayer/church gets mentioned.

    My 16 yo son and my 11 yo daughter would fit into your “Unexpected “ category. I love that I can share with them.

    Yes, my passion is reading.

  52. I can see myself in most of these to some extent, but there are 3 which fit the best… #2 because I can’t NOT find them. They wave little flags at me to get my attention! I only send them to the author if they’ve requested it, though. I love proofreading because then I can share them all. ;) #6 because I love when I can come away with a biblical truth and grow in my faith, and #9 because that is what I am. I’ve finished 2 and working on 2 more all in need of editing and revising (some more than others!)

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