Goodreads opened up its annual reader poll for Best Books of 2013. I discovered in going through the poll that I had not read a single title on the list! Kind of makes me wonder if I am reading the ‘wrong’ books. At very least, I am not reading the books that are currently popular.

I can think of several reasons for this:

1. I read a number of books that would fall under the category of “religious” which was not included in the poll. That is pretty central to my identity and work, so I will probably go on reading a number of those books, and I find there are those in this “niche” who seem to appreciate what I have to say about these books.

2. I tend to pick up lots of my books at second hand stores and so am reading things that have been out for a while, usually longer than a year.

3. It also tends to take me a while to work through the stack of books unless something is of such current interest and importance to me that I make it a priority to read.

4. I do read some books in the categories that are polled, but usually those that have stood the test of a few years and have been recognized as significant books–“so many books, so little time” is a mantra for me.

Still, it was valuable to go through the lists and in some categories I cast votes for the books I would like to read, for example I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. I also voted for a book by John Scalzi in science fiction since my son has recommended him. I do want to pick up some of his stuff.

What is your experience when it comes to reader polls like this or other best-seller lists? Do you find yourself reading what lots of others read, or do you tend to choose “the road not taken” by others?