looking for specific type of book (strange request)

declanh · Post by **declanh** » 16 Aug 2009, 01:25

I am someone that likes to just simply observe other people to learn about them (yes to some people that may be weird), so what I want is a book that will tell me things I can look for in people, such as how a ballerina stands, how an anxious person acts, what a surgeons hands look like, and etc.

I apologize but I don't know how to explain my request properly, if you are willing to look for such a book for me or if you know how to find such a book please let me know. Thank you.

(If this is in the wrong forum I apologize, this is my first time on this website)

The Mythwriter · Post by **The Mythwriter** » 16 Aug 2009, 11:24

Huh... that's definitely a unique request, but if I understand you correctly, you're looking for a book that describes physical characteristics distinct to members of a profession that results from their work. Kind of like how in the Sherlock Holmes stories, they always say, "This person has this deformity, they must therefore work as a ----"

As for a book outlining such things... hmm I would suggest that maybe a medical section of a bookstore would contain an overview of the kind you're looking for, maybe in anthropology. OR maybe in criminal detection or the like, now that I think on it.

Sorry this is so general, I'll do a bit of digging in a few categories and let you know if I find anything more specific.

declanh · Post by **declanh** » 16 Aug 2009, 13:17

thank you for the help

rooserfeather · Post by **rooserfeather** » 17 Aug 2009, 05:22

If you go to a book shop and ask for books about body language you will find some thing that suits your need. I know of a specific book, just can't recall the title or author. Sorry.

Bowlie · Post by **Bowlie** » 17 Aug 2009, 23:20

Try Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. I found it very interesting even though the information was pretty basic. I'm eventually going to get to the other books he wrote. Hope that helps!

mmyea · Post by **mmyea** » 16 Sep 2009, 22:03

If you are looking for fiction with excellent description, detective novels usually have a fair amount of observation in them. Megan Abbott in particular (she does noir) has amazing descriptions in her novels. Also books that have a lot of sexual tension and attraction tend to focus on minute details of the subject being pursued. If you are into that I would recommend D.H. Lawrence-- his books are more classic than the average romance novel of today that's purely for kicks. They have a bit more depth.

However, if you are looking for something more didactic so you can learn to make those observations, I would not be the one to help there! Sorry!

selfer · Post by **selfer** » 17 Sep 2009, 18:38

You should check out "Reading People" by By Jo-Ellan Dimitrius and Mark Mazzarella. If you google it, you can read a lot of it on Google Books. It goes deep into what certain things might mean: i.e. a person's complexion, what it might mean if they're wearing a headband, how to read their posture, their eyes, their breath, etc. It's pretty fascinating.