If you’re struggling with finding great reads, don’t worry! Reading is an excellent way to learn, relax, and explore new worlds, but with so many books available, it can be challenging to find the perfect one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 19 expert tips to help you in your quest for your next favorite book. Whether you prefer physical books, audiobooks, or ebooks, these tips will guide you to discovering your next great read.

1. Start with What You Know

Starting with what you know is one of the easiest ways to find great reads. If you have a favorite author, start by checking out their other works. For example, if you love J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, you might enjoy her adult fiction novels like “The Casual Vacancy” or “Lethal White.”

You can also look for books that are similar to ones you have already enjoyed. For example, if you loved “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, you might also enjoy “Divergent” by Veronica Roth or “Legend” by Marie Lu. Goodreads is an excellent resource for finding books similar to ones you have enjoyed.

2. Check Best-Seller Lists

Best-seller lists are a great resource for finding popular and highly recommended books. They are a reflection of what other readers are currently enjoying. You can find best-seller lists in newspapers, online bookstores, and on book review websites.

However, keep in mind that just because a book is popular does not mean it is necessarily a great read. Best-seller lists tend to feature books that are easy to read and appeal to a broad audience. If you are looking for something more specific or challenging, you may need to look beyond the best-seller lists.

3. Ask for Recommendations

Sometimes the best way to find great reads is to ask for recommendations. Ask your friends and family what they are reading or have read recently. Joining a book club or following book bloggers on social media is another great way to get recommendations.

When asking for recommendations, be sure to provide some context about what you are looking for. For example, if you are in the mood for a light, feel-good read, let your friends know. If you are looking for a challenging read, ask for recommendations from people who enjoy more complex books.

4. Utilize Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for finding great reads. Follow your favorite authors and publishers on social media, join book-related groups, and participate in online book discussions. You never know what new book recommendations you might come across.

For example, Instagram is a great platform for finding bookstagrammers who post book reviews and recommendations. Booktube is another great resource for book-related content, with many creators dedicated to sharing their thoughts on their favorite reads.

5. Browse Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores and libraries are great places to browse for new books. You can explore different genres and read book jackets to get an idea of what a book is about. You can also ask librarians or booksellers for recommendations.

For example, if you are interested in historical fiction, you can browse the historical fiction section of a bookstore or library. You might find a book that catches your eye that you would have never discovered otherwise.

6. Read Book Reviews

Reading book reviews can give you insight into what other readers thought of a book. You can find book reviews on websites like Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Just be careful not to let reviews sway your opinion too much – everyone has different tastes in books.

When reading book reviews, pay attention to the themes and elements that are mentioned. If multiple reviews mention that a book has great character development, that might be a sign that it is worth checking out.

7. Explore Genres

Exploring new genres can open up a whole new world of great reads. If you typically read romance novels, try reading a mystery or science fiction book. You might discover a new favorite genre.

For example, if you enjoy mystery novels, you might try reading a psychological thriller like “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn or a police procedural like “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris. Or if you typically read young adult fiction, you might try reading a new adult novel like “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne or a contemporary romance like “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang.

8. Consider Award Winners

Award-winning books are often highly recommended and can be great reads. You can find award winners on websites like the Pulitzer Prize website or the National Book Awards website.

For example, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction has been awarded to many great books over the years, including “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt, “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, and “The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Or the Man Booker Prize, which has been awarded to books like “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders and “The Testaments” by Margaret Atwood.

9. Utilize Apps and Websites

There are many apps and websites that can help you find great reads. Goodreads is a popular app that allows you to track the books you have read, get recommendations, and connect with other readers. Websites like BookBub and Book Riot provide book recommendations and reviews.

For example, BookBub sends you daily emails with book deals and recommendations based on your preferences. Book Riot is a website dedicated to book-related content, with articles on everything from book recommendations to reading challenges.

10. Consider Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy a book while on the go. You can listen to audiobooks while driving, working out, or doing chores around the house. Audible and Libby are popular audiobook apps.

For example, if you have a long commute to work, you might try listening to an audiobook instead of music. Or if you are going for a run, you might listen to an audiobook to make the time pass more quickly.

11. Read Excerpts

Reading an excerpt can give you a taste of a book before you commit to reading the whole thing. You can find excerpts on book retailer websites or on the publisher’s website.

For example, if you are interested in a new book but are not sure if it is worth buying, you can read a sample chapter online to see if you enjoy the writing style and story.

12. Join Online Reading Communities

Online reading communities are a great way to connect with other readers and discover new books. Goodreads, Reddit, and Facebook all have book-related groups where you can discuss books and get recommendations.

For example, if you are a fan of a particular author, you might join a fan group to discuss their books with other fans. Or if you are looking for recommendations in a specific genre, you can join a group dedicated to that genre.

13. Check Out Book Festivals and Events

Book festivals and events are a great way to meet authors and discover new books. Many book festivals have author readings and book signings, and some even have book sales.

For example, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is an annual event that brings together authors, publishers, and readers for two days of book-related activities. Or BookCon is a fan convention that celebrates all things book-related, with author panels, book signings, and more.

14. Follow Book Critics and Reviewers

Following book critics and reviewers can give you insight into what books are worth reading. You can find book critics and reviewers on social media, on book review websites, or in newspapers.

For example, The New York Times Book Review is a well-respected source for book reviews and literary news. Book reviewers like Roxane Gay and Ron Charles are also highly respected in the book community and offer great insights on what books to read.

15. Try Something New

Sometimes the best way to find great reads is to try something completely new. If you typically read fiction, try reading non-fiction. If you typically read adult fiction, try reading young adult fiction. You never know what new genre or type of book might become your new favorite.

For example, if you typically read non-fiction, you might try reading a memoir like “Educated” by Tara Westover or “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. Or if you typically read adult fiction, you might try reading a young adult novel like “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green or “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.

16. Join a Book Club

Joining a book club is a great way to read new books and meet new people. Book clubs can be found in-person or online, and there are many different types of book clubs to choose from.

For example, if you are interested in reading classic literature, you might join a book club that focuses on the classics. Or if you are interested in reading books by diverse authors, you might join a book club that focuses on diverse literature.

17. Read Books by Diverse Authors

Reading books by diverse authors can expose you to different perspectives and experiences. It can also help you become a more empathetic and well-rounded reader.

For example, you might try reading books by authors from different cultures, backgrounds, or sexual orientations. Some great books to consider include “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.

18. Keep Track of What You Read

Keeping track of what you read can help you remember which books you enjoyed and which ones you did not. It can also help you track your reading progress and set reading goals.

For example, you might use an app like Goodreads to track the books you have read, rate them, and write reviews. Or you might use a reading journal to keep track of your thoughts and reactions to each book.

19. Read the Classics

Reading the classics can give you a deeper understanding of literature and its history. It can also help you appreciate the evolution of storytelling and writing styles.

For example, you might try reading classic novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, or “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.

Conclusion

Finding great reads can be a challenge, but with these 19 expert tips, you are sure to discover your next favourite book. Start with what you know, explore different genres, ask for recommendations, utilize social media and apps, and keep an open mind. Remember that reading is a personal experience, and not every book will be a perfect fit for everyone. Happy reading!