How To Find What to Read Next: Resources for Book Readers

Finding your next great read can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially with so many recommendations out there. To help narrow it down, here’s a guide to some of the best resources for discovering books that align with your tastes, no matter what genre is your favorite!

Visit the sites by clicking on their names!

Enjoy!

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 for Goodreads

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 for ChatGPT

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

Google

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 for Google

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 for Book Bloggers

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

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 for Social Media

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, with classics such as Dune and The Left Hand of Darkness.

Major Awards to Explore:

Goodreads Choice Awards – Voted on by an enormous readers, this award spans popular categories
Pulitzer Prize – American literature, journalism, and drama
Hugo & Nebula Awards – Science fiction and fantasy

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