Is your ‘to-be-read’ list looking a little sparse? Do you have a go-to genre? Are you a self-proclaimed bibliophobe? Give our brand new reader quiz a whirl and you might just find your next favorite local book.

You’re browsing the shelves at your favorite bookstore. What do you add to your cart?
A. A nice hardcover with a striking design.
B. A book on a topic | recognize or am familiar with.
C. Anything with an intriguing summary.
D. Whatever the staff suggests works for me!

Where is your ideal spot to read?
A. A table in my favorite coffee shop with my headphones on is heaven to me.
B. On the couch at night once I’m in my comfy clothes, especially if it’s a relaxing read.
C. At the library or with a book club, anywhere that connects me to the community.
D. I always have a book on me and Ill read wherever I get a spare minute. In a waiting room, while l eat, whenever — I always find the time.

What genres do you often find yourself bookmarking?
A. Thrillers and mysteries. Bring on the frights, I don’t scare easily.
B. Biographies and non-fiction. I love history.
C. I enjoy stories that inspire me.
D. I’m all across the board.

Which hypothetical book club would you most like to join?
A. A mystery-centric book club that tries to solve the ending before its reveal.
B. An author focused book club that explores the works of one prolific writer.
C. A historical-fiction book club that discusses the close relationship between fiction and reality.
D. A book club that changes genres each month and keeps things refreshing.

What’s a theme in a novel that always intrigues you?
A. A well-done twist.
B. A look at societal standards, class and equality.
C. Family, community and perseverance.
D. I enjoy and am moved by all kinds of themes.

Lastly, what’s your favorite color? Yes, this still counts.
A. Maroon.
B. Pale yellow.
C. Deep navy.
D. Green? Pink? I don’t know.

The Results

Mostly A’s – For Horror in the Heartland: “The Wicked Among Us” by James Owen “
Atop the Ozark Mountains and in the buckle of the Bible Belt, the murder of an eccentric lawyer reveals a tragic family drama and an examination of a community that would rather see some crimes left unsolved.” Written by Columbia author James Owen, this thriller is inspired by Oven’s experiences leaving his family farm to become a lawyer. The brand-new novel hits the shelves Jan. 20, but is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

Mostly B’s – For a New Perspective on a Classic: “Jane Austen: The Original Romance Novelist” by Janet Lewis Saidi
Take a trip back in time to the Regency-era life of Jane Austen, one of literature’s most beloved novelists, with this captivating exploration of her works and the timeless themes of romance, family and society.” The book is penned by Janet Lewis Saidi, a journalism professor at the University of Missouri and creator of The Austen Connection, a platform dedicated to connecting fans of Austen and sharing conversations about her work and impact, including a podcast. The novel was released Sept. 30 (Austen’s birthday), with a celebration at Skylark Bookshelf and is available in bookstores now.

Mostly C’s – For Perseverance of the Human Spirit: “Shelter Me” by Daren Dean
This is a story of the resilient spirit of the people of the Pelican State and how neighbors pull together to survive in the grips of a natural disaster that destroyed homes and property, tore many families apart while simultaneously binding others together.” This novel is written by Daren Dean, assistant professor of English and creative writing at Lincoln University of Missouri. This is his eighth published work after an assortment of short story anthologies, poetry and novels. “Shelter Me,” published Oct. 1, is available at asterismbooks.com and on Amazon.

Mostly D’s – For the reader who picks up anything: How about a subscription?
If you took our quiz and marked D for nearly every single question, congratulations on being the Type B voracious reader we all wish we could be. Maybe you pick up mysteries, historical fiction, romance, biographies and memoirs with equal preference. Then why not have someone else choose for you?

The Book Box at Yellow Dog Bookshop delivers a hand-selected, gently-used book to your doorstep every other month — with a little bit of extra love thrown in from local artists. For $20 per box, be surprised by a new read delivered right to you. To sign up, visit yellowdogbookshelf.com/book-box.

Alternatively, Skylark Bookshop also offers a subscription service, which can be purchased in three, six or 12-month increments. Pricing varies based on your preferences (paperback or hardcover, shipping address, number of months, etc.) Your book of the month is carefully selected by your “bibliotherapist” and can be returned if it is a title you’ve already read. If you want to get more adventurous with your reading or you’d like to experience literary Christmas on a month-to-month basis, a book subscription from a local shop is sure to satisfy the eager reader.

Give yourself (or a friend, family member or tolerable coworker) the gift of local lit this season.