Today’s “secret” comes in answer to a reader’s question: “For a person who isn’t a ‘reader’, what would be your suggestion on how and with what to begin?” In addition, this reader likes pictures and does not necessarily like fiction. Thank you for the question.

If you want to try to read more, or really do anything at all, the beginning always lies in where you are at the moment.  From last week’s “secret”, we learned that we are all readers because we all read.  So, let’s start with what you are already reading and combine that with the interests of your life.

I’ll give you an example: I mentioned that I read “The Happiness Project” in 2011. In that book, Gretchen discusses time management strategies and references Laura Vanderkam’s work.  She’s the author of I Know How She Does It, which I discussed earlier this week.  I read that. I also read her other two books on time management because I enjoyed the first one so much. She then discussed the work of Daniel Pink, who had a podcast that I listened to briefly.  He mentioned the work of Susan Cain, who wrote the life changing book Quiet, which of course I read.  And it continues on and on.

You can see how I followed a string down the rabbit hole and have read many books by following my interests and making note of works referenced.

Amazon is an awesome research as well. If you are looking at a title that you have read and liked, note what Amazon recommends that is similar. Then try one that interests you. If you don’t like it (I recommend giving it at least 50 pages), discard it and move on to the next one.  “Life is too short to read bad books,” says Anne Bogel.

The trick is keep reading.  There is  something out there for everyone.

til tomorrow, enjoy life

P.S. As to our reader’s specific caveat with fiction, there are tons and tons of biographies and memoirs that include pictures of specific instances in the story tellers’ life.  Also, Barnes & Noble have glorious books with photographs on different topics: states of the country, other countries, particular individuals, etc.  What piques your interest? Go and learn more about it. Let me know how it works out!

Catch up on the rest of this series.