What Books Should I Read Next? Find Your Next Great Read

Whether you’re an avid reader or just starting to get back into books, it can be challenging to find your next great read. With so many genres, authors, and themes to choose from, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you understand your reading preferences, explore new genres and themes, and utilize book discovery tools to find the perfect book for your next read.

What Books Should I Read Next? Find Your Next Great Read

Understanding Your Reading Preferences

Your reading preferences play an essential role in finding your next great read. Understanding what you enjoy and don’t enjoy is a crucial step in identifying the kinds of books that will captivate and delight you. Here are some key factors to consider when examining your reading preferences.

Identifying Your Favorite Genres

Start by considering the genres you enjoy. Do you love reading romance novels? Are you a mystery buff? Do you enjoy science fiction and fantasy? Making a list of the genres you enjoy or exploring different genres in a bookstore or library can give you a better idea of where to start your search.

For example, if you love romance novels, you might enjoy exploring sub-genres like historical romance, contemporary romance, or paranormal romance. Or, if you enjoy science fiction and fantasy, you might enjoy exploring sub-genres like dystopian fiction, space opera, or epic fantasy.

Exploring New Themes and Topics

While you may have favorite genres, be open to exploring new themes and topics. If you love historical fiction, consider trying a different time period or setting. For instance, if you enjoyed reading about the Tudors, you might enjoy reading about the Plantagenets or the Stuarts.

If you enjoy memoirs, try reading a celebrity memoir or memoir about a topic you know nothing about. For example, if you’re interested in cooking, you might enjoy reading a memoir by a famous chef or a food critic.

Exploring new themes and topics can help expand your reading horizons and lead to discovering new favorites. You might discover that you enjoy reading about topics you never thought you would be interested in.

Considering Your Reading Goals

Another important factor to consider is your reading goals. Are you looking for a quick weekend read or a book to dive into for an extended period? Do you want to challenge yourself with complex or academic reading, or do you prefer light-hearted and easy-to-read books?

For example, if you’re looking for a quick weekend read, you might enjoy a fast-paced thriller or a light-hearted romance. If you want to challenge yourself with complex reading, you might enjoy reading a classic novel or a work of literary fiction.

Identifying your goals can help you narrow down your search and find books that meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a book to help you relax and unwind or a book to challenge your intellect, understanding your reading preferences is the first step to finding your next great read.

Top Recommendations by Genre

Are you a bookworm who loves to read? Do you have a particular genre that you enjoy? If so, we have some great recommendations for you! Here are some of our top picks for various genres:

Fiction

If you’re looking for a great fictional read, then look no further than these classics:

“The Nightingale”

The Nightingale: A Novel

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – This novel is a beautifully written story of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and survival.

“The Handmaid’s Tale”

The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – This dystopian novel is set in a future where women are stripped of their rights and forced into sexual servitude. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

“The Great Gatsby”

The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (A F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic Novel)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – This classic novel is a must-read for anyone who loves the Jazz Age. It’s a tale of love, ambition, and tragedy set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties.

Non-Fiction

If you’re looking for something factual and informative, then check out these non-fiction books:

“Becoming”

Becoming

Becoming by Michelle Obama – This memoir is a fascinating and inspiring look at the life of the former First Lady of the United States. It’s a story of perseverance, strength, and determination.

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used to develop some of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking read.

“The New Jim Crow”

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander – This book is a powerful indictment of the American criminal justice system and its impact on people of color. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the racial disparities that exist in our society.

Mystery and Thriller

If you’re a fan of suspense and intrigue, then these mystery and thriller novels are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat:

“The Girl on the Train”

The Girl on the Train: A Novel

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins – This psychological thriller is a gripping story of a woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation. It’s a twisty and suspenseful read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

“The Silent Patient”

The Silent Patient

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – This novel is a psychological thriller about a woman who murders her husband and then stops speaking. It’s a dark and twisty story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

“The Cuckoo’s Calling

The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike Book 1)

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith – This mystery novel is a classic whodunit. It follows private detective Cormoran Strike as he investigates the death of a supermodel. It’s a well-crafted and engaging mystery that will keep you guessing.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

If you’re a fan of otherworldly adventures and epic battles, then these science fiction and fantasy novels are for you:

“The Hunger Games”

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 1)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – This dystopian novel is set in a future where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in a televised tournament. It’s a thrilling and action-packed story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“The Lord of the Rings”

The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary, One Vol. Edition

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – This epic fantasy novel is a classic tale of good versus evil. It follows hobbit Frodo Baggins as he journeys to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the dark lord Sauron.

“Ender’s Game”

Ender's Game (Ender Quintet Book 1)

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card – This science fiction novel is set in a future where children are trained to become military commanders. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking story that explores themes of war, leadership, and morality.

Romance

If you’re looking for a love story that will make your heart flutter, then check out these romance novels:

“The Notebook

The Notebook

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – This classic romance novel tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers who are separated by war and social class. It’s a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of love that endures.

“Outlander”

Outlander: A Novel (Outlander, Book 1)

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – This historical romance novel is set in 18th century Scotland and follows the story of Claire Randall, a time-traveler who falls in love with a Scottish warrior named Jamie Fraser. It’s a sweeping and romantic tale that will transport you to another time and place.

“Pride and Prejudice”

Pride & Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – This classic novel is a timeless tale of love and social class. It follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they navigate the complexities of love and societal expectations.

Historical Fiction

If you’re interested in history and enjoy a good story, then these historical fiction novels are for you:

“The Tattooist of Auschwitz”

The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Novel

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris – This novel is based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who was imprisoned in Auschwitz and forced to tattoo numbers on the arms of his fellow prisoners. It’s a haunting and powerful story of survival and love.

“The Alice Network

The Alice Network: A Reese's Book Club Pick

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn – This novel is set during World War I and follows the story of two women – one a spy and one a socialite – as they navigate the dangers of war and espionage. It’s a thrilling and engaging read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“Water for Elephants”

Water for Elephants: A Novel

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen – This novel is set in the 1930s and follows the story of Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who joins a traveling circus. It’s a beautifully written and engaging story that explores themes of love, loss, and the human-animal bond.

Biography and Memoir

If you’re interested in real-life stories of triumph and perseverance, then check out these biography and memoir books:

Born a Crime

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – This memoir is a funny and poignant look at the life of the comedian and host of The Daily Show. It’s a story of growing up mixed-race in apartheid South Africa and the struggles and triumphs that come with it.

“Educated”

Educated: A Memoir

Educated by Tara Westover – This memoir is a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who grew up in a strict and abusive household and went on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. It’s a story of resilience and the power of education.

“When Breath Becomes Air”

When Breath Becomes Air

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – This memoir is a poignant and moving look at the life of a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on life, death, and what it means to be human.

Young Adult

Finally, if you’re a young adult or just young at heart, then these young adult novels are for you:

“The Fault in Our Stars”

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – This novel is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written story of two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. It’s a story of love, loss, and the fragility of life.

“Hunger Games”

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – This dystopian novel is a thrilling and action-packed story of a teenage girl who is forced to compete in a televised tournament where only one person can survive. It’s a story of survival and rebellion.

“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – This novel is a sweet and charming story of a teenage girl whose secret love letters are accidentally sent to all of her crushes. It’s a story of first love and the awkwardness of adolescence.

So there you have it – our top recommendations by genre. Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking memoir, there’s something here for everyone. Happy reading!

Utilizing Book Discovery Tools

Even with our recommendations, finding the perfect book can still be challenging. Luckily, there are plenty of book discovery tools to help you find your next great read.

Online Book Recommendation Engines

Websites like Goodreads and Amazon use algorithms to provide you with personalized book recommendations based on your past reading habits. These websites take into account your reading preferences and past book ratings to recommend new books that you’re likely to enjoy.

Book Subscription Services

Book subscription services like Book of the Month or Scribd provide you with books tailored to your genre preferences and reading goals. These services offer monthly subscription boxes or unlimited access to books for a monthly fee.

Social Media Platforms for Book Lovers

Platforms like Bookstagram and Booktube provide book lovers with an opportunity to connect with other readers, get book recommendations, and find new releases. By following bookish accounts, you can stay up-to-date on the latest book news and share your own thoughts on reads with a like-minded community.

Book Podcasts and YouTube Channels

If you prefer listening to podcasts or watching videos, there are plenty of bookish options to choose from. Podcasts like What Should I Read Next? or Reading Women provide book recommendations and insightful conversations about literature. YouTubers like Ariel Bissett or PolandBananasBooks offer book reviews, reading vlogs, and discussions.

Conclusion

Finding your next great read may seem daunting, but by understanding your reading preferences and utilizing book discovery tools, it can be a fun and exciting process. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite novel or branching out into new genres, there’s always a perfect book out there waiting for you to discover it.

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Eddison Monroe
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