How to Find Books You'll Actually Love [Ultimate Guide]
It's time to find your perfect read!
Imagine curling up in a fuzzy blanket with a new book, and from the very first page, you're hooked. If you’re tired of skimming or forcing yourself to finish a book that’s just “meh”, then this is the article for you. In 2025, we’re taking complete control of our reads. It’s time to learn the secret to finding books that excite, inspire, and leave you wanting more. So let’s talk about it.
Know Your Reading Taste: Preferences and Genres
Understand Your Reading Preferences
Reflect on past favorite reads and identify common themes
Think deeply about your entertainment choices for clues about your reading tastes
Consider your current life situation and how it affects your reading preferences
Think about the movies and TV shows you enjoy. Do you love watching shows like Chicago PD, Blue Bloods or other police procedurals? Then you might find similar excitement in crime thrillers or suspense novels with complex investigations.
Are you fascinated by futuristic technology like AI and virtual reality? Science fiction could be the perfect genre for you. Even your everyday interests can guide your book choices. Think about it - If you love solving puzzles, a mystery novel might be right up your alley.
Explore Different Genres
Step out of your comfort zone to discover new favorite reads
Understand the difference between literary and genre fiction
Mix contemporary releases with timeless classics
Friends, please don't be afraid to experiment with different genres! I was never much of a literary fiction person but this past year, that changed! Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi was my first dive into literary fiction in a long time, and while a simple read, it opened my eyes to the beauty of this genre.
FYI, literary fiction often focuses on character development and themes, while genre fiction (such as romance, fantasy, or mystery) typically follow specific plot structures and narrative patterns. Try alternating between familiar genres and new literary options to see what you like!
The Art of Book Selection
Book Selection in Bookstores
Judge books by their covers (yes, really!)
Read the first page to gauge writing style and tone
Use staff picks
In a bookstore, “judging a book by its cover” is totally fair game – it can often give you a sense of the book's tone and genre. You also can (and should) read the first page to get a feel for the author's writing style. And don’t forget to talk to the staff too! Bookstore employees often have great book recommendations!
Harness the Power of Digital Tools
Use Amazon's "Look Inside" feature to preview books
Subscribe to book-related newsletters and podcasts
Amazon's "Look Inside" feature lets you preview books before buying. As a nanny, I find it very useful when shopping for children's books. (You always want to get an idea of what you’re purchasing especially when it comes to books for kids.) And don’t sleep on book-related newsletters and podcasts. They can keep you up to date on new releases and literary trends.
Goodreads, physical copies from the bookstore. There is no right or wrong way to find books you’ll love.
Make Smart Reading Decisions
Embrace the "Three-Chapter Rule"
Give books a fair chance by reading the first three chapters
Learn to recognize when a book isn't for you
Know that it’s okay to put down books that don't resonate with you
Remember, it's okay to put down a book that doesn't click with you. Life's too short for boring (or just not enjoyable) reads. Try the "three-chapter rule" – if a book hasn't captured your interest after three chapters, it's perfectly fine to move on to something else.
Balance Between Comfort Reads and Challenges
Alternate between familiar genres and new literary options
Set personal reading challenges to try new genres
Mix fiction and non-fiction for a well-rounded reading experience
While it's important to read books you enjoy, challenging yourself every now and then isn't so bad either. Mix comfort reads with more challenging reads, and try balancing fiction with non-fiction. Non-fiction can offer a different kind of reading experience and you never know, just might love it.
You definitely can't tell my favorite genres and color just by looking at this stack...right?
Tap into Bookish Communities
Online Book Communities Are Your Friend
Use Goodreads and StoryGraph for personalized recommendations
Look at BookTok and Bookstagram for trending reads and reviews
Join online book clubs to find diverse reading options
Online communities can be great for book discovery! I love having friends on Goodreads because I can always see books they recommend and are currently reading and it always gives me a new book to add to my TBR. Both Goodreads and StoryGraph offer personalized recommendations based on your reading history too. And BookTok, Bookstagram and BookTube (my personal favorite), can introduce you to popular reads and compelling reviews from fellow book lovers.
Use Library Resources
Ask librarians for personalized recommendations
Take advantage of library apps for e-books and audiobooks
Attend library events and author talks for inspiration
It goes without saying that libraries are treasures to book lovers. Librarians can offer personalized recommendations based on your interests, and many libraries now offer e-books and audiobooks through apps. I get some of my favorite James Patterson series as e-books through my local library using the Libby app. Don't miss out on library events and author talks too. They can be great for inspiring your next read.
Your Next Favorite Chapter Awaits - Go Find It!
All in all, choosing books you’ll love is an adventure in itself! So, what method will you use to choose your next read? Let me know in the comments! If you’re looking for general book recommendations, check out The Book Nook for Young Readers, Early Readers, Middle Readers, Young Adult Readers, and Adult Readers.
Always here to empower and inspire,
Nadashia N.