To choose your next book can be quite a scary thing to do at times. With all the genres, authors, and books available to read, it‘s also possible to be overwhelmed with the choices. But don’t worry—whether you’re a daily reader who reads a book every day or just someone who wants to find a new book to read, this guide will assist you in finding your ideal reading companion.
In this post, we will be talking about how to choose your next book based on your mood, reading preferences, and interests and giving helpful tips and recommendations to make the process easy for you. Let’s talk about how to choose your next book!
1. Know Your Reading Habits
Even before you grab a book, you need to know what you enjoy reading. Fiction or non-fiction? Do you like mystery, romance, self-help, or fantasy? Keeping your taste in mind will limit the enormous number of options before you.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Which would you like, fiction or non-fiction?
- What genres do you like best? (e.g., fantasy, science fiction, romance, self-help)
- Do you prefer reading long, detailed novels or smaller, quicker ones?
- Would you like to study a particular topic (e.g., history, psychology, personal development)?
For example, if you are feeling reflective and you want to learn more about people, a classic novel like To kill a mocking bird could be the best choice. If you want to learn something useful, a self-help book like Atomic Habits by James Clear could be the best choice.
2. Use Online Tools to Get Suggestions
The web is a treasure trove of tools to assist you in discovering your next novel. Platforms such as Goodreads, Amazon, and book recommendation websites can recommend books based on your reading history and interests.
Here‘s how you can make the most out of these tools:
Goodreads: This is an excellent social site for finding books. You can view ratings, reviews, and receive recommendations for books that you‘ve rated.
Amazon: Amazon recommends books to you based on the books you bought and enjoyed. There are best seller lists in different sections.
Book Blogs: Websites such as Book Riot and The Bookish Babe provide handpicked reading lists, book reviews, and themed suggestions.
For example, if you like reading books by authors with diverse backgrounds, Goodreads will help you find books in specific genres authored by writers from around the world.
3. Read Book Reviews for Insight
Once you have a shortlist of books, read reviews to learn more about the book. Book reviews inform you more than the back cover or book description.
This is the way reviews can guide your decision-making:
Genre Information: Sometimes reviews mention if the book is part of some genres, like historical fiction, or if it is full of action.
Themes and Writing Style: The reviews may also describe the themes of the book (e.g., romance, mental illness, adventure) and give you an idea of whether you will or will not like the writing style.
Reader Experience: Search for reviews that inform you how the book affected readers, whether it was emotionally, inspiring, or insightful.
You can use a website like Goodreads or YouTube (in case of video reviews) to have a full idea of the book before making a decision.
4. Consider Book Length and Time Commitment
Not all books are the same length when it comes to pages, and the time commitment varies. If you are someone who enjoys getting through a book quickly, you might not care to read 600-page books in favor of novellas, the shorter novels, or even a collection of short stories.
How to choose based on book size:
Short Reads: If you don’t have much time, read shorter books like Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis or George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Epic Novels: If you have the time to lose yourself in a book, longer books like Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace or George R. R. Martin’s The Winds of Winter may be the way to go.
Knowing how much time you really have to read will enable you to select a book that suits your lifestyle.
5. Mood Matters: Make Your Choice Based on How You Feel
What is your mood today? Are you in the mood for adventure, romance, or reflection? Mood dictates the book you would prefer to read next.
This is the way one chooses a book according to his mood:
Brave enough? Choose one like The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, which is full of adventure and fantasy.
Looking for a Comfort Read? Try a good feel-good novel like The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, which both offer warm and comforting stories.
Need some motivation? Select motivational books such as Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now or Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* to maintain your morale.
By considering how you feel, you‘ll select a book that meets your current emotional needs.
6. Search for Award Winners or Bestsellers
If you are still uncertain, consider reading lists of bestseller or award-winning books. Bestsellers or award-winning books are likely to be a good choice. They might not be precisely within your field of interest, but they are generally highly recommended and respected.
Examples of successful books:
Pulitzer Prize Winner: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Booker Prize Winner: The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Bestseller: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Bestsellers tend to provide a fulfilling, exciting reading experience that appeals to a large number of readers.
7. Ask Other Readers for Recommendations
No method of discovering good books is as effective as getting recommendations from other readers. If you have relatives or friends who read, go to them with a request.
Or, more directly, seek out online book forums and discussion lists (e.g., Reddit book subreddits or a local community book club). They may give personalized recommendations based on others whose tastes and preferences are aligned.
An excellent referral can be a gem that you would otherwise never have found!
8. Try a Genre You‘ve Never Tried Before
If you want to feel as though you’re reading something fresh, step out of your reading comfort zone and read a genre of book that you’ve never read before. Trying new genres of books can open your mind to new ways of thinking and storytelling.
Some examples of genres to try:
Science Fiction: If you have not already done so, books like Frank Herbert‘s Dune or Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness will be a new experience.
True Crime: If you haven‘t ventured into true crime, Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood or Ann Rule’s The Stranger Beside Me are good and chilling choices.
Historical Fiction: Books like Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale or Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief bring history alive in engaging stories.
Stepping out of your genre of comfort can really give your reading experience a pick-me-up and expand your book taste.
9. Explore Book Series for In-Depth Reading
If you enjoy becoming immersed in a world or following characters throughout many years, a series of books may be perfect. Instead of choosing one novel, choose a series that will have you captivated for several books. Some well-known series of books are:
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R. R.
Martin Book series enable you to invest in characters and plotlines for the long term, and that enhances your reading experience.
10. Don’t Forget to Trust Your Instincts
Finally, the greatest tip is to trust your instincts. There is no “right“ or “wrong“ to choose a book. If a book‘s cover, title, or summary resonates with you, use it! If it does not interest you, do not be afraid to set it aside. Reading should be a pleasure, not something to fear.
Conclusion: Choose your next book
It should not be daunting to choose your next book. By honoring your tastes, providing online resources, reading recommendations, and determining your mood, you will be able to find books that you will enjoy and connect with. Don‘t be reluctant to try something new, whether that is a new type of genre or a bestseller. The key is to have fun and keep finding new stories that move and engage you.
