How not to book bully

Some people are literary matchmakers. They introduce friends to a book and dot-dot-dot love at first line. Unfortunately, that's not me. I’m a bit shy of suggesting specific books to actual unique people. Maybe because I’m told my taste in fiction is eccentric, but more likely because I've been book bullied in the past.

Now, obviously, pairing books with brains can be a joyous thing. Many of my favourite novels were friends of friends first. I know bookworms who long for the next suggestion as their next adventure. I also know wonderful indie writers whose publications deserve to meet their readers.

So, I’ve been pondering my experiences. How did the best matchmakers work their wizardry? Why were some other book recs so bruising?

Boo to the book bullies

Boo, I tell you! Thinking about the badduns, I got retrospectively cross. Then I came up with some basic principles for book sharers. We’re all lovelies here, and we don't need telling, but these thoughts might help should we ever meet a book bully:

1. Your beloved titles are no more worthy than the books which helped make your friends who they are.

2. There are no books, however famous, that anyone should have read. You're fortunate if you did.

3. If you found a book inspiring or formative - hooray! Even better, you don't need it to mean the same to anyone else. Which is lucky, because it probably won't. Hey, it probably won’t mean the same to future-you.

4. Your suggestions are a beautiful thought balloon. Let that balloon go, so your friend can catch on if they want to. If you hold tight, chase after, or beat over the head, your balloon will go POP, leaving a horrible smell.

On matchmaking magic

It was much more fun thinking about all the times I've been paired up with a brilliant novel, and I think I've figured out the trick. Guess what? It isn’t wizardry, but kindness that makes book recommendations magical. All I have to do is this:

1. Read as many books as possible.

2. Find an actual unique person who a) I would like to be happy b) reads books.

3. Pay attention to the things my AUP enjoys. This might be the books they’ve enthused about, the writing they’ve shared, a place or subject they’re fascinated by.

4. If a book reminds me on my AUP, and what they love most in the world, blow up my beautiful thought balloon.

5. Send my balloon on its way with a few words dedicated to my AUP - ‘You might like it because…’

6. Never mention it again, unless the AUP does. And then, listen.

Sounds easy-peasy, yeah? I’m still feeling shy. After all, I hardly know you. But this blog demands I give it a go. So, right, erm:

• If you like literary fantasy, mermaid adventure, and intricate plotting, maybe take a peek at Watermyth by Anita Harris Satkunananthan, see if it's your thing.

• Or, if you prefer dark fairy tales told with a knowing wink and great charm, maybe take a peek at When Your Heart is a Broken Thing by Helen Whistberry.

• And, if you want to go to another planet to make first contact with a lupine civilisation, maybe take a peek at Star Pattern Traveller by Joyce Chng

Thanks ever so much for reading. I mean this blog, and books in general. If you have your own tried-and-tested book rec techniques, feel free to let me know on Bluesky. Smiley face.