How to get your friends to read the same books as you: Just 5 easy steps!

Part of the joy of reading is sharing what you have read with those who have also read it. Recounting the utter betrayal or swoon-worthy moments that befell the main character is nothing short of a joy. However, being unable to share the highs and lows of what you have recently read could leave you feeling nothing short of isolated. There is but one solution… convince your friends to read the same books as you. Alas, it is not as simple as, “Hey I read this book that changed my life! You should read it too!” Well, it might be: however, it is not guaranteed. To help you all con your friends to read the same books as you, I have laid before you 5 steps. They do not need to be followed in a particular order. Maybe 5 steps isn’t the right verbiage. A better way to say it is: How to get your friends to read the same books as you: Just 5 easy ideas… but 5 easy steps sounds so much better. No matter. Let’s jump in. 

1. Start by learning what kind of entertainment your friend likes to consume

Take a moment and think about why your friend hates reading. This may take some time, but it is worth it. Not only is it important to better learn about your friends, it creates a space for them to share with you more about what they enjoy. If you find out your friend loves dystopian movies, introduce them to dystopian literature. You can start with “The Maze Runner” or “The Handmaid’s Tale”. What I have learned, is most people don’t hate reading. They have been taught or found what they are reading is boring. By leaning into their interests, you are already starting with something they enjoy. Ease your friends into reading. A perk of today is there are a million and one movies, shows, and plays made after books. You could also start there. 

2. Have your friends watch movies made after books… tell them they won’t really get it until they read the book. 

This is not a foolproof option. Let me make myself clear. I recommend it as the nuclear option. Alas, it is an option, so it will stay on the list. “The Hunger Games” is a classic. J-Law, Josh Hutchinson, Stanley Tucci… need I say more. Ok fine I will. Starting with a movie that your friends already enjoy can make it a little easier when convincing them to read the book. They already know the general plot, characters, and themes. It’s less daunting. Starting with something familiar will build confidence. It’s also opening a conversation. It may be the same book, but each person will envision the characters, setting, fashion, etc in their own way. After you read something you have already watched, you can read something then watch the movie like “Where’d you go Bernadette?” You can do a Venn diagram together about the similarities between the book and movie and the differences between the two. If you want this could be its own kind of book/movie club. Make it your own! 

3. Start a book club

This may seem extreme. However drastic times, call for drastic measures. Create an invite on your preferred medium. I like making a Canva graphic, or if I’m feeling really fun a Partiful invite. Send it to your friends and pick a book that is pure fun. I recommend an Elissa Sussman book or a Taylor Jenkins Reid book. If you want to make it really involved, you can create some slides filled with pictures and descriptions of a couple of books. Present it and have everyone vote, so they all feel involved in choosing the book. If you don’t know where to start, feel free to check out one of the ones I made for my book club below. I can confirm this method does work. You not only are bringing your friends together for a fun activity. You are creating a space for various individuals to partake in interesting and necessary conversations that revolve around a highly influential art form. It’s very cool. Take the leap! Start the book club. If this feels like a huge thing, just remember. This is supposed to be fun! You don’t have to do it all in one day, and it may take some time to get everyone together, and that’s ok! Moving on. 

4. Share music that has the same feel as the book you want them to read

Don’t worry! I make playlists for this exact kind of situation. Find them here. Not only is it an interesting way to tell someone to read a book that you like, but it introduces you to more art. Like introducing your friends to books around movies they like, create a playlist that has the same feel as the book you're reading. If you don’t want to make the playlist yourself, don’t stress yourself out! Go to your preferred streaming service and search for the book you're reading. Someone may have already made a playlist that you could send to them. It’s beautiful listening to music that invokes the same kind of emotion you felt while reading a scene. I can’t explain to you the depth it brings to the book. When multiple art forms are brought together, magic happens. 

5. At the end of the day, keep telling your friends about the books you’re reading.

Thankfully, reading is trending at the moment. The algorithm is on your side. The least you can do to help your friends find their reading niche is to get to know them and make the process a little easier. There can be a stigma around reading. Oh, you’re not really a reader if you’re not reading the classics. NO! Oh, you just read romcoms it’s better if you’re reading autobiographies about people that you’ll never meet. NO! Reading is meant to expand our minds. Bring new ideas and challenge beliefs in your life. Don’t let someone else’s standards for reading deter you. Reading does not have to be a solo journey: it can be an exciting group activity. Go forth and bring more people to the table. Push yourself to read new books, intake more art, and make new friends. 

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