How to Find Your Next Favorite Book

We've all been there, standing in a bookstore or scrolling through TikTok when you see someone raving about a book that sounds amazing. You add it to your ever-growing TBR list, but then you're hit with choice paralysis. Sound familiar?

With BookTok exploding and everyone suddenly becoming book influencers, finding your next read can feel overwhelming. But discovering books you'll actually finish (and maybe even become obsessed with) doesn't have to be rocket science.

🎀 Start With What You Already Know You Like

1. What's Your Reading Personality?

Before you spiral into analysis paralysis, take a sec to think about what you actually enjoy. Are you team enemies-to-lovers romance? Do you live for psychological thrillers that mess with your head? Maybe you're into memoirs by people who've done cooler things than you?

Your past reading wins are basically a cheat code for future finds. If you devoured everything by R.F. Kuang or couldn't put down The Poppy War, lean into that energy. Authors often have similar vibes across their work, so if one book hit different, their others probably will too.

Pro tip: Keep a notes app list of books/authors you've loved. Future you will thank present you when you're blanking in the bookstore.

2. Match Your Current Energy

Sometimes you need pure escapism after dealing with adulting all week. Other times you're feeling motivated and want something that'll make you think or teach you something new. There's no shame in either, just be honest about what headspace you're in.

Stressed about work? Maybe skip the heavy literary fiction and grab that fantasy everyone's been hyping. Feeling inspired? That self-help book or biography might actually stick this time.

🖥️ The Digital Book Hunt

1. Goodreads vs. StoryGraph: Pick Your Fighter

Goodreads: Yeah, it looks like it's stuck in 2010, but it's genuinely useful once you get past the interface. Rate some books you've read, follow friends who have good taste, and let the algorithm work its magic. The "readers also enjoyed" suggestions can be surprisingly on point.

StoryGraph: This is Goodreads' cooler younger sibling with a clean, modern interface that doesn't make your eyes hurt. The recommendation system is honestly better, it considers your mood preferences, content warnings, and reading pace. Plus, the data visualization of your reading habits is actually pretty satisfying to look at.

Both platforms have groups for your favorite genres, there are communities for literally everything, from dark academia to cozy mysteries to books with cats on the cover (yes, that's a thing).

2. Join Online Book Clubs

Online book clubs are having a major moment right now, and for good reason. There's something special about reading the same book as a bunch of other people and then diving into discussions about plot twists, character development, or that ending that left everyone shook.

Whether it's through Facebook groups, Discord servers, Reddit communities, or dedicated book club apps, you'll discover books you probably never would have picked up on your own. Also, having a set reading schedule and people to discuss with can actually motivate you to finish books (accountability is real).

The best part? Most online book clubs choose a mix of genres and new releases, so you're constantly being exposed to different types of stories.

3. Social Media Is Your Friend

BookTok/BookTube: These creators know what they're doing. Find a few whose taste aligns with yours and let them do the work of sifting through new releases. Plus, seeing someone genuinely excited about a book is way more convincing than any professional review.

Instagram: Book accounts are everywhere, and many focus on specific niches. Love queer romance? There's an account for that. Into horror? Covered. Follow hashtags like #BookRecommendations or genre-specific ones like #DarkAcademia or #SciFantasy.

Reddit: Subs like r/suggestmeabook are goldmines. You can get super specific with your requests, and people will deliver with personalized recs.

💼 Check Out the Professional Scene

1. Book Review Sites and Blogs Are Goldmines

Professional review sites like BookPage, Kirkus Reviews, and Literary Hub might sound stuffy, but they're actually treasure troves of solid recommendations. These reviewers read everything so you don't have to wade through the mediocre stuff.

But don't sleep on personal book blogs either, individual reviewers often have more relatable takes and might share your specific reading quirks. The key is reading both glowing and critical reviews to get the full picture. Sometimes a "negative" review will mention exactly what you're looking for (like "too much romance" when you're specifically craving romance).

2. Trust the Critics (Sometimes)

Look, professional critics from The New York Times Book Review, The Guardian, or NPR Books know their stuff. They're not always going to recommend your next beach read, but when you want something that's genuinely well-written and worth your time, these sources deliver.

The trick is finding critics whose taste somewhat aligns with yours. If a reviewer consistently hates the books you love, their negative reviews might actually be endorsements for you.

3. Bestseller Lists and Awards Actually Matter

Bestseller lists like The New York Times or Amazon rankings aren't just popularity contests, they're showing you what's capturing people's attention right now. The Goodreads Choice Awards are especially useful since they're voted on by actual readers, not just industry people.

For quality assurance, check out award winners like the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Booker Prize, or genre-specific awards. These books have been vetted by people who read professionally, so even if they're not your usual vibe, they're probably well-crafted.

🏷️ IRL Book Discovery

1. Bookstore Browsing Hits Different

There's something about physically touching books that online shopping can't replicate. Independent bookstores especially have staff who actually read and can point you toward hidden gems. Don't sleep on their "staff picks" sections, these people know what's up.

Chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble have those face-out displays for a reason. Publishers pay for that placement, but it also means these books are generating buzz.

2. Libraries Are Underrated

Librarians are basically professional book matchmakers with degrees in this stuff. Many libraries have "if you like X, try Y" displays or new book showcases. Plus, it's free, so you can take risks on books you're unsure about.

Many libraries also have digital collections through apps like Libby or OverDrive, you can browse and borrow e-books and audiobooks instantly.

🔎 Try Before You Commit

1. Sample Everything

Most e-book platforms let you read the first chapter or two for free. Use this! You can usually tell pretty quickly if an author's writing style clicks with you or if the pacing works.

Physical bookstores expect you to flip through books, that's literally what they're there for. Read the first few pages, check out the writing style, see if it grabs you.

2. Audiobook Samples

If you're team audiobook, most platforms offer samples so you can check if the narrator's voice works for you. A bad narrator can ruin an otherwise great book, so this step is crucial.

👯‍♀️ Get Personal With It

1. Your People Know You

Friends, family, coworkers who share your interests, they've seen your personality and can recommend accordingly. That friend who knows you cry at dog videos might have the perfect emotional read. Your true crime podcast buddy probably knows some killer (pun intended) thrillers.

2. Online Communities

Book clubs aren't just for your mom anymore. Facebook groups, Discord servers, Reddit communities, there are spaces for every type of reader. Whether you're into cozy fantasy or literary fiction, there's a group of people ready to drop recommendations.

👩‍💻 Let Tech Do the Heavy Lifting

1. Recommendation Apps and Sites

BookBub: Sends you personalized daily deals and recommendations based on your preferences. Great for discovering books on sale.

What Should I Read Next?: Enter a book you loved, get suggestions for similar vibes.

StoryGraph: Like Goodreads but with better design and more detailed mood-based recommendations.

2. Subscription Services Are Worth It

Kindle Unlimited: Especially good for romance, sci-fi, and indie books. The algorithm gets scary good at knowing your taste.

Everand: Previously Scribd. More literary/mainstream selection than KU, includes audiobooks and magazines.

Storytel: If you love audiobooks, this one gives you recommendations based on your previous books, genres, or narrators.

👌 Plot Twist: It's Okay to DNF

Here's something no one talks about enough, you don't have to finish every book you start. Life's too short for books that aren't working for you. Set it aside and try something else. Your TBR list isn't going anywhere.

Sometimes the right book finds you at the wrong time. That book everyone's obsessing over might just not be for you, and that's totally fine. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore.

The Bottom Line

Finding books you'll actually want to read is part knowing yourself, part staying open to new things, and part accepting that not every recommendation will hit. Use multiple strategies, trust your instincts, and remember that reading is supposed to be fun.

Your next book obsession is out there waiting for you, you just need to know where to look.

Now stop overthinking it and go find something good to read. Your future self (and your Instagram story) will thank you.