It’s long been argued that being well read makes a person more attractive, but premium dating site EliteSingles put this to the test – and have gone one further, finding the ten books that are the most attractive to have on your bookshelf!
The survey sourced from anonymous user data from over 800 singles has revealed that 84% of singles believe that having a wide selection of books in your back catalog makes you more attractive, and an enormous 87% of women prefer a partner who is well-read. 80% of men agree, with only a miniscule 1% of respondents stating they wouldn’t want to date somebody who read!
We asked our singles to rank some of the world’s most famous literature in order of which they would most like to see on a date’s bookshelf. The following ten books have been voted by over 800 participants as the most attractive literature a person can read. If these titles aren’t on your shelf yet, you’d better get down to the library!
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell
- The Lord of the Rings (series) by J. R. R. Tolkien
- The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
- The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (series) by Douglas Adams
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones series) by George R. R. Martin
Social commentary comes out on top
Harper Lee’s cherished story of a lost innocence and racial prejudice has long been at the top of ‘read before you die’ lists, and it seems that the book is more lauded today than ever, with almost 40% of singles selecting it in their top five most attractive books.
These results seem to show that in this day and age, America’s singles prefer their partners to have a strong moral compass and a social conscience. Sales of George Orwell’s 1984 have shot up in recent months, and it’s interesting to see this reflected in people’s dating desires, too.
Singles love to see some sci fi and fantasy on their date’s bookshelf
Of course, not everyone embraces searing social commentary and indeed, the need to escape current events may be why fantasy and science fiction fared exceptionally well, with The Lord of the Rings, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, A Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter series all making it into the top ten. Women especially expressed a desire to see fantasy on their date’s night stand, with 27% of female participants listing The Lord of the Rings in their top five books.
Similarly, for girls into their science fiction, it’s equally good news: 1 in 4 men listed The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as one of the most attractive books their date could have read.
Close, but no cigar
Other books that fared well in the survey include Moby Dick by Herman Melville, On The Road by Jack Kerouac, and Maya Angelou’s semi-autobiographical I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.
So, what can we take away?
According to EliteSingles Psychologist Salama Marine, there are a variety of reasons why these books have come to the fore, chiefly, ‘’people look for those who have interesting hobbies – and reading is one of them. Why? Because a great book leads to great discussions.’’ She adds ‘’also, your taste in books can highlight aspects of your personality – are you curious, romantic, dreamy? By sharing your tastes you can show and share your inner world.’’
Salama also noted that, ‘’reading is an easy passion to share with your partner’’, which makes it the kind of common ground that cements a great relationship!
In conclusion, if you want to get in someone’s good books, pick up a great book. Why? Because reading is – officially – sexy.
About the author: The EliteSingles Press Team