There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read. (Novels, for example.)
But then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How-to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that.
What niche books do YOU read?
Well, first there is my academic niche. I feel at times that I have read practically everything history on the second half of fifteenth century England, at least up until Richard III’s death. I once heard my supervisor recommending books to someone else about this and I’d read all of them. I mean, I guess and hope that will be my job eventually, but it is still a little overwhelming! I’m sure there are plenty of books and articles out there that I haven’t considered, but they’re more likely to be pop history or too old to have much relevance (i.e., the historians who made stuff up, and my supervisor is currently investigating one of these guys for me right now).
The only niche books that I read for fun are probably crochet books. I’ve gone a little off crocheting, probably because all of a sudden everyone wanted me to crochet something for them and I rebelled, so I haven’t read anything lately. I also really enjoy cookbooks, especially cupcake cookbooks. I adore cupcakes. I think they’re the perfect dessert, little bite-size portions of delicious cake and frosting, no worries about cutting slices or anything. I have a fantastic cookbook that uses cake mix with some additions to make really cool designer cupcakes. I brought some to a friend’s party once and at least three people asked me how they were made. My kids are going to have the best cupcakes to bring to school, I’m telling you.
What’s your niche?
I’d have you make me cupcakes for my birthday if we lived closer together.
I racked my brain trying to think of my niche, but I honestly can’t think of one.
Literary Feline’s last blog post..A Week of Bookish Meme on Thursdays
Its hard to be good at things sometimes – everyone wants a piece of your talent. I can’t complain, I’m not that skilled in any of my hobbies!
Shari’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday – Niche
I adore cupcakes too, al though I don’t like cooking in general I’m not very averse to baking.
My loves crochet books. And I am useless in that department!
Booking through niche
gautami tripathy’s last blog post..Booking through niche
I don’t crochet, but I knit! I have a few knitting books, most of them about lace knitting.
My niche is mostly art and photography books, I have plenty of those!
Kay’s last blog post..Booking through Thursday – Niche
MMMM, cupake cookbooks! Sounds like heaven to me. Here are mine: (1) and (2)
Jacqueline C.’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday: Niche Books
I’m so enjoying looking at all the responses to this question.
Though I have to admit that I’m craving cupcakes right now…
I’ve always been terrible at crocheting- or knitting, or cross stitch, or anything related! I tried to learn some of those crafts when I was young, and it always ended up in knots. My sister makes the most beautiful things, though.
Jeane’s last blog post..Meme: Niche Reading
I don’t think I have a niche! That actually sounds kind of sad. I mostly read fiction, fantasy and YA. But I just don’t do self-help type books at all. I don’t crochet or knit, though I would love to learn. My grandmother was the greatest quilter, and I’m still kicking myself for having her teach me while she was alive.
I have a lot of cookbooks, but I don’t really call that niche reading. Oh..I love cupcakes. I didn’t know you could get just a cupcake cookbook! How cool is that?
Stephanie’s last blog post..Another Canadian Family Saga
That is awesome that you can crochet, it’s like a dying breed. Unfortunately I was the one in First Grade knitting a single long string while everyone else was knitting glorious scarves. The teacher finally gave up and allowed me to read to the class while THEY knitted!! How fitting is that?! LOL.. And my nana crocheted lots of blankets and her daughters all got the hand of it too.. alas! I wish I can continue the tradition, but it stops there.
As for my niche that you commented on; I will have to check my library and see what if anything they have reference wise. That’s a good idea! My library is pretty lame but maybe if I try a little harder something will pop up.
THX for the suggestion!
Marie Burton’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday – My Niche
I have the sudden craving for cupcakes now! I don’t read much about cupcakes or crocheting, but I have to give you credit for both! Baking and crocheting sound like fun hobbies!
Ashley’s last blog post..Pearl in the Mist – VC Andrews
Now I want cupcakes!
carol’s last blog post..Giveaway: I Hate People! by Marc Hershon and Jonathan Littman
Japanese history and culture. Oh and mythology–I’m craving books on myths from around the world.
Travel books too–I’m love reading up on different places around the world. I always wanted to be a world traveller, and reading travel books is the closest I get to actually being there.
I’ve always wanted to pick up calligraphy as a hobby too
I can crochet, but only two types of stitches. I only know how to make afghans and blankets
I’ve tried to learn other stitches from books and DVDs but after countless attempts and failures of picking up the stitch, I gave up 
I think I’m a hands-on learner: I need someone to physically be there to teach me and correct me. That’s probably why I picked up the other stitches, however basic they are–we had crochet parties in college and there were people right there to help me.
Speaking of crocheting I should probably finish the one afghan I’ve been working on for about three years
It was supposed to be done as a wedding present for my hubby, but it’s been nearly two years since we’ve been married and it’s no where near finished 
Dara’s last blog post..Avid Readers
Mmm, cupcakes! I know how to crochet, too, although I don’t get the urge to do it very often. I have about three scarves I’ve been working on for years and years.
It is a good thing that you’ve read all the books in your field. ^_^ I did my MA thesis on De Chirico and I have to admit I didn’t read every book on him. Mainly because I don’t know Italian, but still. =/
heidenkind’s last blog post..Five people bought it at the university bookstore…
Oh I love cupcakes! I just made some this afternoon.
Chris@bookarama’s last blog post..BTT: Don’t Fence Me In
Oooh, cupcakes! Designer cupcakes! Now, I’m hungry.
I’m a disaster when it comes to crocheting or anything similar.
uncertainprinciples’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday – Niche
My niche is Victorian history books, specifically Victorian crime. I have a book about women shoplifters in 19th-Century New York. Can I get more niche than that?
your cupcake niche is probably more useful.
grace’s last blog post..Buskin’ Donuts
I would have to say that my niche is plague books. Whether they are historical fiction, science, or history books, reading about the plague is my biggest interest.
Zibilee’s last blog post..Palace Circle by Rebecca Dean – 432 pgs