On Saturday, Michael Hyatt, my friend and CEO of Thomas Nelson (who is printing Permission to Speak Freely) tweeted the ECPA’s 50 Bestsellers List for March 2010.
I noticed a few interesting things in the list:
- Even though this list is for March 2010 faith-based bestsellers, only 21 of the 50 had been published in the last twelve months.
- The average price point for the books published in the last twelve months was considerably higher ($19.64) than the older books on the list ($15.39).
This made me think two things:
- Some books will live long. These books typically have strong writing, meet a universal “felt need,” or the author has a loyal following (a celebrity, a pastor of a large church, etc.). These books will continue to spread in both breadth (how many people read them) and depth (more people developing loyalty to that author).
- The recession is not to blame for declining book sales. Large groups of people are willing to pay more money for good content.
It also made me ask the question, “Why aren’t there more recently published books on the list? What does the market want that current authors and publishers aren’t providing?”
I did a survey on my blog last summer, and a majority of you read fifty books or more a year, so it’s safe to say you are “the market.”
Would you indulge me a bit and share what content in books adds value?
What disappoints you?
What determines if you purchase a book – Word of mouth? Previous work? Random chance?
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts. They will help shape me as an author and I can assure you there are people in the publishing industry who eagerly await your response too.
Comments
90 responses to “What’s Missing from Today’s Books?”
First off, I want to be clear that I am in no way directing this comment _at_ you. In all honesty, I haven’t read your book and have only followed your blog for a short time.
But in one word, what’s missing is: scarcity.
The second word would be: quality.
Everybody and their brother has written a book lately. Maybe two or three (or more)! That doesn’t mean that everyone isn’t a world-class writer, just that the market is so glutted with five hundred books on every subject that I, for one, tend to just shy away from all of them rather than trying to wade through the muck to find the one or two that are worth the effort of reading.
And that’s not to say that we can’t learn something from the muck as well…but my reading time is so very limited right now that I’m not gonna waste it on just any book.
While I admit that I have much to learn from even the poorest of writers, having a successful blog does not necessarily mean that someone should write a book. And yet that’s happening over and over nowadays. I just finished one such that apparently took several YEARS to write (as the authors reiterate time and again). So explain to me why it was poorly-written? If you’re taking that long to get something out, at least do a good job on it! Tell us something new or at least tell us in a new or thought-provoking way.
I, personally, tend also to shy away from what I would consider to be a fad. Basically, if something has journals and chotchkies that go along with it, I’m going to avoid it like the plague (looking at you, “Purpose-driven, the flame thrower!” – ooooooo)
Another thing that either makes or breaks a book for me is the person(s) who first told me about it. I heard about Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love” the first time from one of my pastors who is prone to celebrity-craze. His introduction to the book was that Mr. Chan was the go-to guy as a speaker at all of the cool conferences lately. Total turn off. Hearing about the same book a few weeks later from Shaun Groves (especially given how awesome “Divine Commodity” was – also SG’s rec) just about evens the score….just about…I’m still wary.
Anyway….sorry for the long comment. I think that “Christian” publishers tend to be less selective than their “non-Christian” counterparts. I’d love to see book sales driven less by celebrity and more by quality. There’d be fewer books published, but they’d actually be worth the time and money.
I often choose books based on favourite authors or interesting reviews. If I’m shopping in an actual bookstore, I always love a good table of contents :)
My pet peeve is books with lots of words and nothing to say. I don’t want to read ten pages that I can summarize in 3 words.
Also, I get frustrated when books talk down to me. If I feel the author is patronizing, I won’t finish the book.
What do I love? Good storytelling. Vibrant imagery. Life application. Humour. New insight on old subjects. A forward moving energy. Relevancy. Intriguing table of contents. Cool footnotes. Appropriate price.
.-= Allison Lynn?s last blog ..Out from Under my Cold! =-.
I’m going to simply agree with Allison’s statement. Especially the honesty, humility, energy and imagery.
Thanks for summing it up perfectly!
.-= Angus Nelson´s last blog ..Back After an Involuntary Break =-.
I think it is so smart of you to ask those questions! I am a bookavore and I get to work with them at my day job. I’m a lucky girl :) As one who works in marketing at a publishing house, it scares me a bit to say it but I buy a book because it’s been recommended or if I’ve read a previous work of the authors that I like. I tend to stay away from bestseller lists until a friend can vouch for it…I have no idea why, and am probably missing some great books but it’s the sad truth.
The other reason I’ll pick up a book, if I haven’t heard about it from a friend is if it fits a felt need or the packaging :) I’m a sucker for packaging and sadly, I do judge a book by it’s cover a lot :)
.-= Jacklyn´s last blog ..Chafing- The Mark of a Champion =-.
I am with you on ALL that. “Trendy” books….but then…I want to have a book trend…but not be trendy. :)
Recently I have been going back and reading books that I have read before by some of my favorite authors. In the last couple of months I have read C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy and Tolkien’s Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Perhaps I am having a bit of a nostalgia crisis. Other books that I read, especially new authors or authors I haven’t heard of, I read because they have been recommended to me or given to me by someone.
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Bible Reading 1 Samuel 1 – 3 =-.
You sound like my hubs. :)
He must be extremely intelligent and yet humble!
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Setting up a Facebook Page =-.
I also have to admit that I haven’t read your book (yet) but it has been on my ‘want to’ list for a while. Your up-coming book is even more on that list than the first one, mostly because the subject applies to my own life more than the first. I found your blog about six weeks ago and enjoy your writing (and your heart) very much.
I am a big time reader and I have found it frustrating there are so. many. books that appeal to me by the cover / description / hype. I wish I had time to read them all and it is difficult to choose. On the other hand, some of the best books I have ever read did not appeal to me and was a big surprise. The concept is in a similar vein to your post about your lowered site visits corresponding to the posts that really matter.
A dozen years ago my boyfriend’s mother gave me a novel for my birthday gift. The cover and the title were so cheesy sounding (A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers) that I set it aside on my shelf with no intention of reading it. Finally I was out of new books and had a day off and picked it up out of boredom. It was after reading that book that I finally surrendered my life to Christ. I had grappled with God as a concept for a while but experiencing the salvation life through by entering a character on the page moved my heart to understanding and desire. And the rest is history! Hooray! (And I married that boy and his mother and I share all our favorite books.)
.-= Danica´s last blog ..Friday Fill Ins =-.
That is such a cool story Danica. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the encouragement too!
In CNF I look for honesty and application. It does not have to be a literary masterpiece. “Same Kind of Different As Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore is a good example. Their story tells the ugly truth about materialism, cancer, homelessness, racism and how God, if allowed, uses the ugly to create something beautiful.
I listened to the audio book “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan which added a new dimension to his work. The author read the book and used his voice inflections. In this case, it was more enjoyable to hear than read.
Donald Miller and Max Lucado never disappoint with their poignant writing styles.
Regarding faith-based fiction…cheesy and predictable are a real turn-off for me and I find most CF falls into this category. Francine Rivers, Ted Dekker, Joel Rosenberg, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jane Kirkpatrick, Robert Whitlow, Jamie Langston Turner, Jan Karon are, in my opinion, the exceptions. Well thought out, original stories with character depth will keep me interested in the author.
Anne, I am a new fan of your work. You are a refreshing voice for the CNF market.
.-= Reading Rosie´s last blog ..Just As I Am….Colorful =-.
I agree that Dekker is an exception. His brain, in wending the Circle series is mind-boggling! I love a book, non-fiction or fiction that is fraught with “Aha!” moments.
.-= Faye´s last blog ..Leave those weeds alone! =-.
One more note…I work in a public library. Our circulation consists of Best Sellers and Christian Fiction. People would read more Christian Fiction if the authors would give it a James Patterson twist. LOL
Haha…love it. Thanks for your thoughts.
Funny .. I’ve reading/reviewing a Christian Fiction book now and really having difficulties with it because it’s just too much like a James Patterson series, without the depth of character development.
I honestly think creativity is a major weakness with today’s writers. There are many influences coming at us from every direction all day long, advertiser, web sites, sit coms, Twitter, text, we are over stimulated communication junkies filling our minds with constant chatter and information that we copy bit don’t create. The church is the worst at copying. Every book coming out now by Christians seems to be regurgitate “how to”.
Skye Jathani’s book, The Divine Commodity nails the writing problem in the church. We have lost our creativity and we have to get it back. Take risk, step out, be willing to fail and ask God to guide our pens..or fingers typing now.
I didn’t like Chan’s Crazy Love.( Gasping heard from many) the hype was greater then the content. I love to hear him speak, he’s one of my favorites but I just didn’t love Crazy Love.
I think what made Tolkien and Lewis such great 20th century story tellers was that they told stories as if the print was all you would ever have, no movie, blog site promotion, Twitter account. The story had to take you away and make you want to tell others to come visit.
To me Donald Miller has that gift. I was shocked at how much I loved the book Scared by C Tom Davis, it’s simple and readable but also takes you into the story. I love good fiction.
I agree, esp. about Lewis & Tolkien. I’d add Madeleine L’Engle too, and say this:
They wrote Fiction, not *Christian* Fiction. They wrote as Christians, with a Christ-centered worldview, but their books did not have lots of conversion scenes and mini-sermons the way a good deal of CF today seems to.
I spent my youth reading mostly Christina books, and now, I shy away from them. I’m just not that interested in the stories I see. Lewis, Tolkien, L’Engle…they had books you could sink your teeth, heart and soul into. They changed me deeply and profoundly. They told us about who we are and who God is and what is going on in this crazy universe.
What disappoints you?
Shallowness and Ivory tower thinking. There are so many popular Christian authors (these are people who are probably on the shelves of most Christians including myself). These authors haven’t done honest to goodness ministry in years. Basically, all they do is hole themselves up in their study and write. Doctrinally there is nothing wrong with their writing. However, it clearly comes across that they have never struggled with any of the mundane things of everyday Christian life. Reading their books, you would never think they had a pulse or a heart. It’s like reading one of the magazines with the huge headline “lose 20 lbs in two months” and the picture on the cover is this lithe little fitness model who probably never weighed more than 110 lbs in her life. So it is reading these Christian authors who purport to tell us about Christian Living, but seemingly have never had a real job, or struggled with anything that most of us normal people experience (ie. unforgiveness, anger, lust, selfishness).
What determines if you purchase a book – Word of mouth? Previous work? Random chance?
I look for authors that I have already read. I will pay attention to publishers. I will pay attention to the people commenting on the back of the book. If they are people, I respect, that I may take notice. I will also read reader reviews on Amazon or other sites. I will occasionally read a sample chapter online if its available. If the book is featured in a blog that I read and it catches my interest.
The things that disappoint me are when authors take some old ideas, print them and call them their own. I like fresh. Two things that make me buy books are word of mouth, a good author that I’ve read previous work and liked it and lately it’s been title and cover. I used to order off amazon, but lately it’s just been walking through B&N and judging the book by it’s cover. I still haven’t read your book, but plan to soon.
.-= jackalopekid´s last blog ..church ideas =-.
I am also a book blogger meaning that I read an abnormal number of books, blog about them, and receive more for review than I could ever possibly read. I read mostly fiction, but I will tell you that I’m on such an overload that I’m not actively looking for more titles.
But reading a lot of books is like a refining fire, I have far less tolerance than I used to for anything that doesn’t immediately stand out. And I find myself craving books that are established, that other people decided were good so that I don’t have to do the work of weeding through them all
I’m not sure I can speak to nonfiction, but when I do read nonfiction, it’s usually at the recommendation of someone I trust or a memoir. I’m less likely to take risks with nonfiction, I want someone else to do it for me. And I want it to be something new. I admit I’m naturally skeptical of a lot of Christian nonfiction, it just seems like the same stuff repackaged. The best nonfiction book I’ve read recently was The Sacredness of Questioning Everything by David Dark and I’d gladly read more like that. I want to be challenged to really think when I read and not just made to feel good.
When it comes to fiction, in the Christian market, well I blogged about this recently to interesting results but I’m looking for true literature, theological diversity, authentic characterization, and nuance. These are things sadly lacking from a lot of Christian fiction. (not all of it, just most of it)
.-= Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last blog ..Gone With the Wind Readalong Check-In =-.
I am tiered of the “How To’s”.
I want to heart about your (any author) ‘Heart’, your ‘story’, your relationship with God.
I want your ‘honesty’, and ‘transparency’.
Again, this isn’t directed towards you personally! But … those are the parts of your book that struck a cord in my heart.
Your blog rocks!!
.-= Rocco´s last blog ..The Prodigal… =-.
I tend to sharply veer away from best sellers lists, especially in the Christian market. Mostly due to fiction being the heavy weights. To me, the Christian life is far too exciting to not write about, and make believe can’t beat it. I did however, love Brian McLaren’s fiction trilogy, but it is essentially based on life experience. I gravitate towards bold honesty, but not in way that communicates what someone or some group is against. That drives me crazy. Books that are responses to other books, jab a spoon in my eye please. A few favorites: Don Miller who is funny, honest, and writes about life as a whole. Also, Don doesn’t waste words, quick beautiful sentences. Erwin McManus who understands the power of words, is so future thinking, and can tell a great story. From the ministry perspective, Rob Bell. To the point.
Brief.
Yet changes everything.
Beautiful.
Fresh.
.-= Wally´s last blog ..Sent =-.
I’m not a professional blogger or anything but I do a lot of reading. I love Christian fiction that moves me and compels me in my relationships with Christ. My favorite thus far is Tom Davis’s Scared. I loved it because the characters were real and authentic (not in ivory towers as previously suggested) and it moved me to action.
As far as non-fiction, I really look for authors that are also real and authentic. I love authors that I can relate to and can feel a connection with. In today’s world I’m not into reading books about people who “do everything right and perfectly Christianly”, but that are real and honest and open about struggles, even within the church! (That’s why I love you Anne).
The way I hear about authors (rather than specific titles) is often through blogs and posts by others whose opinion I respect… bloggers that are real and authentic and not living in “ivory towers”. I love to know what they are personally reading and what their favorites are.
You should list your favorites Anne!
I want to read hands on stuff that I can integrate into my personal life or ministry – NOW! I want to be so excited about the material that I’m IMMEDIATELY
.-= Linda Stoll´s last blog ..Propel Yourself! =-.
Looking at the list, I realized I had only read about 5 out of the 50 (I have a copy of The Five Love Languages that I’ve never gotten around to). I may not be that typical of a reader. :)
Also, as I look at the list, I wonder how much of this (especially since we’re looking at the Christian market) is driven by small group/Sunday school curriculum or weekend church programming. For example, I wonder if there’s an uptick in sales of The Purpose Driven Life when churches do 40 Days of Purpose programs. “The market” may not be solely individuals making decisions regarding their personal reading but also pastors and Christian education types and small group leaders choosing books for people they lead/teach.
For my personal reading, I tend to scratch my “things I want to learn about” itch (I don’t tend to read much fiction, Christian or otherwise). Sometimes that’s influenced by a conference (reading Switch by Chip and Dan Heath as well as The Monkey and the Fish by Dave Gibbons after attending Willow’s Leadership Summit, for example) or a church programming series (reading Foster’s The Freedom of Simplicity after a series on consumerism) or a blog (reading A Thousand Miles in a Million Years after Donald Miller posted some of the ideas from the book on his blog; I knew I’d find it applicable and interesting; doesn’t hurt that I loved Blue Like Jazz). Other times it’s something I’ve sought out (“where can I find a book on ________?”). Other times it’s been judging a book by the cover and/or table of contents (when in a pinch – I do a lot of reading on my bus commute, so every now and then I finish one before I’ve had a chance to think through what to read next).
oops … unfamiliar computer!
Anyway, I want to be so excited about the material that I’m IMMEDIATELY talking about it on my blog, or asking my clients to grab a copy.
I’m DISAPPOINTED when it’s the same old, same old …
I’ll PURCHASE a book when I LOVE what the author has written in the past and it’s really impacted me. People like Ruth Haley Barton. Larry Crabb. Pete Scazzaro.
And sometimes, I just want a good, thick, historical novel that has absolutely nothing to do with ministry. A cup of tea. And a warm quilt.
.-= Linda Stoll´s last blog ..Propel Yourself! =-.
I like books that are either complete fiction – where I know I can go to escape, and glean ideas, argue with theological conundrums, and live vicariously in someone else’s more adventurous life than mine; or those that provide a lot of food for thought. I am not looking for answers, and those books that do provide the “answers”, or worse are marketed that way, I tend to ignore. I read to stimulate and engage. If the “answers” are all there, what is left for me to engage?
Personal stories have a tendency to lose me because they do not really fall into either category. Personal stories are someone else’s answer. I can’t really engage, and the adventure is about as mundane as mine. For that type of interaction I would much rather sit down and have a cup of coffee or eat a meal with that person. I feel like I ought to be doing that with the real people in my own congregation, if I am merely reading someone else’s account of a factual situation.
This is where I appreciated Mad Church Disease, because you offered reflective engagement by way of the questions at the end of each section. I had to take stock of my own stuff, not just listen to someone else’s.
Thanks for asking…in fact, it was the asking, and the engagement that got me to comment this time.
.-= David´s last blog ..Why I Got Involved =-.
I think this is showing some trends.
1) People buy books based on preferences (fiction, non-fiction, style) and don’t often go out of the preference.
2) People buy what they know, so often buy authors that they have read before
3) Word of mouth is very important – it seems the main way people get new books outside their current authors or styles.
4) Reading what you know from authors you know leads to reading repetitive ideas (which almost everyone says they don’t want.)
No idea how to break that cycle.
.-= Adam Shields´s last blog ..Your Church Is Too Small by John Armstrong (Part 3: Moving Forward) =-.
Perhaps it’s the same reason Christians tend to be so boring.
We don’t have much diversity in our friends. Our friends generally believe what we believe, so the books we read are all the same.
That’s lousy.
Friending others leads to reading different books and discovering different ideas. I think… it’s still a difficult question, though.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
.-= bondChristian´s last blog ..“You’re not a Christian if…” (Part 2) =-.
I joined goodreads about 18 months ago. It is a social network for readers. And I posted my goodreads contact info on a kindle oriented message board. So I have “friends” from around the world and from a variety of backgrounds. Many of them are still Christian (because they can see my book lists before they friend me) but I do get some additional recommendations that I would not get other ways. We can be intentional in expanding out recommendation circles.
.-= Adam Shields´s last blog ..Tell It Slant: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers by Eugene H. Peterson =-.
I do the same Adam, but I use the LibraryThing web site.
I just want a book to be real and honest. I think an author really needs to have an understanding of people, but to do that you have to be around tons of people, and pay close attention. In todays world, Facebook, cell phones, and tons of other stuff get in the way of that. We can’t simply be WITH someone. We (or they) might get a call or text in the middle of the conversation, we might need to check our email, or whatever.
I think of Shakespeare, and the way he totally understood the way people think. I’m not sure that can happen today, at least not without a ton of effort. It is kind of like people just can’t dig deep enough to write about anything that interesting, and they can’t develop a real understanding of the people around them. The result is a book that doesn’t do much.
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Untitled No.3 =-.
Lauren…If you haven’t read Ian McEwan’s book Atonement, you should. He has the understanding of humanity to which you’re referring. I was completely enthralled with the book, especially the first half.
Well now. I read and buy a lot of books. Lots. You saw them in the study at the church and I have more at home. Lisa is almost as bad (she’s a reader, she’s working on an MA to teach reading as a 2nd language) so no wonder we got married. Books are all over the place.
Endorsements help a lot with my choices. If I like an author and he or she endorses a book I’m almost sure to buy it.
Browsing the book is a big plus. I’ve ordered books I wish I had had the chance to browse and wish I had not gotten it.
Reviews are a great help. The first thing I look at in CT, Christian Century, and other journals is book reviews.
Books and Culture is nothing but reviews. Blog reviews are good, too.
Depth is a plus. I don’t like simplistic stuff. I like good writing. Very good writing. I don’t like junk writing. I think good writing is vital. Am I clear? :)
This is one reason I turn to people like Yancey, Lewis, Peterson, Foster, and so many others. They can write well.
I live by the Word & words. So books are one of the things I’m passionate about. I could write more, but I need to get back to the Word. :)
pet peeve about teaching books: authors who tell you the way things are or should be without telling you WHY. If they can’t provide me with truth (facts and/or solid foundation, the Bible), they are wasting my time and unfortunately causing some readers to end up with skewed philosophies.
Context is vital. If someone wants to explain something, they should keep meanings very clear and be sure not to take things out of context (again, Bible).
I know it takes more thought and work and time (and I am definitely NOT a writer), but we would all appreciate it so much instead of feeling gypped when reading a book you know is simply a transcription of someone’s sermons.
BTW: Anne Jackson’s book “Mad Church Disease” rocks! In my opinion, very clear, unbiased, and factual.
What content in books adds value?
Truth and Stories. When I can connect with an author in their story that is when it hooks me into the book.
Have a crappy story then you have a crappy book
What disappoints you?
When I read something that is repeating what someone else has said over and over. Or sometimes I like to call this the preacher problem. You know the ministers or preachers at churches that just take about 6 months of sermon content and just repackage them for a book? Ya that stuff kind of bothers me. It is tough because these guys have poured a lot of time into their sermons and therefore their books, but most of the stuff they preach I have heard therefore I am just reading what they have already said. Sometimes that is good, but most of the time I am looking for more.
What determines if you purchase a book – Word of mouth? Previous work? Random chance?
Usually two things, word of mouth is most important and then previous work comes in a close second. If someone recommends the book to me I will get it, but usually I will also pay attention to what the author has previously written and if I liked that i will get their next book.
Oh ya, and free is great as well.
What I look for: mostly nonfiction that challenges me to grow closer to God. A lot of what I find is “milk” aimed at new believers. That’s great, but I’ve been following Jesus for over 35 years, and hopefully I’ve learned the basics by now. I’m looking for meat.
What drives me crazy: a book that should have been a magazine article. The author has a great idea, but ends up padding the material so much that the essence is buried under page after page of fluff.
How I choose books: mostly from online recommendations. I resonated with the point that reading the same authors over and over just gives you the same material, repackaged. Everyone’s comments about their favorite books has just given me a great to-read list! Thank you, book-bloggers!
I try to read books that will challenge me in terms of teaching me something new and in terms of being well-written. So many new books are published each year, and the quality of writing in these books is not very good. When I read nonfiction, I tend to read books by experts in the field and books by people with advanced degrees in a certain area who know more than I do. I want to be challenged with the kind of language and the kind of sentences that I read so that I will be forced to think. So much of what is published today may teach us something, but these books are not well-written or well-crafted.
In terms of fiction, I tend to prefer the classics. The content is timeless, and the writing far exceeds what I see printed today.
When determining whether I will read and purchase a book, I look for the recommendations of others. I discuss my theological reading with my priest and get his suggestions for that area; in addition, I have a friend from church who has a master’s degree in theology, and he will often steer me in the right direction. There are also several blogs I read on a regular basis, and when the authors of these blogs mention books, I definitely check them out to see if I would be interested in delving further into the books.
In recent years, I have started to purchase books more and more because I tend to write in them and because I find myself coming back to them again and again.
my book buying is channeled by a few things (i say book buying because i never borrow books–i rarely return them and don’t want to be a thief)
1. have heard the author in person or followed their blog and thought they had something interesting to say
2. they have been recommended by one of a few trusted friends/aquaintances
3. the topic interests me
4. occasionally i have bought something that surprised me when i ran out of airplane reading material
i buy audio/digital books for fiction and print books if i hope i will need to underline something. this means that sometimes i have an audio version of something that i had to go back and buy a print version of… crazy i know.
i rarely buy hardback books… just because… and i spend about $50 a month on books.
did you finish love in the time of cholera? if so i can tell you what i loved about it and then hated…
I haven’t yet…it’s my airplane reading book, so more this weekend!
.-= Anne Jackson´s last blog ..What’s Missing from Today’s Books? =-.
To answer your questions:
what content in books adds value?: Personal experience.
What disappoints you?: When a book doesn’t live up to it’s description.
What determines if you purchase a book – Word of mouth? Previous work? Random chance?: All three.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Finding Happiness =-.
This is something I’ve been thinking about lately. As an English major, I study writing – when it works and when it doesn’t. The thing about Christian Publishing is that it falls into more of a trade industry. For instance, people in education read books about education. These aren’t books that anyone outside of education would be that interested in. Christian publishing is the same way. We produce books for Christians and for that reason the content is more important than the delivery. (Of course we have standards for the quality of that delivery, but it doesn’t have to be literary.)
Francis Chan is a good example. He has FANTASTIC ideas but he is not really a writer. He is a communicator. In fact, he uses a co-author on his books. I assume this is the person who takes his ideas and presents them in standard forms of writing. This is the bulk of Christian publishing. We need it, but we are overloaded.
I’m looking for something more. Something literary and wise and human.
.-= Felicity´s last blog ..A Silent Blog Means . . . =-.
What adds value – words that are authentically shared, the quality is high, and the passion of the author comes through. Words the inspire a change in perspective.
What disapoints – shallowness (which I know can be very subjective), also one of your commenters shared books that should be an article instead of a book and I would agree with that, also canned and trite words that disguise who an author really is.
Most of the books I pick up are via word of mouth, this often comes via friends, blogs, on-line reviews, etc. I also tend to stick with authors I know I like.
It’s been interesting reading the comments – good questions!
.-= Megs´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Sledding anyone? =-.
I’m ready mostly older books these days — classics in fiction (e.g. Huck Finn) and spiritual classics in nonfiction (e.g. Chesterton).
.-= Jeff Goins´s last blog ..Why You Should Lead a Mission Trip at Home =-.
What disappoints me in a book? After reading it, asking myself, so what was the point? Hmm
What determines if I purchase? Word of Mouth or seeing the Author on Television (like Good Morning Texas or DayStar). I’d love to see you on Oprah with her book club, as great as you Author. : )
HONESTLY ANNE, the higher the price of the book is the one I buy. Like Joel and Victoria Osteen price their books $25. and when my kids ask me what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I always name the authors who sell higher priced book because I have found out…they are worth every single penny and my kids have a lot of respect for me buying a higher priced book because that’s what they want to pay (& more for a Mom Gift). At the same time, I buy books that inside the cover say:
A Gift
For
___________________
From
___________________
& you know I had an addiction for MCD. My hubby loved it and wouldn’t put it down and your one chapter changed my life……so you see I love something that applies to
what society dictates or churches dictates. I hope this makes sense. I truly love positive answers!!!!!
.-= Carol´s last blog ..Change Your Thinking! =-.
First thing is the cover. If you have done something to catch my eye then I will pick up your book, even if I have never heard of you. The second thing I always look at is chapter titles. It takes a lot of skill to write catchy titles that can give the reader a sense about that chapter. I figure if you can effectively communicate something in 5 words or less, then reading 200 pages from you will probably also be enlightening.
I read through at least 50-60 books a year, but there’s probably another 10-15 that I start, but don’t finish simply because that I failed to connect me with the information they provide.
.-= JD´s last blog ..Links of the Week =-.
Personal stories get my attention, and how-to’s lose it. I feel like, in the Christian realm, books are generally picked up because of the popularity of a pastor, which feeds the Christian celebrity monster, in my opinion. I think this is a particularly dangerous thing…
In the end, good writing and honesty always win. It’s just whether or not anyone ever hears about it that’s the issue.
.-= Josh´s last blog ..Sometimes I Don’t Feel Him: Lent (part seven) =-.
I am an avid reader. I read everything. Sci-fi, classics, historical books, novels…..
Recently I have noticed books I have Been reading are lots of word of mouth. People who enjoyed or even questioned books. Newer authors seem to lack depth in their books. So unless recommended I tend to steer clear of new authors.
Also newer books seem to be written in a simpler language that tends to have the same reaction to watching a movie for me. That wa good I enjoyed but not much thinking. Glad I read it but won’t pick it up again or look for newer stuff from this author
I read books because someone has recommended it to me, or because I have a need and am looking for some answers.
Okay, I’m talking non-fiction here (because that’s what I read mostly).
Practicality. I’ve found more and more that the books I enjoy most are those firmly based in practical tactics.
The high-level concepts are fantastic for provoking thought, but if the book doesn’t provide practical examples and tools for implementing the ideas, I’ll often forget about the concepts a year later.
And I’ve noticed also that some of the suggestions need to be easy to put into action. Even if they’re not the life-changing suggestions, they’ll get me started on the path to the bigger stuff.
Having said that, I’ve also heard that as we grow older, we move away from wanting tactics and more to wanting the “meta-concepts.” I’m curious to see if that’s the case with me too.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
I’m not often disappointed in my book purchases…
probably because I most often choose based on the following:
authentic voice-
connection to author- (online approachability- personality-life shared beyond: here’s a link to my book type of stuff) I assume if the person is approachable online- their writing will also be authentic and approachable. (I could be doing a disservice to some personality types here- I know.)
word of mouth… but mostly through word of mouth of the author…
who are they in interviews? who are they in blog posts?
I assume they will be the same in their book.
for the record.. I rarely read fiction… and honestly could puke if their is another vampire book (christian or otherwise) published….
.-= tracey solomon´s last blog ..A mile in her shoes… THE SHOES. =-.
I have noticed that a lot of the Christian books that I read have not been proofread very well. They seem to have a lot of mistakes. They also seem to add a lot of fluff. I don’t want to read 10 pages when the information could have been done with one page.
I went to the local Borders on West End, on Sunday and that was the SMALLEST faith based book section I have EVER seen. They had zero of the books I was looking for made me sad. I like to pick up a book at a book store read a page or two and then take it home and dive right in…
Im a new author and it took me 3 years to write my childrens’ inspirational book. I engage in reading on topics realitive to my spiritual growth in christ and that is what I write to children about. Most of the ideas come from the word of God and my relationship to him. That never gets old. I occasionally go to old and used book shops to find treasures of the past: Where the language and phrases are a little bit different then how we exspress things today. That is what I invest in. In His Love and Care, Mary
My reading habits are a bit weird. I
-alternate every new book I read with a book that I’ve already read.
-alternate newer books with older books. (Every generation has its blindspots and older books help me find my own.)
(These ideas stolen from C.S. Lewis, particularly from his book “An Experiment in Criticism”.)
I only BUY books new if I know I’m going to read them more than once. If I book isn’t deep enough to merit a thorough re-reading than I get it from the library, give it a quick read and that’s the end of it.
I’m very disappointed in books that don’t grow with me. I like digesting books at a shallow-deep level, giving some time to chew it over, and then rereading at a deep level to get the details of the ideas. Sometimes this takes a couple years. If a book is shallow, then it comes out when I reread it and find there was nothing else to learn from it.
i prefer audio books… so please act accordingly. jk;) but as many of the books i have desire to read are not on audio, i will then describe what makes me actually purchase them, as opposed to just borrowing them, or going on doing life without them.
first of all, i have never purchased a book by a pastor. i have rarely purchased books by “trained professionals”. i love Tozer, Lewis, NT Wright, etc. i am a writer and i like reading books written by writers. Don Miller is a great example. he isn’t trying to offer a 5 step self help program, he is offering encouragement, direction, and things to meditate on while on this journey. i have read your book. i got it for free at your signing at Mariner’s in Irvine, CA. i like your book, because i related to your story and i was curious about what someone from within a mega church had to say about church ministry burnout. you validated through the Word the need for boundaries, etc. i have lent it out quite a few times. it’s a great size/shape & it is well designed also. speaking of design… love the design of Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne. Absolutely beyond cool and it feels great in your hand… you know that pliable cool paper, with all kinds of faux newsprint/highlighted/clip art within.
so i guess what i’m saying… people like me don’t buy that many books, because there are very few Christian “writers”. but the ones that i do buy, i have usually heard about through blogs, relevant magazine, like minded friends, and amazon’s “people who have purchased this item have also purchased…”.
hope that helps;)
.-= JuliaKate´s last blog ..the Risk of Enlisting =-.
by trained professionals i meant: how to be this, how to accomplish that, how to make the most out of blah blah blah… i have purchased some, but it’s rare.
.-= JuliaKate´s last blog ..the Risk of Enlisting =-.
way to inspire a blog post! Here’s my response:
http://wanderingtree.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/what-if-books-contained-a-story/
.-= Greg´s last blog ..The Devil Likes the Education System =-.
I read and buy books that are recommended to me by people that I admire & respect, and I never choose a bestseller from a list, unless it first was recommended.
I will part with hard-earned money and the precious time to read if a book is well written, transparent, honest and will teach me something & make me think. I am always delighted when I find truly excellent writing that makes me stop and re-read a sentence or paragraph to experience it again. (Anne Lamott comes to mind.)
If the ideas are good but the writing is boring I will abandon it and move on to the next. I will champion a great book & recommend it to others.
There are two reasons that I avoid a lot on contemporary books.
1. Content. I get that people have shorter attention spans and tend to want more action these days. However, really good books can be a couple hundred extra pages, and I’ll go there because I care about the people and/or ideas involved. More and more, I don’t even finish books because I simply don’t care. In fiction, this presents as only being taken through the circumstances (which are almost always predictable) and never being taken through the real psychological and spiritual journey that gets us to the end. In non-fiction, this presents as the endless repeating of a very basic concept or the oversimplifying of a very complex one. I know it’s all artsy and post-modern and relevant not to use big words and to completely disregard the correct use of commas and proper sentence structure. However, writing (and conversely reading) is also a discipline in which readers are well-versed. We don’t always want to be spoon-fed catch-phrases. We want to be taken some place that we haven’t been able to grab hold of, or perhaps even find, on our own, and we want the author to take us there. Lately it seems like publishing (especially Christian) is less like Broadway, and more like American Idol.
2. Common Sense. As in, I have it. It seems like so often to newest, greatest thing that everyone must read because it will change your life is a conclusion that any maturing person will come to. I know that people are afraid of books becoming dry and lengthy, but I think a lot of authors and publishers give the reader too little credit. Most “Christian” books I’ve read lately were really essays. We learned about the extra spacing and larger font tricks in elementary school; we’ve caught on. Most people who are really readers are also learners and researchers. If the information came from Google, we’ve already read it. I like anecdotes, but only to give my brain a stretching break from all of the actual content. Often I’ll reread a longer, older book because there is so much content there that I will get more out of reading it a second time than buying the newest thing.
3. Overmarketing in a falsely intimate way. This has been a growing annoyance of mine, and it seems to partiicularly plague Christian authors although I haven’t completely put my finger on it. I get the “struggling artist” mentality, but if every communication that isn’t trying to sell me on the author is trying to sell me on one of the author’s friends/associates/contacts, I just get tired of being manipulated. The growing impression becomes that things aren’t being recommended because they are good, but because they are part of a mutually beneficial situation. The hope of trading ideas gets squeezed about by the trading of virtual resumes and business cards, and I (in a way that might be somewhat unfair) start questioning the authenticity of the people involved.
I have to add a fourth.
4. Free. If I can get the entire book from your blog, I’m not going to buy the book unless it’s spectacular. I have yet to find a blog that spectacular.
And, I don’t know where two came from. I clearly listed four… :)
And, I perused the list. I have five books from the list. I purchased one of them and four were given to me. Of those four, there are two that I have little intention of ever reading. I read roughly 150-175 books a year.
I don’t know what that means, but it’s interesting.
Last comment, seriously.
Christian YA fiction is missing from the bookstore. It’s sad. The shelves at my Christian bookstore are pathetic. There’s the Dekker YA series and then a bunch of non-fiction. We need to be interesting YA readers in creative fiction–fiction that reminds them of a creative God. We need to be investing in a generation of readers who are the writers of tomorrow.
Ethel Herr was the keynote at a Writer’s Conference I attended years ago. She said something that I have never forgotten: “We are drowning in a deep sea of shallow books.” Her point was that good writing doesn’t come unless we practice the craft and that we write with authenticity and honesty about what moves us.
It feels like a lot of what’s out there now is cookie-cutter stuff, the author trying to rewrite what’s already out there rather than telling a unique story or a common story from a unique point of view.
I like to read books that will hep me in a practical sense or move me to think differently or act differently. I think that’s why, like many have already posted, I have gone back to classic works from amazing writers like C.S. Lewis, etc.
Hi Anne,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and find lots of inspiration. (thank you!) I read a lot, mostly classic lit, a lot of C.S. Lewis, and all the people that C.S. lewis read. Most current christian books seem little more to me than pop psychology and what is overwhelmingly missing from 90% of them is the gospel. “Purpose Driven Life” and “Your Best Life Now” are not the gospel. We don’t need another book on “7 ways to be a better wife”. We need the gospel. We need the one who lived His best, purpose driven life for Us, in our place. We need His vicarious atonement. I find much more good theology in the Harry Potter series (that I’m currently reading to my children) than I do in 90% of what I find in christian book stores—and ironically, many christians have sworn off JK Rowling for her supposed affiliation with the occult. She’s probably the brightest most gifted christian writer of our time and we often miss the Christ themes in her work because we’re so conditioned to receive our theology in a distorted self-help paradigm.
I don’t know if you’ve heard of it but I’m a huge fan of the christian radio show “Issues, Etc.” which regularly addresses current fads in christianity and many other thought provoking topics from theology to current events. I’ve been introduced to some great pastors/authors one of whom is Pastor Matt Harrison. Just received his new book Christ Have Mercy and it looks like a winner!
Blessings to you and yours,
edie
.-= edie´s last blog ..Slipping =-.
:: Reasons I Buy Books ::
1) It’s something I’ll refer back to again and again, or will want to (see also: why I have 500 CDs but less than 10 videos or DVDs). A good cookbook is well worth it. A solid dictionary or similar reference, e.g., the Dictionary of Idioms, totally worth it. And don’t get me started on knitting books …
But obviously those are non-fiction examples. Fiction I’ll buy less often unless it’s classic, or highly re-readable (C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, The Zion Chronicles, Redeeming Love – #50 on the list, I notice) or …
2. I want to support a friend or fellow writer. For example: Bought three mediocre novels by a friend a couple years ago. Really could have gotten them from the library and will probably never reread them … but I wanted to support her. Plus, I might want to loan them to someone needing a light read someday (if I keep them that long!). Buys of this type are probably more typical at someone’s reading/signing, although I’ve also attended several recent live events where (gulp) I brought what I owned of the person’s old work, rather than buying the new work.
3. I want it right now. This happens at events where I may not have a particular loyalty to the author — it might not be someone I know — but the discussion or presentation was sufficiently interesting that I want to take the book home, and it’s in the budget or close to it.
4. I know I’ll want to mark it up. Books I’m reading for a Bible study or discussion group are more likely to be purchased for this reason, although I may well look for a used version, if time allows.
5. Very occasionally, I’m stuck at an airport or traveling but don’t have good reading material and feel like indulging. This applied to my purchase of Freakonomics and a watch at Charles de Gaulle — but that’s not a book, is it? Well, you get my point.
6. Gift for a friend. This I do less often, but a few years back, I was so impressed by one of Larry Crabb’s books that I bought like five copies to give to a bunch of people. I would guess that’s actually a somewhat common reason, now that I think of it — you want someone to read something, you want them to actually have it, and you don’t have it to loan them, or want them to be able to keep it.
:: Thoughts on the List ::
Going through the top 50, I’m struck by how practical a lot of them are. Were there even five novels? People seem to be really into working on their lives (especially their marriages and/or faith) and compelling stories. With the Palin book, my guess is the request list at the local library was too long and people wanted to read it right away and/or wanted to support her.
:: Libraries ::
One thing I wonder is how library and church library use fits into the broader economic/book industry picture. Personally, my city library use has totally ramped up in the last year – though more as I’ve gotten familiar with the local system, online requests, etc., than for financial reasons. I wouldn’t say I’m buying fewer books because of it, but I am READING more than before, when I probably read mostly things I owned. It would be interesting to see how library-usage numbers fit into this picture — and my guess is that they’re way up. That would then suggest ongoing support for and interest in books, but a greater reluctance to buy things that might just be one-time reads.
:: Can We Change This? ::
The thing I keep circling back to on this is context. I’d love to see the top-50 lists from other years/seasons, because I would GUESS that the makeup was different at times when some book was really huge. Obviously “The Shack” is still up there, but was probably higher-ranked in its prime. What about when “Girl Meets God” was so hot? Or “Blue Like Jazz”? Even, back in the day, “This Present Darkness”? I’m not the most keyed-in to the Christian book market, but it seem like there’s not as much of an “it” book right now, so it makes some sense that, with a few exceptions, “classics” or proven advice guides would be doing well.
As authors, I think we have to write the best books we can (say, write with the mentality we might have had for a thesis or something), write the books we really believe in writing, promote them as well as we can in good conscience, but then, ultimately, leave up to God where a story goes or doesn’t go. With that may go a measure of reflection on what “success” looks like — is it the conversations inspired? The sales? The individual, significant impact a book has in a few people’s lives?
Just one closing thought: for my book, I wound up praying through the last three or so months of writing, in a way I’d never done before. And this was super nitty-gritty stuff like, “Father, this part still isn’t working right. What can I do?” Or “I don’t know how to transition between these sections.” Or even, “I feel like this story is really important to tell, but how do I balance candor with an appropriate discretion, so men and women alike can read this?” Completely apart from the book itself, it was just an amazing experience to have God become a partner, as it were, in my writing like that. But at the same time, I feel like it really pushed me much further than I would have gone.
Have you ever noticed that for the most part, Christian writing seems stuck in distant past? I’m looking for fresh thinking that doesn’t assume that just because something’s religious doctrine, it’s reality. I want to hear from writers who have researched within the pages of the Bible and dug deep to nudge out the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that can really help us today. I want writing that focuses not on dying and going to heaven but on living and overcoming evil. And, I don’t want to hear how God can make me properous–I want to know how God can make me wise.
.-= patriciazell´s last blog ..#34 THE DOING OF BELIEVING: FAITH (2) =-.
I read scads of books but rarely buy. Partly due to budget, but mostly out of desiring to live a simple life. I also rely heavily on the library. Call me cheap, call me green, call me a publisher’s nightmare, whatever. All are true. :)
But when I *do* buy a book, it’s bound to be one I will read or refer to again. Examples. Far Side collections. A reference book of kid-friendly hikes around my city. Frog and Toad.
That being said — what’s needed are more “books for all time.” How you do that in the Information Age is beyond me. :)
.-= Stretch Mark Mama (@stretchmarkmama)´s last blog ..Books I’m Hogging From The Library: The March 6, 2010 Edition =-.
I found the list you posted interesting. I’ve never really cared for Christian fiction because it always seems so trite. I think authors like Dosteovsky and Dickens do a better job of getting across a message of a Christ-figure, sacrifical love, or problem of evil in a less blatant, more literal way.
As for non-fiction, I usually go off recommendations from friends and other bloggers I read. I will probably start purchasing books of blogs I follow (including yours) because I love what the author has to say. I think it’s relevant. I’m more inclined to buy a book from an author if I’ve liked what they’ve already written.
I mostly read fiction, and mostly classics.(there is a reason they are called classics, they are really good!:). This logic probably applies to non fiction as well. 50 years from now a small handfull of the “popular” books now will still be. When reading non fiction I have noticed a lot of “cool” language or stories or covers but little message. Or a small message stretched out for 200 pages. A trend I am also seeing and don’t like is writers who bag on and don’t appreciate Christians, churchs, traditions etc. who came before. Everyone is trying to out cool the other,
that bugs! I know something Iv read is good if I actually remember it next week. I am pretty new to your blog and have not had the pleasure of reading your book yet, but it is on my short list.:)
Anne, I read–a lot. Many of the books I buy are due to the author (N.T. Wright, Scot McKnight, E. Peterson, Gary Thomas, William Willimon, John Ortberg.) I also buy because in some way I have been exposed to the content of the book. (A free down-loadable chapter or a sample for my Kindle.)
What I don’t like? Slick, well-marketed books that have very, very little content. The book may have great illustrations, questions for small groups, etc. However, it needs to have content. Nothing is more frustrating to me than to buy a book only to realize this book is basically a pan of left-overs from a previous book that is now heating on the stove. Content really does matter.
.-= Jim Martin´s last blog ..What Has Helped You Feel Less Self-Conscious? =-.
Anne. Being in grad school I don’t have time for much besides textbooks. So what I’ve found to be simply brilliant for the soul is OLDER books often by dead authors. The current voice is good, the timeless voice is profoundly refreshing.
Not very helpful, I admit, from the author point of view – except perhaps encouragement to write a book that will outlive us all.
Could you get on that?
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this yet – but I hardly buy any actual “books” anymore. Every book I buy (or check out from the library) is on audio – either CD or downloaded. This is for several reasons. 1 – I found that with my ADD I absorb books so much better listening to them rather than reading (even though I’m a great reader) 2 – I have some carpel tunnel problems that actually make holding a book for a long period of time painful and 3 – I’m in the car driving a LOT which obviously makes audio books a great part of the drive and “readable” while driving. I’m always disappointed when I find out that a certain book is not available as audio.
Here is my biggest beef with Christian authors, and PLEASE forgive me if this comes across critical. But…what’s missing is good writing. Solid prose, beautiful metaphors and tight editing. I know, I know, many Christian books are about doing the work of ministry, and all that – BUT I don’t think any book should read like an instruction manual…even instruction manuals.
So when I see a great preacher has written a book on a topic they have preached well, I tend to get excited. And most often, the book is okay at best. But it still has a chance because of a large platform.
my perspective as an author trying to shop her first book is that because of the economy many pub houses aren’t publishing at the same rate (or with the same priorities) they were 3 years ago. Among other things, they don’t want to take risks on new authors and/or don’t want to spend any money that might potentially be lost. I’m sure this isn’t true of every house, but it seems to be the consensus among my friends who are in the same boat as me and have received letter after letter of rejection.
it just seems to be really tough (more tough than normal) to get a book published right now unless you have other successful books under your belt or unless you are a “christian celebrity”.
I’ve been experiencing the same thing. I chose the route of self-publishing but of course that makes me into the “country cousin” or not taken seriously. It’s a very tough market out there.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Faith Foundation =-.
I skimmed through the last half of the comments, but I feel a lot of modern Christian authors write as if they underestimate my intelligence. That’s one of the many reasons I’ll read C.S. Lewis – because I simply feel mentally challenged and it’s thoroughly thought-provoking. I don’t want a book to have seem like they have all the answers and all I have to do is swallow what they said. I like to be able to chew on things and figure out how it’s going to impact my life. At the same time, I love when I feel like I could sit down with the author and have a real conversation. Again, not because he/she has all the answers, but just that the book is written in a way that I can relate. I feel like too many Christian books need more humility since none of us really can live this life perfectly, but we need to learn from each other.
I read about 70-100 books a year. Mostly CNF or fiction (Christian or Classics). First, what I want is something readable. I struggle if the writing is not similar to how normal people communicate.
In fiction I am looking for something I can escape into and get lost in the story. I want to be able to feel like I am there, so character development and plot are important. I won’t even pick up trendy fiction or romance, especially Christian romance. I enjoy historical stories that teach me about a time/place I couldn’t experience directly.
In CNF I am looking for something that is going to push me or cause me to think differently. I won’t touch the celebrity’s books (a couple exceptions), and I have learned that the leaders who are the stage speakers at big conferences are rarely good authors. I am drawn to realism. I like personal connection. For example I have read a lot in a couple specialized interest areas and I am tired of experts saying how others work through things but the authors have never experienced it themselves. I love books that teach me more about how to understand and relate to Scripture differently, but it had better be based on real truth. Twisting God’s word will completely turn me off. While I am not a fan of “how to” books especially about ministry trends, I do enjoy learning how to live out my life as a believer in real and meaningful ways that make an impact in the world around me.
I typically choose books because they somehow speak to something that connects with an aspect of my current life. They speak to a struggle I am working through, an area I am learning or need to, a subject area I am growing interested in, etc. I don’t usually listen to others recommendations because most people I hear from are swayed by best sellers lists, read a lot of theology (which is not a big interest), or are influenced by aspects of their life.
Mostly, I want timeless content. I want to read information that would apply in the past and will also apply in the future. I want a writer who speaks to all ages, genders, and ethnicities. I read because I want something that is going to move my heart or change my life. I read because I want something new and desire to learn, grow, and change.
Price is important to me because I am thrifty. Most of the books I buy are gently used or discounted. I rarely ever buy something just published. I do purchase a few audio books, and still have not made a decision about ebooks but I will start reading Mad Church Disease electronically this week as my first intro into that world.
.-= Sherie´s last blog ..The Joys and Struggles of Church Planting =-.
Bill: I want to read books about the topics that nobody wants to talk about. Relationships, communication between parents and kids on friends, influences, sex, and temptations; the things that plague us everyday that some bold person needs to put out there.
Pete: I’ve been delighted to see that so many books on “loving our neighbors” and “helping the poor” have finally started appearing in the last 5 to 10 years: to name a few, “Make Poverty Personal,” “The Hole in Our Gospel,” “Servolution,” “One Nation Underprivileged,” “Under the Overpass,” and “Zealous Love.” During the 8 years I was a Christian college librarian I NEVER saw a single Christian book on those topics. I hope there are many more.
Yvette: I like Christian mysteries and Christian humor. (One of my favorites is Phil Callaway’s “Laughing Matters”.) I also like books on different topics that tell what the Bible actually teaches on those subjects, (backed up with Scriptures),combined with practical suggestions. I get frustrated with books where the premise is based on something that is not Biblical, or where it is based on a scripture that has been taken out of context.
Yvonne: I like “Love Inspireds” and other inspirational books like Og Mandino’s.
This is a MUST see regarding publishing (and communication in general) that someone just posted today on FB. Has anyone mentioned or posted about this? I scanned the comments here but didn’t see but this is right up the alley here. Anne and everyone – you must see! Amazing, informative, creative, and will surprise you. Watch all the way through. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqO2fXukLJk
As a blogger who also happens to work in the Christian book biz, I think we’ve come full circle from where we were 3-5 years ago. Back then everyone was complaining that there was a glut of Christian titles releasing. Then came the U.S. recession and publishers cut back. Today, there seems to be dearth of new Christian titles.
Some creative types have gone to print-on-demand to get their books out there, but right now they’re languishing in databases waiting to be discovered. The only real exciting developments have emerged from the blogosphere with Jon Acuff and Pete Wilson and yourself being a few that quickly come to mind.
People are looking for substance. Life is complicated and if they’re going to spend the $19.64 average price you calculated and spend the time reading, they want fresh insights into classic truth presented in contemporary language by people of spiritual depth.
.-= Paul Wilkinson (Thinking Out Loud)´s last blog ..Links for St. Patrick’s Day and Other Things =-.