Most readers have a hard time finding a book or struggle to get into a recommended book. The problem is most readers are reading books that do not line or fall into their interest. When finding a good read, I consider three factors when choosing the right book: Genre, Mindset /Mood, and Time.
Factor 1: Genre
"Book Genre are often overlooked or not consider because most books are either recommended or picked at random."
Choosing your book genres is a crucial part of finding a good read because it is the book's foundation, so you want to pick wisely. First, research what Genre you are interested in. Once you have found 3 to 5 Genres, you need to explore the best books in that category and read 2 to 4. After reading 2 to 4 books, identify two books you enjoyed reading and pick other books and authors similar to those. I do not recommend doing this in one day because it will take time. Understand and know that you won't always come across a good read. Having 3 to 5 go to Genres when choosing your next book shortens the search process and gives you a starting point without feeling overwhelmed.
Tip for Picking Genres
1: Use your favorite movie genres as a starting point
Author's Top 5 Genres
Thriller
Fantasy
Mystery
Memoir
Self-help / Personal Development
Author's Book Outline Recommendation for each Genre
1. Thriller
The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
behind her eyes - Sarah Pinborough
2.Fantasy
Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo
Circe - Madeline Miller
Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
3. Mystery
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
The Guest List - Lucy Foley
4.Memoir
Educated -Tara Westover
Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates
Becoming - Michelle Obama
5. Self-help / Personal Development
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing - Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey
Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
Atomic Habits - James Clear
Recommended websites to Research Book Genre
Factor 2: Mindset /Mood
"Fining reading as a task and therefore find it boring or unpleasant."
Many avid readers use techniques to get them in a mindset or mood to read. One technique I use is a countdown/ waiting period for a book that I want to read. This is when I have waited an "X" amount of days to prepare myself to read a book. By doing this, I get into what I called my "reading mood". Since this is a unique technique I use, I know this will not work for everyone. I urge you to do research or find your own technique. This will take time, and know that it is ok if you do not find a technique that works for you. The most important thing is that you go into a book with a mindset of intent, whether to learn, discover, explore, be enchanted, scared, etc. Know why you picked out the book and what you will take away from it.
Factor 3: Time
"I don't have time to read a book "
Setting aside time for reading is not a priority for many people with busy schedules. One way I make time for reading is I work it into my everyday schedule. For example, if you like reading a physical book, make time to read before bed or on the weekend to start and finish that book. If you do not have time to read physical books and are open to listening to audiobooks, find time in your everyday schedule to listen to the book instead. I know that not everyone will have or make time to read, but once you get a reading routine set in place and stick to it for a month or more, it will become part of your everyday schedule. Know that it is ok to take time off from reading. The takeaway is that if you want to become an avid reader or struggle to finish the book, you must make time for reading in your everyday life.
Tips for Reading Physical Books
1: Do not let enough time go by with any physical book because you will end up not reading it.
2: Set aside a two-week or less period to get physical books read: this is pertaining to books under 1000 words or any book series.
Tip for Reading AudioBooks
1: Audiobooks can be listen to almost anywhere ie. - your car, working out, shopping, or in bed, etc.)
To conclude, I hope you as a reader consider my three factors when finding your next read. I understand that all my factors may not be helpful to everyone. However, as an avid reader, I enjoy sharing my tips and techniques with others seeking reading advice. I am rooting for you on your journey to finding your next read!
Website/ Resources Helps you find your next read :
https://www.goodreads.com/genres- Website design for readers to search, discover and review books.
Libby.com - Local library books that you can access online through this app with your library card.
Audible.com - Paid service to find your next audiobooks
Your Local Library - Do not forget that most cities and states have Libraries that are free to the public and you can check out any books by getting a free library card.
Thank you for the tips! I definitely have to be in a "reading mood" as well.
I've been using audible and love it! I've been reading a lot more books with that format.