Standing in front of a bookshelf or scrolling an online store can feel overwhelming. With millions of titles available, choosing a book to read is a skill worth learning. These eight steps will help you stop second-guessing and start reading.
1. Start with your mood
Ask yourself what you want right now: escape, comfort, learning, a good cry or a laugh. A book that fits your mood is far more likely to be finished.
2. Think about books you loved
List three books you enjoyed. Look for what they share: a setting, a pace, a writing style, a theme. Then search for similar titles on the catalogue.
3. Read the first page
Most online stores let you preview the opening pages. If the voice grabs you, that is a good sign. If you are bored by page five, move on.
4. Check reviews the smart way
Avoid reading only five-star or one-star reviews. The three- and four-star reviews often explain who a book is and is not for.
5. Consider the length
A 900-page epic is a commitment. If you are coming out of a reading slump, choose something under 300 pages. The short-book list is built for that.
6. Choose the right format
Some books work better as audiobooks, especially memoirs read by the author. Others, like dense non-fiction, may be easier in print. The guide to Kindle vs paperback vs audiobooks can help.
7. Ask a real person
Friends, librarians and book clubs give recommendations tailored to you, not an algorithm.
8. Give yourself permission to quit
You do not owe any book your time. A common rule is to give a book 50 pages, then decide.
Quick reading picker
- Want fast and gripping? Pick a thriller. Start with the thriller list.
- Want to learn something? Pick narrative non-fiction.
- Want comfort? Pick a favorite genre you already love.
- Want a challenge? Pick a classic from the best books of all time.