My partner uses our library almost exclusively. He has only used Audible once, and it's because the book was an exclusive and he was super excited about it. Other exclusives he's run into, he ultimately doesn't read, which is disheartening. I don't think we've ever come across one he wanted that the library didn't have that wasn't an Audible exclusive.

It was written by a mathematician for a little girl.

Honestly, I read this way- I HATE when I'm asked to take things apart for "deeper meaning" and plan to write very straightforward with no hidden meaning because of it. (As in whatever I put is just cause I think it'll be cool for the story and not some fancy meaningful thing to analyze- like red curtains are red because i like red)

>Was this the ending Daniel Keyes wanted but thought would be too dark?

How would that be too dark? I'd consider that to be a happy ending.

Instead I've been so traumatized by the book that it's on my "Great, but read only once" list. And I'm not the only one.

As a bookseller, I make about the same profit margin, don’t have to place a special order or worry about shipping/damages from my publisher, and also bookshop provides a profit pool payout twice a year in addition to those funds.

To learn stuff

cus i'm dumb i can't learn anything if not literally written in instructions for me. my favourite books of non-fiction are the "For dummies" and i also like a lot of studying other countries cultures, like China and Japan, so non-fiction it is.

Finished it last night and loved it. Among my favourite in the post-apocalyptic genre (my favourite genre to read)

A couple scenes had me completely riveted in ways that few books have done.

Thank you. I just placed my first order.

I was going to pick up seven pillars awhile ago from a book store since I was interested in it being written by T E Lawrence and it sounding interesting in itself but decided not to. kinda wish I had now, guess that's another one to add to next year's to read list.

You pretty much said it. I read to gain knowledge primarily. Wasn’t into the structure of schools teaching the same things that I’m picking up now by choice. I enjoy working to understand things and see the shape of the world from ancient times through to our own. History provides context for our world and for literature through the ages.

Half of what I read (ideally) is history with a bit of science that goes over my head, philosophy, etc.

In my teens and twenties I primarily read mysteries, thrillers, then sci fi and fantasy and historical fiction. Heavier sci fi, fantasy, and historical novels sparked an interest in history and classics, and those led me to literature. I don’t think of my reading as an escape but everyone has their own life circumstances and I totally get why people wouldn’t be interested in the books I like reading the most.

I feel like a killjoy for pointing this out but they're owned by Amazon.

It's fine to make it fit modern values as long as it's not a historical work but changing the story is a big nope for me

I also enjoyed Lawrence In Arabia (not to be confused with Lawrence of Arabia although it's still about TE Lawrence) by Scott Anderson. It's like Seven Pillars with more background and footnotes. And yes, the whole thing read like an adventure epic and I was somewhat left feeling empty when it was over.

I love it! I think it’s got the greatest love story - between Valjean and Cosette - (I mean the father/daughter bond). He sacrifices pretty much everything to make sure she’s happy.

Star Trek: TNG had an episode where Barkley gained super intelligence and started “helping” even when it wasn’t welcome, to the point where he became so powerful that he appeared to be a threat. Too bad the episode didn’t really play the scenario out and deus ex machina’d back to status quo by the end.

I read philosophy books because I enjoy philosophy. They are usually more thinking than some fiction but I enjoy the mental space it puts me and the points of view presented in the books. Also just general self-enrichment. Even if most philosophers couldn't write to save their lives.

Stranger than fiction. I am sure you heard that phrase. That alone should be enough to read/listen to as many nonfiction books as possible. I read most of time fiction but when I find a great nonfiction book I can't be bothered with fiction stories.

i read history to escape the present and reminisce about the good ol' times before i existed.

So a different take on the premise could be Charlie’s isolation after the IQ boost, then subsequently learning to connect with people of various intellects by finding a shared humanity.

When you're reading these books, ask yourself this question: what part of this would be useful to apply to my specific circumstances? Not everything in those books are useful for everyone. It's up to you to figure out what's going to enhance your life and what's going to create more difficulties.

I'd also like to say that everyone has bad habits. That doesn't mean they are toxic people. Also, it's not your job to police their bad habits. If their habits involve behaviors are negatively affecting you, set a boundary instead of cutting them off. And remember, boundaries aren't about changing them, it's about keeping you safe. Safe, not comfortable.

I read it because I have an active imagination and enjoy putting myself into the fantasy. My fave series right now is Sherrilyn Kenyon Anita Blake vampire hunter series

Exactly...they are feeding you knowledge. I read a lot of nonfiction for the purpose of learning. I want to know more about life in the Bronze Age, for example, or about daily life in the Middle Ages, or perhaps the memoirs of a Sudanese child soldier, or a debate about whether math is discovered or created, etc.

You are not alone in your opinion.

I'm not an audiobook guy, but my friend who audiobooks constantly (used to be a super voracious reader, now has terminal brain issues such that he really can't read read for long anymore) loves Roy Dotrice. So there's at least one person out there that's a big fan of his delivery.