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Amazon looks at the books I've purchased and suggests, via e-mail, ones they think I might like. There is only one problem with this. I belong to a book discussion group. There are books I have to read that I would never select for myself in a zillion years so recommendations based on those books don't usually interest me. I browse "new releases" in nonfiction, science and history (for some reason Amazon doesn't think science and history are nonfiction ).
Both of these are sites where you can type in the title of a book that you've enjoyed and it will give you titles of books that are considered similar.
Or if you go to the library you can do what I do. I look for the books that are old and raggedy b/c I figure if they've been on the shelves that long without the library weeding them out they must be keepers and I've never been disappointed in this method.
After reading these entries, I forgot to add that I also look at award lists, like the Pulitzer list, National Book Award, etc. Not all of them appeal to me, but I'm a big non-fiction and history reader and I find the winners in those categories pretty good.
After reading these entries, I forgot to add that I also look at award lists, like the Pulitzer list, National Book Award, etc. Not all of them appeal to me, but I'm a big non-fiction and history reader and I find the winners in those categories pretty good.
I read this forum for suggestions, and I save reviews in a folder, but I can't help but feel that great stories are passing me by. I went to B & N this past weekend, just to browse, and was disappointed to see that fully half of the store had been turned over to children's books and games. I was told "Tis the season!".
When I order books online, I try to get 6-10 at a time. I don't want to limit myself to series books, or the same authors. But, I find myself spending a couple of hours just to get through "what's new", or "best sellers", or "We Recommend", and still can't find enough to pique my interest.
How do heavy readers do it?
Most of the time I look at Amazon.com reviews. But, occassionally, a book will be footnoted on Wikipedia and I'll look for it at the library or Amazon.
Other times, I'll get leads from magazine articles or game instructions (history games, mostly but role-playing games sometimes list sources).
I look for book recommendation articles on news websites I frequent (salon, slate, huffpo, etc.)
Annual literary prize winner lists are great sources.
My most recent lead was from a news article that listed the books Pres. Obama bought while on vacation. (It's always interesting to see what someone else is reading.) "Bayou Trilogy", from that list, ended up being a great find.
My most recent lead was from a news article that listed the books Pres. Obama bought while on vacation. (It's always interesting to see what someone else is reading.)
I read a lot of biographies. If the author mentions the subject's favorite books I jot down the titles. I've found some very interesting books that way.
For me, I look into a topic I enjoy. I'm not big on fiction, but I do read it every now and then. I prefer something that makes me think and I can gladly say I learned something from the book.
I look for authors I like then find similar ones. I use sites like:
I go to thrift stores and used book stores, I often do judge a book by its cover in some locations. Based on the title and the imagery on it you can usually tell something about the book.
Online. I like to read the reviews of the reviews. I really like to see what people have to say who have read the books. It's the same way I use recipes I find online.
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I love to look at book lists.
I read a lot of biographies. If the author mentions the subject's favorite books I jot down the titles. I've found some very interesting books that way.
