Why We Read

Book description

*NATIONAL BESTSELLER*
*A WGN Radio Best Book of 2024*
*A Good Housekeeping Reads pick*

A hilarious and incisive exploration of the joys of reading from a "beloved and wonderful writer" (George Saunders), teacher, bibliophile, and Thurber Prize Semifinalist

We read to escape, to learn, to find love, to feel seen.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Why We Read as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love, love, love reading, and this book was like having a cup of tea with someone else who loves reading as much as I do, and knows so many of the same books and authors. It was a warm fuzzy hug.

If you love Why We Read...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like Why We Read?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 7 books like Why We Read.

Browse books like Why We Read

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,367

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Why We Read, you might also like...

Book cover of Selkie Moon

Selkie Moon by Kelly Jarvis,

We are all surrounded by darkness. And we are all drawn to the light.

The Orkney Islands north of Scotland are steeped in stories of selkies, seal folk who swim in cold ocean waters and shed their skins to sing and dance on land.

One young girl named Isla uses…

Book cover of The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction

The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction by Anne Janzer,

So many books, so little time! If you're a nonfiction fan, this field guide may help you make better choices about what to read.

Just like a field guide helps you identify plants or birds, this book helps you navigate the rich world of nonfiction. You’ll uncover how your favorite…