How to Choose Your Next Book
Find your next favorite read with these top resources for discovering books that match your tastes.
Choosing your next book can be fun – but also a little daunting with so many options and recommendations available.
This guide highlights some of the best resources to help you discover books that match your interests, no matter your genre of preference.
First: Click here to check out lists on Learning From Literature!
Goodreads
Goodreads is the most popular site for book lovers, allowing users to discover, rate, and review books. It provides personalized recommendations, lets users create “to-read” lists, and connect with friends to see what they’re reading.
Tips
- Blurbs: Read the spoiler-free blurbs on books to see if it interests you
- Explore lists: Goodreads offers lists on every topic, from “Books that should be turned into a movie” to “Time travel novels”
- Follow friends: See what your friends have read and ask them their thoughts!
- Use the “Want to Read” feature: Save books that interest you to come back later
ChatGPT
Artificial intelligence can be incredibly helpful for finding tailored book recommendations. Whether you’re looking for books similar to a specific author, genre, or even a certain mood, ChatGPT can quickly generate lists and even give summaries or insights. Plus, you can get unique recommendations based on more nuanced requests.
Tips
- Be specific: Mention the books you love, the mood you’re after, or a particular genre. I have literally typed “I like Book A, Book B, and Book C, give me similar books you think I’d like”
- Ask for summaries or comparisons: Ask for summaries or comparisons to help narrow down your choices
It may seem obvious, but a simple search for “top books of 2023” or “list of the best [favorite genre] books” can quickly bring up curated lists. It will include the most up-to-date information, for example, on recent award winners.
Tips
- Be specific with search terms: For example, try “romantasy with female leads” or “non-fiction books on mental health”
- Search by genre: I always include the word “list” to browse genres
Book Bloggers and Reviewers
Bloggers are an invaluable resource when you’re looking for authentic, thoughtful recommendations. Personally, I use bloggers for research on a lot, from travel to books. Some bloggers provide in-depth reviews and analysis to help you make a more informed decision.
Tips
- Use Google or social media: A search for “book bloggers” or “book recommendations blog” can bring up countless websites
- Some Options to Start: Booklist Queen, That Artsy Reader Girl, What’s Hot Blog, and more
Social Media Communities
Social media is a thriving space for book lovers. Hashtags like #Bookstagram, #BookTok, and #AmReading are popular and bloggers often use social media to drive traffic to their websites.
Tips
- TikTok: TikTok has a massive community around books, especially under #BookTok
- Instagram: Search hashtags like #Bookstagram, #CurrentlyReading, or genre-specific like #RomanceBooks
Book Awards Lists
Book award lists offer a great way to discover acclaimed books across genres, showcasing both bestsellers and hidden gems. Each genre has its own award, like the Hugo and Nebula for science fiction and fantasy.
Major Awards to Explore:
- Goodreads Choice Awards – Voted on by an enormous amount of readers, these awards span multiple categories
- Pulitzer Prize – American literature, journalism, and drama
- Hugo & Nebula Awards – Science fiction and fantasy
