I have loved reading and lists for as long as I can remember. Yes, lists. There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-curated collection of information, especially when it tells a story or sparks curiosity.
My fascination with lists began in childhood, devouring the “Guinness Book of World Records” and flipping through Entertainment Weekly end of year lists. Who didn’t want to know the world’s tallest building, fastest sprinter, or most bizarre record? End-of-year “best-of” lists quickly became my favorite—music, movies, books, you name it.
Then came the internet, with it, an endless supply of lists on every conceivable topic. Today, I can lose hours reading gems like “10 Unsolved Mysteries from the Cold War,” “Weird But Normalized Things Happening in 2024,” or the quintessential “100 Books to Read Before You Die.”
Reading and lists go hand in hand. Lists offer structure, variety, and a sense of achievement—perfect companions to the endless possibilities of reading.
This year, I came across a book that brilliantly combines these two passions: *Twenty-One Truths About Love* by Matthew Dicks. The entire novel is written in lists. At first, I wasn’t sure how it could possibly work—but it does. The lists reveal a heartwarming and funny story, layer by layer, and I loved it. 
I also love poring over book lists to find hidden gems. There’s nothing like the thrill of discovering a title that speaks to me, adding it to my ever-growing “to-read” list, and eventually diving in. Of course, this creates a never-ending cycle: reading lists, making lists of books to read, finding more lists, and starting all over again.
Over the years, I’ve created hundreds of lists myself. Some are practical, like to-do lists or reading trackers. Others are more creative: dream travel destinations, favorite quotes, or quirky facts I want to remember. Each list, like each book, feels like a small adventure waiting to be explored.
Lists are my way of organizing a chaotic world and celebrating the beauty of discovery. Whether it’s a top 10, a bucket list, or a collection of random musings, every list holds the potential for a great story.
How about you? Do you have a favorite kind of list—or a favorite book about lists?