Finding new books can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to help. First, check the library’s website or catalog to see what new books are being published. Second, look for used booksstores and bookstores in your area. Finally, check out bookstores online or in print.
SJ highlights several of the most popular web-based tools for finding new books:
TheFu suggests checking out award-winning lists and one rather quirky way to pick a good Sci-Fi book:
We’ll second his vote to read Sphere and avoid the movie.
I also enjoy reading the books that were made into movies (usually bad movies). Someone though that the book was great enough to blow $50M-$300M on it. Sphere really was a great book, but please ignore the movie.
While many of our readers relied on digital recommendations, several took a distinctly analog approach. JSilvers writes:
Giving oneself permission not to finish a bad book is an important literary skill to development–life is too short and good books are too abundant to waste time on a bad book, for sure.
I peruse the contents of Bookmarks magazine to compose a list of BooksToRead, The list is hand written on 3×5 cards and I keep it in my purse. I add to this list with comments from my various book clubs.
Cruising the New Books aisles of the various libraries within 20 miles is my main recreation. I pick books matching my lists and other appealing titles, based on the inside blurbs. I also troll the local independent book stores, and Barnes&Noble. I am fortunate to live in the Phoenix area which allows me to checkout books from the libraries of several adjacent towns, and has several independent book stores selling new and used books.
I end up with a pile of books on my table, sorted by due date, then by contents, so I don’t read two books of the same kind sequentially. Books are added at the bottom and read from the top. I will resort the pile, just so long as I don’t keep a book past its due date. Of course, reading turns up a few duds; I give myself permission not to continue reading them.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Have a book recommendation tip or trick to share? It’s not too late to join the conversation; sound off in the comments with your book search tips.
