Have you ever finished a book so good that you felt lost afterward, unsure of what could possibly follow it? Or maybe you have stared at your never-ending TBR (To Be Read) list, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices? Choosing what to read next can be harder than it seems – especially when there are so many amazing books and only so much time to read them.
Over the years, I have tried different methods to pick my next book, some of which worked brilliantly and others… well, let’s just say they led to some reading slumps. Here is a collection of strategies that have helped me, and hopefully, they’ll help you too!
1. The power of Goodreads
One of the best tools I discovered after moving to England was Goodreads. It is a fantastic way to keep track of what you have read and what you want to read. Since my memory isn’t always the best when it comes to book titles, I love being able to go back and check my ratings and reviews from previous years.
However, there is a downside. When I first started using it, I got a little too enthusiastic about adding books to my “want to read” list. The result? A monstrous list of 700+ books – which is absolutely not helpful when trying to decide what to read next. My advice? Keep your list curated. Stick to 30–50 books and update it regularly, removing books that no longer interest you. Otherwise, it becomes more of a black hole than a useful tool.
2. Follow your mood and energy level
Not every book fits every moment. There are times when I want a deep, thought-provoking novel, and other times when I need something light and entertaining.
• If life feels overwhelming, I’ll go for an easy, engaging book that doesn’t require too much effort.
• If I am feeling introspective, I might choose self-improvement or something that makes me reflect.
• If I want a change of pace, I’ll switch to a thriller, historical fiction, or thriller.
Matching my book to my mood makes reading more enjoyable and keeps me from abandoning books halfway through.
3. Monthly book lists & bestsellers
There is something exciting about reading new releases or books that are trending. Websites, book blogs, and platforms like Amazon, The New York Times, and BookTok are constantly updating lists of must-read books.
However, I don’t just follow trends blindly. Sometimes, the hype around a book makes it seem like everyone loves it, but when I pick it up, I realize it is just not for me. That is why I always read a few reviews first – without spoilers, of course!
I always check book reviews before I commit to a new read, but I try to avoid spoilers at all costs. The star rating system is a useful guideline – I rarely pick up books that have lower than 4.5 stars out of 5. Reviews also help me gauge the writing style, pacing, and overall themes of a book without revealing too much of the plot.
4. Book clubs
I used to be part of three book clubs, and while I no longer have the time to attend regularly, I still stay on their email lists. Why? Because book clubs introduce me to books I wouldn’t have picked on my own.
The best part? Discussing a book with others gives it a whole new life. Even if I don’t read the book at the same time as the group, I save their recommendations for later. If you have never joined a book club, I highly recommend trying one – it might surprise you!
Friends and family are also great for recommendations. When I find a book I love, I talk about it with everyone, and if I have a physical copy, I lend it out. There is something special about sharing a great book with someone else.
5. When you find “your” writer
You know that feeling when you finish a book and immediately want more of the same? That is when I look up the author and see what else they have written.
Some authors have a way of writing that just clicks with me. If I fall in love with their style, their character development, or their storytelling, I know I’ll probably enjoy their other books too. It is a great way to find your next read without too much effort.
6. Picking a book at random
Sometimes, I don’t overthink it – I just go to my bookshelf, grab a book at random, and start reading. If I bought it, it must have interested me at some point, right?
The beauty of this method is that it removes the stress of choosing. No overanalyzing, no second-guessing – just grab a book and dive in!
7. Stepping outside the comfort zone
I used to stick to certain genres – historical fiction, thrillers, self-improvement – but I realized that venturing outside my comfort zone has led to some of the best surprises.
Reading different genres introduces new ideas, perspectives, and cultures. It challenges my thinking and sometimes even changes how I see the world. So now, I make it a rule to mix things up – reading something outside my usual picks every few books.
8. The problem of book hangovers
One of my biggest struggles? Letting go of a book I loved.
When I finish an amazing book, I can’t just move on – the characters and story stay with me. I find myself thinking about them, reimagining scenes, and feeling a little sad that it is over.
This makes picking the next book tricky because nothing seems to measure up. My trick? I give myself a small reading break – a few days to process the book before diving into a new one. It helps me reset and enjoy the next book without unfair comparisons.
9. Movie adaptations
I have a rule: always read the book before watching the movie.
Books and films rarely match 100%, and I always prefer the depth that books offer. If I see a movie coming out based on a book, I try to read it first. It makes the experience richer and gives me an extra reason to pick up a book I might have overlooked.
10. The social media influence
Let’s be real – social media has a huge impact on what people read. If a book goes viral on BookTok, Instagram, or YouTube, thousands of people will pick it up.
Then, of course, there are social media influencers and celebrities like Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, and others who run book clubs and share recommendations.
While I don’t let social media dictate my reading choices, I do keep an eye on it. If I see a book recommended over and over, I check reviews and decide if it is worth adding to my list. But I also stay true to my own preferences – I read what excites me, not just what is trending.
11. Avoiding decision paralysis
The sheer number of books available can be overwhelming. When there are too many choices, it is easy to get stuck. To make it easier, I keep a simple system:
• Rotate between different genres. I read a historical fiction novel, then a thriller, then a self-improvement book, and so on. This way, I never get stuck in one genre.
• Follow personal reading goals. If I want to focus on self-improvement books for a while, I ignore bestseller lists and just follow my plan.
• Do not overthink it. If a book seems interesting, just start reading. If it is not engaging after a few chapters, move on!
Related posts:
- 9 Ways to read more
- 7 Reasons why joining a book club will transform your reading experience
- Books vs e-books
- How to start a book club with friends
12. There is no right or wrong way to choose
At the end of the day, picking your next book is a personal choice. Some people like planning their reading lists months in advance, while others, like me, enjoy a mix of structured choices and spontaneous picks.
Whatever method you use, the most important thing is to keep reading books that bring you joy, challenge your mind, and expand your world.
Thank you for spending time with me today!
See you next time.
Valentina
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