Book sourcing & matchmaking
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library room designed by Tracey Garet via
Where do you go when you're wondering what to read next? I really want to know! I'm probably thinking about this today because I recently read A Window Opens which features, as a detail in one of the plot lines, the idea of doing home parties/trunk shows where the hostess serves as matchmaker between books and client. Which isn't a bad idea, by the way...
Anyway, here are a few of my go-to sites to find my next book but I would love to add to my list!
Blogs/social media:
- A Design so Vast: Lindsey writes about life, parenting, & writing and, as an inveterate reader, frequently posts what she's reading, like this recent post of book suggestions for holiday giving. She's got great taste. (I think I first heard about All the Light You Cannot See from her.)
- Shelah Books It: I love Shelah's book reviews--she gives an enjoyment rating and content description so you know what you're getting and she reads widely in many different genres. Plus she's one of those readers who seems to line up well with my taste and preferences. Definitely worth subscribing.
- The Social Book Club: Instagram meets the old fashioned book club. Three friends teamed up to suggest, discuss, and post about a book a month. Even when I don't read along I enjoy following them on IG.
- I always pay attention to all the recommendations that surface when someone crowdsources book recommendations on Facebook or Instagram, too.
Bookstores (extra points if you order/buy your books directly from these!)
- Powell's (staff's top five each year) -- they also feature authors' music playlists from when they were writing specific books. Fascinating!
- King's English (staff picks) --I heard about Martin Marten here
- Parnassus (staff picks)--Nashville independent bookshop owned by author Ann Patchett
Others
- Goodreads--Of course Goodreads is no big secret but I do love to see what my friends are reading and get some good suggestions here. Over the years I've learned which readers like the same things I do.
- The Guardian's books blog hosts a page on what are you reading right now? the year's best literary fiction and holiday giving ideas.
- I like the Washington Post's book section, too. Here are their best books of 2015.
What about you? Where do you go for your best book matchmaking?
Edited to add these suggestions from readers in the comments:
- Indiebound (especially the best seller and next lists)
- Abe Books
- Modern Mrs. Darcy
- Magazine book reviews (e.g., People, More, Oprah, Time)
