The Best Way to Choose What Book to Read Next

I get it—choosing your next book can feel like staring at an endless menu, hoping to pick something that hits the spot.

It’s exciting because there’s so much out there, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.

The options are endless, and sometimes it feels easier to scroll through social media instead.

Maybe you’re craving an escape into a magical world, or you want to dive deep into a nonfiction book that’ll spark fresh ideas. Whatever it is, the right book can make the reading experience even more enjoyable and rewarding.

In this guide, we’re going to simplify the process.

I’ll share tips and tricks I’ve picked up to help you choose what book to read next. So, let’s take the guesswork out of book hunting and make your next pick your best one yet.

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Understand Your Interests and Preferences

When it comes to choosing what book to read, it’s essential to start by understanding your own preferences.

Often, people pick books based on what’s popular or recommended by others, but to truly enjoy your reading experience, it helps to know what you like.

So how do you figure that out?

Keep in mind, you don’t have to follow every point I mention in this section. These are just different ways to help guide you.

Depending on where you’re at in your reading journey, some of these might resonate more with you than others.

The goal is to give you a few tools to make the process easier.

Know Your Favorite Genres

Let’s start with the basics.

What genres do you naturally enjoy? This is probably the easiest step in figuring out what to read.

Do you enjoy gripping thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat? Or do you prefer self-help books that offer practical advice for improving your life? Historical fiction might be the genre that lets you escape into another time, while fantasy could take you to entirely different worlds.

Think about what kinds of stories or topics you’ve enjoyed in the past. These clues can guide you to similar books that match your tastes.

When you’re familiar with your go-to genres, it’s easier to avoid books that don’t align with your interests.

Explore Themes That Resonate with Your Life

Your current situation in life plays a big role in the books you may find most appealing.

For example, if you’re going through a career change or navigating a difficult period, books about personal development or resilience may resonate more deeply with you.

On the flip side, if you’re just looking to relax, you might want to reach for something lighter. Maybe a romance or a fantasy novel to unwind after a long day.

Consider Your Mood When Picking a Book

We’ve all had those days where we just can’t focus on anything heavy, right?

Some days, you might be in the mood for something light and fun, while other times, you might crave something more intellectually stimulating.

If you’re feeling mentally tired, a fun romance or light-hearted comedy could be the perfect choice. On days when you’re feeling reflective, you might want to dive into a deep non-fiction book or an insightful memoir.

Matching your book to your emotional state helps ensure that your reading experience feels right for that moment.

Switch It Up When Necessary

Remember, reading preferences can change over time, and that’s totally normal. You might find that a genre or theme you were obsessed with a few months ago no longer sparks your interest. That’s okay!

If you’re feeling like you’ve outgrown a certain type of book, it might be time to try something new.

Switching things up is a great way to refresh your reading habits and introduce fresh perspectives.

If you’re unsure where to start, check out book recommendations from friends or browse through lists of top-rated books in genres outside your usual preferences.

You might just find your next favorite read in the most unexpected place.

Factor in Time and Availability

Once you’ve figured out the genre or topic that piques your interest, it’s time to think about how much time you can realistically dedicate to reading.

Finding a book that fits your schedule is just as important as choosing one that matches your taste.

Instead of aiming for hour-long reading sessions, I now focus on setting aside just 15-20 minutes a day. It’s a simple habit that works even on the busiest days.

And If I’m able to do more? That’s a bonus, but at least I’m keeping the momentum going.

Pro tip: start with shorter books or audiobooks to build momentum

When life gets hectic, bite-sized books or audiobooks are perfect for fitting into those in-between moments. Once you get into this groove, you might find yourself wanting to carve out more time for those longer books.

The key is recognizing your available time and aligning it with the right kind of book.

Explore Book Reviews and Recommendations

First things first, trustworthy sources are key.

If you’re diving into a new book and you have no idea where to start, Goodreads is your best friend. That site is like the ultimate library where readers from all over the world leave their thoughts on books.

I love using Goodreads because you get to see not just ratings, but actual reviews from people who have read the book.

But be careful!

Sometimes you’ll find overly enthusiastic reviews (or the opposite), and you’ll need to dig a bit deeper to figure out if a book really matches your taste.

That said, a five-star review doesn’t always mean it’s a perfect fit for you.

Sure, they’re glowing, but they might gloss over details that might not work for you. Instead, scan a mix of high and low ratings to get a balanced view.

Reviews are subjective, so gathering multiple perspectives ensures you’re making the best choice for you.

I try to read at least three to five reviews before committing to a book. If it’s universally loved but with a few mentions of weak spots (and those spots aren’t things I care about), I’m usually good to go.

And finally, if you’re like me and get decision paralysis from too many options, lean into curated lists. “Books similar to Atomic Habits” or “Top 10 Mysteries to Read This Fall” takes the guesswork out of browsing.

It’s like a shortcut to finding something you’ll enjoy without spending hours scrolling.

Conclusion

With all the books out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But honestly, the secret is really just taking a minute to think about what you’re in the mood for.

And remember, it’s okay to abandon a book if it’s not clicking with you. The beauty of reading is that there’s always another one waiting for you. And the more you read, the more you’ll understand what works for you and what doesn’t.

Take advantage of the resources at your disposal. Recommendations from friends, online reviews, apps, or curated lists. These are great tools to help you discover something new and spark your interest.

And, of course, be open to stepping outside your usual preferences. Explore different genres, authors, or topics you might not have considered before.

You’ll be surprised how often those “random” picks turn into your new favorites.

Even if it’s a bit of trial and error, each book adds something to your reading experience. Keep exploring, and enjoy the adventure!