Finding a good book is not an easy task. Fortunately, judging a book by its cover or basing a choice solely on the blurbs of praise from other authors and reviewers aren't the only options available. Readers can discover their next great read by trying out some of these internet-based suggestions:
Amazon.com Further Reading Suggestions
Amazon.com offers quite a few features that make choosing a book a simple and enjoyable process. The first is their "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" feature, which provides readers with similar titles as the title they are currently browsing. This is a great feature, because while some of the suggestions are obvious, there are others that a reader might never know about. It also provides a time saving benefit, virtually eliminating the reader's need to search anywhere else for books with a common theme or element.
The second feature that Amazon.com offers to bookworms looking for something good to read is the "Search Inside" component. This allows browsers to read various elements of the book, from the introduction and table of contents, to a sample chapter and an index, which gives them the ability to instantly decide if it is the right book for them. The only downside to the "Search Inside" feature is that it is not available for all books offered for sale by Amazon.
Online Reader Reviews as Sources for Book Recommendations
Many large online booksellers give readers the opportunity to rate the books that they have read, along with writing a corresponding review. Fellow readers can determine the reading-worthiness of a book in two ways: by the overall rating or by reading a variety of assorted reviews. This gives those searching for their next read a wide scope of opinions on a single book. These reviews are typically more beneficial to the average reader than a single newspaper or magazine review because they provide many different ideas and from various perspectives.
Social Networking for Book Lovers
Social networking has become the technological equivalent to meeting new people and sharing ideas. Sites like MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn all enable people to interact who normally would not have the opportunity due in large part to geographic limitations. Readers who use these sites can join groups with fellow bookworms and exchange opinions and feedback on what was worth reading and what to pass up.
Sites specifically geared toward readers have begun springing up in their own right. Goodreads lets readers track what they have read, what they want to read, assign books a rating, write a review and share information with those that they "friend". Another similar site is LibraryThing, which allows readers to catalog their books and provides suggestions based upon individual catalog lists. Just bare in mind that LibraryThing.com only allow readers to list 200 books for free, those who want to catalog more will have to pay a small fee. There is no fee associated with Goodreads.com and readers can list an unlimited number of books.
Some other ideas for finding books of interest include:
- Search "Best of " lists. Plenty of these are created by associations, groups, booksellers and individuals. Popular lists are arranged by topic (ex. "Best memoirs about addiction") or by year (ex. "Best Books of 2008").
- Word of mouth from a friend/family member. Not only can fellow readers offer suggestions, but can also form book chains and pass along books when done reading.
- Join a book club. Book clubs make great sources for finding book suggestions that might not be chosen otherwise (ex. Anna Karenina regained popularity among modern readers when it was picked by Oprah Winfrey as one of her book club selections.).
All of these options provide readers with fast and current access to great books, while also providing the added benefit of socializing with fellow book lovers in between turning pages.
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