Deciding on what you should read next can be quite the conundrum… and I mean that in the best possible way. Because if you love to read, then choosing your next book is like being a kid picking the next present to open from under the Christmas tree.
Not to sound too nerdy, but picking books to read is an exciting jumble of anticipation, uncertainty, and giddiness. If you know what I’m talking about, high five to all the book nerds of the world.
But even though deciding on your next book can be really fun, it can also be really overwhelming. There are millions of books out there, many of which are worth reading. But there is no way you’ll get to them all (saddest book lover realization ever). So, how do you choose?
Here are some suggestions for how to narrow down the possibilities, find the books that fit you (or your mood), and get started on that next great book.
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Setting your criteria
With so many books available these days, from libraries to bookstores to Amazon, finding a title isn’t the problem. Finding the right title is.
How do you decide on which book to read next when there are So. Many. Choices…?
To winnow down the possibilities, let’s first figure out what you’re looking for.
Are you looking for a beach read, light and entertaining? Are you interested in digging into some of the classics? How about a subject that interests you? Maybe you need some help, such as with a difficult child or lack of motivation?
Knowing what you need from your next book makes your decision a lot easier. You won’t find a beach read in the self-improvement section of your local bookstore, so don’t even head down that aisle. You can skip the large fiction section in favor of the smaller and more specific “Classics” aisle.
Figuring out what you’re in the mood for helps make your decision more manageable, and saves you the time and frustration of not finding what you’re looking for—because you’re in the wrong section!
Getting advice from a good bookish source
Sometimes, just wandering the stacks at the library isn’t enough. Sometimes, we need advice. And not just any advice, but advice from someone who knows books.
Better yet, someone who knows books and knows you (or at least likes the types of books you like).
If you have a friend whose suggestions for books are always spot on, then you’re lucky. I believe this is what Anne Bogel calls a book twin, in I’d Rather Be Reading. You may not be able to read all the books, but with a book twin, they can steer you to the best ones because they have the exact same taste (and can cull out some of the lesser titles before you try them).
If you don’t have a book twin, then you may just have to try the internet. I read Anne Bogel’s book because after I discovered her website, The Modern Mrs. Darcy, I found a kindred bookworm spirit. Her book recommendations and reading guides are like manna to me because her tastes align really well with my own. I have yet to be disappointed by her suggestions.
So, if you’re struggling for a place to start and really want to pick something that won’t disappoint, then look online for good, honest reviews. Try googling things like “summer reading list” or “best books of [enter year]. Take a look at book reviewer’s blogs, and then when you find something promising, read through reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.
Good advice is golden, so find a good bookish source to help you decide on what to read next.
Having fun with it
I tend to get a little excited at bookstores and libraries—like need-extra-hands-to-carry-everything-home excited. Once I do get everything home, I’m in a similar dilemma to when I started. What do I read first?
I’ve solved this problem in a number of ways. Here are some of my favorites:
Random shuffle. Close your eyes and shuffle those books around like they’re playing cards on a blackjack table. Then, stack them up and you have your order.
Grouping. If the shuffle is too random, then try grouping them by subject, so there’s some flow from one book to the next. Let your suspense books flow to the mysteries, or your self-improvement to the memoirs.
Go with your gut. Every time you are ready for a new book to read, look at your shelf or pile of options and go with whichever catches your eye or makes you get a flutter of excitement.
Alphabetize by title. Orderly, but still random.
My final advice on how to choose what to read next
Don’t be pigeonholed by expectations or cultural norms. If you want to dive into War and Peace over summer vacation or read suspense during the Christmas holidays, go for it. There is no wrong way to choose your next book—except if it’s not your way.
So, have fun and do what fits you best. I wish you all the book-nerdy excitement as you choose the next amazing book you’re going to read!
Happy Reading!
How do you decide on what to read next? Do you have any advice on ways to find the right book for any reader? Let us know in the comments!
Interested in more posts on books and the reading life? Check out these posts:
Why I Read So Much & How You Can Read More, Too
How I Read 80 Books Last Year… and Why I Wouldn’t Do it Again
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
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