Not sure where to find reading recommendations? Here are over three dozen suggestions!
Social Media
Many social media options require you to register or sign up for an account, but once you do you are able to access personalized recommendations or view additional content.
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BookTok (on TikTok, opens a new window) You will need the TikTok app to search and save videos. |
Facebook, opens a new window |
Goodreads, opens a new window
You do not have to be a member to look at their already compiled lists. |
| Instagram, opens a new window |
Reddit, opens a new window
The subreddit thread r/books has myriad posts about book-related topics. Type “what to read” in the search bar to get to more specific threads. You don’t have to subscribe. |
Storygraph, opens a new window
You will need to set up a free account, but you can take a quiz and have book suggestions generated based on your reading preferences. |
Podcasts
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Book Riot: The Podcast, opens a new window
Also a blog and offers a newsletter |
Books and Boba, opens a new window
Hour long episodes dedicated to Asian and Asian American authors and books. |
Book Fight!, opens a new window
Hosted by a pair of dudes with writing and publishing experience, these hour long episodes are filled with banter about books. |
NPR’s Book of the Day, opens a new window
Offering bite-sized (10- to 15-minute) book reviews. According to podcast reviewers this podcast can lean left politically. |
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The New York Times Book Review, opens a new window
A classic, respected voice in the world of book reviews. |
The New Yorker: Fiction, opens a new window
Focuses on literary fiction. Every week an author and the host read and discuss a selection previously published in the magazine |
One More Chapter, opens a new window
Two women banter about books in these half-hour episodes. |
Reading Through Life, opens a new window
Best girlfriends talk about books and reading. More than one listener mentioned augmenting TBR to-be-read) piles |
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The Stacks, opens a new window
unafraid to highlight marginalized writers & books |
Well-Read with Glory Edim, opens a new window
what writers are reading |
What Should I Read Next?, opens a new window
Hourlong episodes with guests and lots of titles mentioned |
Publishers
If you like a book, go to its publisher’s web site and browse there for other titles. You may also sign up to receive e-mails about about-to-be-released books from the publisher (but beware of an overstuffed inbox!). Here are some of my favorites:
Booksellers
As with publishers, you may sign up to hear from booksellers regularly. Here are some to consider:
| Abe Books, opens a new window |
Amazon Books, opens a new window
On the left-hand side of the page are links you can click to narrow down your search. |
Barnes and Noble, opens a new window |
The Bookies Bookstore, opens a new window
Bookstore local to Denver. |
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Early Bird Books, opens a new window
Lots of lists. |
Parnassus Bookstore, opens a new window
Owned by author Ann Patchett. |
Powell’s City of Books, opens a new window
Independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon; beloved by librarians and booklovers. |
Tattered Cover, opens a new window
Originally an independent bookstore in Denver, this chain is now part of Barnes and Noble. |
People
Ask your friends what books they suggest! You can also ask strangers in certain situations—if you’re sitting next to someone with a book on an airplane, for example. Most people are happy to tell you what they are reading; in fact, here are some celebrities with their own book clubs:
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Jenna Bush Hager |
Dakota Johnson |
Mindy Kaling |
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Dua Lipa |
Sarah Jessica Parker SJP Lit (an imprint, not a book club) |
Emma Watson |
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Florence Welch |
Oprah Winfrey |
Reese Witherspoon |
Periodicals
| Most famously | Locally | Book Specific |
| The New York Times | 5280 | BookPage |
| The New Yorker | The Colorado Sun | Publishers Weekly |
| The Washington Post | The Denver Post |
Other Resources
Here are some other places to find titles to consider:
- Blogs For example Book Riot, Literary Hub or Kirkus Reviews all include book recommendations on their blogs.
- Books Sometimes books that appeal are mentioned in the books you are reading.
- Deep dives Scrolling around on your phone or computer can lead you to a subject you’d like to read more about.
- Libby/Overdrive At the bottom of the Title Details information about a book is a heading, Other Titles in List, that can lead to a list of read-alikes.
- Project Gutenberg, opens a new window A library of over 70,000 free eBooks.
- Whichbook, opens a new window This allows you to narrow your search according to various parameters like location, mood and emotion, and character and plot.
- Browsing Look through the shelves of any friend or bookstore or library.
Libraries
Arapahoe Libraries, and other libraries too, can provide a wealth of suggestions for your next read. Many libraries in Colorado, opens a new window will give you a library card for free, even if you are only visiting. You may use that card to check out items at that time or browse their digital collection at your convenience. Each library is different and restrictions may apply.
To find Arapahoe Libraries resources, visit the home page. If you click on Browse the Library, a drop down menu will open and display a number of ways to sort collections including by format, by audience, Bestsellers, Coming Soon and more. If you are in the mood for adventure, click on Explore and check out the staff lists and blog posts that could lead you to your next read.
Visiting the library in person lets you see what is immediately available in a branch. You can browse among the shelves to see what appeals to you or peruse the displays to see what topics are being highlighted. Your best resource in the building will be the staff members, who are happy to talk with you and help you hone in on what you are in the mood for. Don’t be shy—you may borrow up to 100 items at a time from our library district. Happy reading!
This blog was written by Kathleen, one of Arapahoe Libraries' Reference Librarians.
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