Recently, while cleaning in the library, something jumped out at me from my hubby’s book collection, all stacked up nice and neat. Oh, I kid, we don’t have a library. This is the upstairs guest bath, which hubby has taken over and this is the cabinet with pretty glass doors that is perfect for containing said reading material.
The thing that was comical and struck my funny bone is the titles of HIS books, compared to mine. He is intellectual and reads a lot of deep books, many of them over my head or interest level. From stock trading to finance, to politics, to commentaries on Revelation (the man has a Masters of Divinity under his belt) and many in between, you will most likely never find me picking up one of the above books. You know, the older I get, the more I think that an intelligent man is a sexy man. I love my brainiac! 
Here’s my stack of books. I’ve never been accused of being intellectual OR particularly deep and you can see from my collection, I’m drawn to frivolous, pretty, and entertaining. I do, however, love my Bible and Bible studies, so I do dig down for that.
How about you? Are you and your hubby polar opposites or two peas in a pod?
They say opposites attract and that seems to be true in our case.
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
That cracks me up! My husband and I are completely opposite in interests but thankfully husband will go along with me to pursue all sorts of interests.
It is so funny how different we are. He grew up traveling in Europe but never “saw” anything until he begin to travel with me. And speaking of books, if it isn’t on a computer screen, husband won’t read it. He is action films and I’m Indies, historical films and romance.
I’m not sure if opposites attact but 30 years later, we are still going strong!!
We are definitely opposites – hubby loves the sci-fi and I’m right there with your husband with the “deep religious” stuff. I recently was given and read through a series of Christian fiction based on fact of all different women in the Bible…. really makes you think about their lives! But I also love delving into a good thought provoking book from some of those Christian intellectuals.
Thanks for sharing. I love looking at what other people read! Don’t you just love Mary Carol’s Nell Hill books? I wished I could visit her stores in Kansas.
My husband and I have some different interests, and some that overlap (like Harry Potter and Dick Francis mysteries!). But his books are either business-related, biographies or vampire books (a weird combo, and no, NOT the Twilight books, he tried the first one and tooo much teenage romance!).
My husband and I are totally opposites too when it comes to reading! He would never read one of my books and I would not read one of his! Love your books.
Blessings,
Donna
hubby and I are polar opposites as well. Our book shelves look about like yours. My hubby’s focus is on more intellectual readings,from politics, history, finance, etc, while mine are more focused on home and entertaining, cookbooks, etc. But like you, I love my bible and bible studies. Actually we both do and have LOTS of books to prove. Hubby is constantly teasing me about our upcoming move this year that he will need to rent a trailer just for the books. Seriously thinking we need a library in the next house.
Great post. Thanks for sharing it!
Hugs,
Cindy
rhoda, I am right there with you. I actually had my very intellectual son (English major at UCLA) say, “You are kind of one dimensional , Mom’” I told him, YES I am but I am darn good at my dimension,he he. Kathysue
I know exactly how you feel. My husband has book cases full of books that I’m not interested in. He especially likes historical fiction (which I hate). I typically stick to decorating books and cook books, not to mention the myriad of children’s books I read since I am an elementary teacher. I say, “to each his [or her] own”!
Same with us. I’m into “book candy” and he’s into history, politics, science and the like. Although he does dip into some fiction.
Going to scroll over and find your page on FB.
Have a great day and an equally wonderful week!
My husband and I are polar opposites when it comes to reading, too. He reads non-fiction and he reads a lot of historical stuff, and I’m not talking just about commentaries or books written in this century. In addition to contemporary stuff, he also reads original texts and works written in the 18th century or earlier. I read fiction and know more about pop culture than he does (he doesn’t watch tv, either). I tease him that together we make the perfect Jeopardy contestant.
My hubby and I are just like you. He has Biblical books
and WWII books on his side of the bed and bookcases.
I have decorating and mystery books with recipes, nothing
heavy. My hubby has Masters of Divinity degree too!
Have you discovered the Sisterchick books by Robin Gunn?
Had some given to me for Christmas from a Sisterchick and
have loved them, I think you would too.
I suppose I am sort of a mix, when it comes to reading. I love to read lots of different subjects. However, I do love my decor books, especially.
J is strictly outdoors, when choosing reading material and he loves to read anything to do with Missouri. Of course, The Duke, is a favorite, too.
He also enjoys the James Herriott books about the country Vet in Yorkshire. I love those books too, so we have that, in common, when it comes to literature.:-)
Hilarious! That’s what we call our guest bath also…and my husband loves to read in there – except it’s nothing deep and meaningful, it’s usually the sports page!
wow! did you just come to my house & take that picture? b/c thats exactly what our “library” looks like. LOL!! except I dont have that Nate Berkus book-I need that one!
YES! My husband and I are opposites in our reading preferences! I am the frivolous one. I like magazines like In Style, while my handsome and intelligent husband reads The Economist. I read fiction, he reads non-fiction. For example, I love the Sookie Stackhouse novels and my husband wouldn’t be caught dead reading one! This is really a funny post and it has been therapeutic for me!
Polar opposites, for sure. My husband is a brainiac too, and I just smile and nod a lot.
That is exactly what our bookshelves look like! I get the “readers digest” version from him on all the books he finishes and he gets a lovely home to live in from me. I think it is a perfect balance.
We are opposites. My husband is very intellecual. He has 4 college degrees and studies his bible like he’s in seminary (he’s not in seminary but healthcare). He loves to learn and has lengthy discussions on world events, politics, etc…
Me, I have cookbooks, decorating books, entertaining books, and magazines (Southern Living, Traditional Home, etc). I read my bible and books like Beth Moore. I’m constantly decorating (even if it’s in my head) or reading about new products (hair/makeup). I’m a 100% housewife and love taking care of my home and family. My role model is June Cleaver.
My husband is constantly reading regulatory rules, upcoming laws, historical events, etc. I’m blessed to have him because he is a wealth of information and I can go to him all the time. However, sometimes I have to say, “I’ve got a question and I’m looking for a Sesame Street not a Discovery Channel response.” He just laughs and knows that I’m looking for a yes or no.
I laughed out loud. I think you and your husband have been raiding our “library”.
I can completely relate to having a brainiac in my life and have always concluded that geek is chic! We have fun trying to find the commonalities in our differences. http://www.containchaos.com/?p=122
This is such a funny post. I love that you described the bathroom as “the library.”
I completely agree with you that a smart man is a sexy man. Yes, ma’am. Love my brainy guy, too.
We’re definitely opposites, mine are all knitting books and light ‘girly’ fiction and his….. well certainly more in keeping with your hubby’s list than mine (or yours)
So true, so very very true! My hubs works a lot (!), so when he’s home, he mostly just watches Fox News or The History Channel. When he does pick up a book, it’s usually something like Glenn Beck or Mark Levine. I like those guys too, but I prefer escapism these days.
I’ve been reading a lot of my new magazine subscriptions (SL, Martha Stewart Living, etc.) and some fiction here and there. I call it my taste in “Fluffy Books.”
LOVE me some Mary Kay Andrews!!!! She is hilarious, and I love how she includes so many neat details about houses/decor in her books.
My hubby and I have similar interest, but mine are more varied. I love to read religious books and John MacArthur is one of my favorites too! We have book shelves in just about every room exept the bathroom! I tend to collect books on whatever topic I have an interest in. Health, diet and nutrition- over 100 books; photography; home and garden, crafts and scrapbooking, mariage and family.
I think women need frivolous reads to give our brains a rest! My hubby reads his collection of Bibles or anything regarding to his job! I on the other hand need a funny uplifting or inspiring book to take my mind off of all the things going on in my world!
THat is so funny! I love romance and design, while the hubby reads @ polictics
Thank you so much for stopping by by blog, it means a lot coming from you! I’ve eyed your projects over the years and always loved how everything turns out! Thanks again, have a great day!
Kristin
Ohh, when it comes to reading, my husband and I are definitely different or have very different tastes. I am much more apt to pick up a book where as he will do a lot of reading and reseach online. Funny how different people are.
Trine
In some ways I married someone very similar. We both have the same degree from the same university.
We both are shy, but I talk a lot, while he tends to be quiet.
We both like to write, and create. We are politically on the same wavelength. Your hubby would hate us.
We are both the oldest child. Our IQs are five points apart. His is higher. He knows more about history, which pleases my history teaching father. I know more about the social sciences.
There are some differences:
He was a singer/guitar player in bands, while I can’t carry a tune. He can draw very well. I wish I could. He loves to golf. I have never even attempted the game. He likes TV and movies with typical boyish themes. I do not enjoy adventure, space, or robots. He is much more laid back. I am a very anxious, hyper person. He loves mid century modern decor. I like traditional with a touch of country. Speaking of country, he can not stomach country music, while that is what is on my car radio.
Sorry for rambling, but I like the subject. I also likee reading about couples. I find it fascinating how we pair.
Pretty funny, Rhoda! On our bookcases, “his” books range from American history and politics (both historical and current) to the history of Native Americans, money and economics. He prefers his fiction to be historical as well with the occasional crime novel thrown in to shake things up. “My” books are classics like “East of Eden” and “The Good Earth” plus a whole bunch of chick lit and everything by Elizabeth Berg. I have a shelf full of children’s and young adult classics like “The Wind in the Willows” and “The Call of the Wild” because I’m so drawn to them—especially vintage volumes. I even have several Sabuda pop-up books! Plus, of course, more art, design and decoration books than one person can possibly need. I love it that my husband’s reading is “manly” and mine is “girly”… even though I might not get high marks for intellectual content!
Same here. Exact opposites. His books are politics, boats and armagedden subjects. Mine are mysteries, poetry, decorating, modern fiction.
We, too, are opposites.
I devour everything in sight.
He hates to crack anything with a cover.
He’s STILL smarter than me.
End of story
My hubby wont pick up a book if it hit him across the head and fell on the floor lol. He hates to read which is sad, I have stacks of books everywhere! Mostly political,fashion and self healing books.
We are definitely opposites here as far as reading material. He the more serious stuff and me the fun, light topics. But we’ve been married since 75, so guess opposites do attract.
Have a great day….Sarah
This cracked me up. We are also almost complete opposites. I like the decorating and fashion and bestsellers for my reading. Bruce is into the fitness, nutrition, finance, some history and biography and guns. He will also read some fiction but is real picky about what he reads and usually only reads that when we are on vacation. I have no problem with our differences until he starts wanting me to read his stuff, which is about as interesting to me as mine is to him. I would like to read that Nate Burkus book you have next time you’re over here.
Yes, I tend to like your books better. In fact, I see a few I own, too.
We are complete opposites in pretty much everything! It definitely works for us!!
Well Rhoda, I don’t have a hubby, but I do have a boyfriend and I think that neither of us is particularly deep with our reading material.
BF ( I will not give out his name to protect him from shame) only reads the newspaper, usually in the john. He has bought a book or two, about the NFL and The Steelers. Such books are filled with pictures and whatever words they happen to have are just for looks. They’re kept as part of an ever-growing Steelers Fan collection.
My books are about photography (the career that I’m studying), crafts, books about the life of women in Muslim countries, my book of Robert Frost poetry, my Bible and, of course, my magazines. I love Victoria, Country Living and Women’s Day.
Nope, neither of us is exactly an intellectual…lol
There is a pretty obvious divide between my husband and I’s books. His is mostly philisophical, bordering new age-y and mine are all books on ecology, memoirs from conservationists and herpetologists with an occasional fashion book or management strategies thrown in there.
Your husband and my husband would definitely get along. As soon as I saw all the John MacArthur books, I knew it! That, and the book titled “Liberalism is a Mental Disorder”!!!
I let my husband give me the gist of what he’s read, but mostly, I read Francine Rivers.
I love a Beth Moore Bible study and do Precept Upon Precept studies every year, but I’ve got to have mind-numbing entertainment that isn’t tv! 
If your husband is looking for another good read, “Prodigal God” is supposed to be Ah-Mazing!!
Opposites; isn’t that how it always is? Would love to look at a couple of your books though. Too bad we live so far apart.
Heidi
Hubby and I are definitely polar opposites BUT we have the same goals in life. It works!
We are in the middle of our big attic cleanout and I was so excited so find some of my classics. We have 4 bookcases in our house that only have books on them. Hubby loves science fiction, John Grisham, James Patterson, anything on woodworking, anything on computers, gun trader guides etc.. All of his psychology books are at his office. I read it all – classics, southern fiction from Flannery O’Conner to Mary Kay Andrews, biographys, humor books (Celia Rivenbark is a fav.), dog training and psycholgy, home, garden, decorating, sewing, home improvement, little gift type books, books on meditation, Beth Moore, and the list goes on. BTW, my name is Beth and I am a book addict.
I look for books at every thrift store, goodwill, library sale to buy. I will get a book from the library first and decide if that book goes on my list to find on the cheap or with a really good coupon. Then it goes on my shelf and heaven help the poor person who tries to spearate my and my books!
Oh and the magazines! But that is another story!
How funny, our book collection looks just like ya’lls! My husband has very similar intellectual/finance books and I am obsessed with decorating books and anything girlie. I often marvel at the comparison. Btw, I have the Nell Hill “Feather Your Nest” book – dontcha just love the title of that?
What a timely post. My two daughters just switched rooms, and oldest daughter had built-in book shelves with over 400 books to move to a room with no shelving yet (February project). It was fun to look at her books and remember the stages of her growing up by the book titles. She is now 20 and away at college, but her shelf full of yellow Nancy Drew bookspines just made me so nostalgic.
I noticed your Mary Carol Garrity books. I have those titles too and am fortunate enough to live an hour away from her absolutely fabulous shop. You have got to come and see it for yourself!
Too funny! We not only don’t read the same things, we don’t even like the same television! He could watch sports, the news or the History Channel 24-7. Give me HGTV, Lifetime
(Wifetime as he calls it) or a good ol’ movie anyday! Not to mention a fab episode of TLC’s What Not to Wear – LOVE that! But, we’re 22 years and counting, so I guess it works!!
Love this post, Rhoda. Very interesting to see the differences in our spouses’ reading material. My husband reads a broad range of books — mostly fiction. I tend to read a wide variety but have everything from decorating and decor books, a huge cookbook collection that I can sit down and read like a novel, a lot of novels, biographies, Christian fiction and Bible studies too. And unfortunately, I have a problem getting rid of books that I really don’t need any longer. My bookshelves are in disarray and I desparately need to attack them with a vengeance. The goods is that hubby is in the planning and prep stages of building a new study/library so we will have lots more built in bookcases for storage of these books I can’t give up. Well, maybe not all of them. But most!