I find this question fascinating because to be honest to me it feels the reverse. Many of the great books I’ve read seem pre-ordained by some great literary spirit and fall into my lap. I jest of course!
So I state it again how did you find the great books you love to read or maybe how did they find you?
by MachoMom
9 Comments
Pretty decent combination of ways.
My FAVORITE way is to just wander around a bookstore until something just kind of speaks to me for some reason. When I do this, I intentionally avoid authors I’ve read before/books I’ve heard recommendations for already.
Aside from that, usually it’s just looking into other works from authors I really enjoy. Then I have also enjoyed getting recommendations from this sub as well.
Lastly, works I’ve never read before which are praised by authors I really enjoy.
Just wandering around thrift stores.
I explore a lot. Places like bookstores, public libraries, thrift stores, or lawn sales, if I’m lucky to come across one.
If there’s a book or author I enjoy, I’ll check out similar recommendations. I scour Goodreads a lot as well.
My town dump has an area for free stuff, and that’s where I picked up Anna Karenina. I might never have read it otherwise.
I tried to answer this when you posted in the other sub but it was removed! I love this question! While it’s true that sometimes the right book finds you at the right time, I also believe in actively seeking out great reads. First, I *absolutely* judge a book by its cover—at least at first glance. A striking or well-designed cover often signals care and thought put into the book itself. Then, I turn to the readers I trust. Asking passionate book lovers what they’re reading is one of the best ways to discover hidden gems. I also pay attention to books that keep popping up in conversation, recommendations, or even on display tables. And sometimes, it’s as simple as following a favorite author down a rabbit hole—reading what they love, who influenced them, or what they recommend. Books have a way of finding us, but I like to give them a nudge in the right direction!
You should try and help support your local library. I try to make a point to check the library first and if I can’t find what I’m looking for then I’ll try a retailer
I like to go to the library: there’s no cost and therefore there is no pressure to like or read the book. Due to that I am more willing to try books outside of what I’d usually read.
My mom is a retired librarian and reads more than anyone I know. I usually just ask her what I should read next.
ETA: A lot of people don’t know this, but you can ask librarians in public libraries for recommendations. It’s called Reader’s Advisory and it’s generally their favorite part of their job.
I like physical books. I usually just go to a bookstore and have a look around. I re-visit sections for authors I already know and like, but I can also be first pulled in by a title or maybe a cover. I’ll read the back description and then I read the first page. I usually make a decision about whether or not to buy a book based on the first page.
In addition to bookstores I do also look at the little free library boxes around me (one of the take a book/leave a book situations).