How Not to Recommend a Book

Even for those who make a career out of loving books, sharing the right ones with the right people can take years of practice.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:05pm

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This article discusses the concept of 'reader's advisory' - the ability to intuit which books specific people would enjoy. The author reflects on her own failed attempt at running a book club, and the insights she gained from talking to librarians, professors, and booksellers about the challenges of recommending books to the right people. The article also highlights a recent Atlantic article by Rhian Sasseen that provides a list of books that 'demand to be discussed with friends'.

Why it matters

The article explores the nuances of book recommendations and the skill of 'reader's advisory', which is an important part of working in the book industry or engaging with book-loving communities. It highlights how even experienced book lovers can struggle to recommend the right books to the right people, and the value of understanding individual reading preferences.

The details

The author previously tried to run a book club with her friends, but they only managed to get through two books, both of which she disliked. Through interviews with librarians, professors, and booksellers, she learned that successful book clubs often have a clear theme and meet regularly. The most valuable insight was the concept of 'reader's advisory' - the ability to intuit which books specific people would enjoy. This is a skill that comes with practice, and applies not just in libraries, but also in bookstores and online recommendations. The author also discusses the process of editing Rhian Sasseen's recent Atlantic article, which featured a list of books 'that demand to be discussed with friends'. They wanted to cast a wide net while also ensuring the list was distinct and interesting, rather than boring. The author reflects on how her own sense of reader's advisory has evolved over time, and how she now tries to be more discerning when recommending books to acquaintances, based on their likely preferences.

  • In 2023, the author compiled a list of books to read with someone you love.
  • A few years ago, the author wrote in The Atlantic about her failed attempt to run a book club.

The players

Emma Sarappo

The author of the article, who previously wrote about her failed attempt to run a book club.

Rhian Sasseen

An Atlantic writer who recently published a collection of books that 'demand to be discussed with friends'.

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What they’re saying

“To properly commune over literature, you need the right book—something that excites you and makes you think.”

— Rhian Sasseen

The takeaway

Recommending the right books to the right people is a nuanced skill that takes practice, even for experienced book lovers. Understanding individual reading preferences and the purpose of a book recommendation list are key to providing meaningful suggestions that will resonate with the intended audience.