Last year Publishers Weekly (the trade magazine of the publishing industry) published the results of a survey which asked readers what factors motivated them to buy a book. They could select any number of options. Here are the top eight answers:

1. Friend’s recommendation - 49%
2. Familiarity with author - 45%
3. Description on jacket - 32%
4. Reviews - 22%
5. Advertisement - 21%
6. Place on bestsellers list - 17%
7. Reading group pick - 16%
8. Cover design - 12%

This got me thinking about how I buy books. Like the people polled, I primarily rely on recommendations from friends, followed by familiarity with the author. I rarely get a chance to browse new books on the shelf, and generally disregard advertising. I place high value on bestseller lists because I’m keenly interested in the zeitgeist (read: pop culture).

Despite my affinity for all things popular, the best books are the ones not very many people know about. The more obscure a treasured book, the greater sense of ownership. Through New Eyes (forthcoming from Athanasius Press in a brand new edition) and Angels in the Architecture are a few of my favorites. Discoveries like these are few and far between, but whenever they turn up, I’ll be sure to share!