Wondering what to read next? It might be that you’ve just finished a brilliant book and nothing else feels as good. Or it might be that it’s been a while since a book has really captivated you. A reading slump is something most readers will experience! If nothing on your existing reading list is getting you motivated, there are a number of ways you can find your next great read…
What should I read next?
If you’re not sure what to read next, here are ten ways to discover new books and find your next great read.
1.Revisit a Favourite Author
A favourite author can be an excellent starting point when you’re looking for your next book. Explore whether your favourite author has recently released new work, or perhaps has an older series or a book that you haven’t yet read.
If it turns out you’ve exhausted all of your favourite author’s works, why not try looking for a comparable author you may not have read yet? Conduct some research into your favourite author and search for who is commonly described as comparable, then simply look through their catalogue.
2. Try a Different Genre
It may be that you’re not in a reading slump, but in a genre slump. Take a step away from your regular genres and see if that helps you find something new to get excited about. You could either try similar genres — perhaps reading an adventure book if you’re a fan of crime fiction — or something completely different, giving romance a turn if you’re a horror fanatic. Give your new book an opportunity to surprise you! Remember, you don’t have to abandon your favourite genre forever, but you may just benefit from a change in scenery.
3. Explore a Book Series
Finding a series you enjoy can help take the stress out of choosing what to read next. You could explore series familiar to your current favourites, see if there’s a series by an author you love that you haven’t yet tried, or revisit an old series and see if there are any new additions! Reading a series is also a great option when you want your next book choice to feel familiar without simply rereading an old favourite.
4. Choose a Book by Its Setting
Sometimes the best way to choose a book isn’t to start with the author or genre, but with where the story takes place. Choosing a book based on setting can provide a unique and exciting angle for you. Perhaps you have a personal connection with the location, or it’s the destination for your next holiday? Reading a novel before or during your trip can give you a different perspective on the location and introduce you to its history, culture and landscapes.
5. Look for Books Inspired by Real Events
Whether fiction or non-fiction, discovering a novel that takes place during a real world event that interests you can be an excellent way to get excited by a book. It can help you learn more about the event and connect you with history, whether recent or not. Historical novels can bring real events to life through fictional characters and storylines, while non-fiction can help you to understand the people and circumstances involved. You might discover a new period of history simply because a novel caught your attention.
6. See What Other Readers are Enjoying
What others think can be really helpful when you’re trying to find your next book. Browse bestseller lists, book blogs, online reviews, social media, and book community sites to see which books have other readers excited!
Pay attention not only to the books themselves but also to why people are recommending them. Reviews can help you identify recurring themes, settings and writing styles. If several readers mention that a book has the same atmosphere as something you’ve already enjoyed, it could be worth investigating.
7. Ask Your Friends for a Recommendation
Sometimes your best option truly is word of mouth. Ask a friend if they’ve read anything they think you might enjoy, or what their favourite book of the year has been. Not only can this take you in surprising directions, but it also provides a new connection between you and your friend! You’ll have someone to discuss the story with, compare your reactions, and talk about what you thought of the ending.
8. Judge a Book by Its Blurb
Either browse online or visit a bookshop and read a variety of blurbs until something catches your interest. It can be easier to get excited by a book when you’ve been hooked by, well, a good hook! If you find yourself wondering what could possibly happen next, then you’ve likely found a good option for your next read.
Reading book descriptions can be a simple way to discover a new novel based purely on its story, characters or premise.
9. Browse a Publisher’s Catalogue
Browsing through a publisher’s catalogue is an excellent way to find a range of titles all in one place. You can browse the entire Sapere Books catalogue on our website. Simply browse by genre and see which books catch your attention. Whatever you’re looking for, browsing a publisher’s catalogue can provide you with plenty of possibilities for your next great read.
10. Pick Something at Random
Picking a book at random can introduce you to new authors and genres you may not have previously explored. It takes choice out of the equation and forces you out of your comfort zone. Simply choose a book at random from a bookshelf, ask a friend to pick one for you, or select a title from a publisher’s catalogue without overthinking it.
If this sounds exciting to you, then take the stress out of how to choose your next book. Here are five random Sapere Books novels — just click on a link to see where it takes you!
Find Great Reads with Sapere Books
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Looking for more book recommendations? Browse the Sapere Books catalogue to discover new novels across a range of genres and find your next great read.
