Finding new books to read can be a daunting task. With countless titles available, knowing where to start can seem overwhelming. But with the right direction, you can find new reads that you’ll love – and discover new genres and authors that you might otherwise never stumble across. In this article, we’ll provide recommendations for the best books to read now, so you’ll never have to worry about what to read next again.
1. Finding a Book That Fits Your Interests
If you’re looking for a great book to get lost in, it helps to know what topics you’re interested in. Whether it’s horror, science fiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, or any other genre, get to know which books would be excellent choices for you. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your search:
- Check out online reviews, whether they’re on book-specific websites or consumer sites like GoodReads.
- Look up different book lists from experts, such as this list from The New York Times.
- Find out what other people are reading by trolling through social media, like Twitter.
- Check out events at your local bookstore. Authors often discuss their new novels, giving you a better idea of what they’re about.
- Ask your friends and family for book suggestions. Receiving feedback from people who have similar tastes in books can be a great way to find something new.
Keep these tips in mind when you search for a book that fits your interests! Remember, there’s never a shortage of great books to get lost in!
2. Choosing From the Most Popular Books
Bestsellers of the Year: For the avid reader, staying up to date with the bestsellers of the year is a must. Whether it’s a narrative driven novel, a self-help book, or a thrilling work of fiction – the following are some of the most popular books of this year:
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- Redemption by David Baldacci
- The Institute by Stephen King
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Classics: While bestsellers are great, the classics are always a staple in the literary world. Here’s a selection of books you might consider, depending on your preferences:
- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Outsider by Albert Camus
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
Authors to Watch: Each year brings new authors into the spotlight, and just like the previous two sections these authors deserve special recognition. Here’s a selection of books by authors on the rise for your consideration:
- The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
- The Mirror & The Light by Hilary Mantel
- Exhalation by Ted Chiang
- Crisis in the Red Zone: The Story of the Deadliest Virus Since Ebola by Richard Preston
- Little and Lion by Brandy Colbert
3. Turning to Classics for Inspiration
Nothing Beats a Masterpiece
The classics offer some of the best sources of inspiration for any reader. So when you’re looking to take on something new, why not reach for a classic masterpiece? Here’s a list of what to read now to get your creativity flowing:
- “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte: This iconic novel is one of the best works of the nineteenth century. It is an inspiring tale of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The timeless story follows the life of the eponymous heroine who must overcome obstacles and test her character.
- “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: This seminal novel is essential for anyone who loves literature. It is an exploration of themes of racism, innocence, courage, and justice. Additionally, it is a gripping and captivating story that keeps you turning pages until the end.
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This classic is a tale of hopes and dreams gone wrong. The book is an exploration of wealth, decadence, and broken promises in the Jazz Age. It is mesmerizing prose and lyrical pace is a pleasure to read.
- “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain: This book is a classic journey of adventure and a critique of society. Huck’s journey down the river is one of self-discovery and liberation. Twain’s use of language and subtle irony is masterful.
- “The Catcher in Rye” by J.D. Salinger: This novel is a coming of age story about a young man trying to make sense of the world. Holden Caulfield’s journey of self-discovery is raw and honest. It is a surprisingly relatable book for readers of any age.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect beach read or an inspiring literary work, classics provide an endless trove of ideas.
4.Exploring Historical Fiction
- Wideacre Trilogy by Philippa Gregory – Follow the story of Lizzie, a young woman from West Sussex who strives to reclaim her family’s historic estate. This spellbinding trilogy is full of secrets, scandals, and schemes.
- The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Penman – This novel follows the tumultuous life of England’s King Richard III. It is an excellent example of historical fiction, as it brings the stories of medieval England to life with its vivid and detailed descriptions.
- Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar – Take an imaginary journey into a classic work of ancient Roman literature with this tome of the autobiography of Roman emperor Hadrian. This story is full of wisdom and insight into the religious, political, and military aspects of the Roman Empire.
A great way to start delving into historical fiction is to explore the world of Medieval Romance. Books such as The King Maker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory, Ivanhoe by Walter Scott, and The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwall give readers a glimpse into the world of kings and queens.
Those looking for something a bit more exotic may want to try Arabian Nights by Muhdhazam, which transports readers to a magical world of flying carpets, genies, and adventure.
Finally, fans of mystery and intrigue should check out The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, an exploration of a medieval monastery in the middle of a murder mystery. Historical fiction offers a variety of stories and settings to explore, from faraway deserts to England’s legendary court of King Arthur.
5. Exploring Fantasy and Science Fiction
Brave New Worlds and Beyond
Whether you’re a fan of classic science fiction and fantasy or you’re looking for something new and different, there is something out there for everyone. From the old-school traditional tales of space exploration to completely new takes on magical worlds, there is sure to be a sci-fi and fantasy book to spark your imagination.
- The Daemon Prince – Felicity Banks
- The Scarred Worlds – K.A. Arsenault Rivera
- Provenance – Ann Leckie
- Middlegame – Seanan McGuire
- Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi
For something a bit more classic, check out J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series – a classic that is guaranteed to take you on an epic journey. For a new take on fantasy, try Patrick Rothfuss’ The Kingkiller Chronicle, a story about a magician-in-training and the dangers of knowledge.
- Starborn & Godsons – Lucy Hounsom
- The Bear and the Nightingale – Katherine Arden
- Uprooted – Naomi Novik
- The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzie Lee
- The Fifth Season – N.K. Jemisin
And of course, who could forget A Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series from George R.R. Martin that has taken the world by storm – each volume filled with amazing and unique characters, a hugely intricate plot, and intense action. Now you can choose from five great reads to enjoy as the winter months roll in!
6. Finding Books to Lift Your Spirits
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - This classic has sold over 83 million copies worldwide and is an inspiring tale of Santiago’s pursuit of his treasure and his journey of self-discovery along the way. It is a great read to provide comfort and a reminder to keep faith in yourself and your path.
2. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – A beautiful story about self-discovery and fulfillment as Elizabeth Gilbert embarks on a journey of spiritual and personal awakening that takes her around the world. It has been hailed as one of the most inspiring books ever written, and is filled with tons of wisdom and moments of joy.
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – It’s impossible to put into words how incredible this book is. A powerful and heartbreaking story of star-crossed lovers teenagers who intimately explore life, love, and coming of age. The Fault in Our Stars is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for life and how fleeting and precious it is.
4. The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett - Follow Mary Lennox as she discovers the wonders of nature and the power of friendship as she reluctantly takes care of a secret garden. A classic coming of age story, this book will help build optimism, joy, and resilience
5. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - An idyllic story of unconditional love and appreciation, Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree teaches us the importance of giving and kindness. It is the perfect story for those looking for a reminder of the power of giving and unconditional love in times of darkness.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – Charlie, an introspective and insightful teenager, learns the importance of friendship during his high school experience. This classic is poignant in all the right ways and teaches us to live life courageously and enjoy the present.
7. Searching Beyond Bestsellers
For readers looking to discover new voices in literature, there are plenty of places to look beyond bestsellers. Here are some ideas for finding book recommendations and staying on top of upcoming book releases:
- Check online bookstores: Online bookstores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books often feature curated sections with book recommendations. It’s a great way to find books in your preferred genres and read up on the latest releases.
- Follow bookstores and libraries: Follow bookstores and libraries on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Digital newsletters and podcasts are also a great way to stay informed about new books, author interviews, and upcoming literary events.
- Follow book blogs and review sites: Following book bloggers and book review sites is a great way to get the latest scoop on new books and author interviews. Sites like Goodreads and LibraryThing have extensive catalogs of book reviews, and Slice magazine offers an array of thoughtful reviews from independent bookstores.
- Attend book clubs: Connecting with other readers is a reliable way to find book recommendations. If you can’t find an established book club, consider starting your own. Local libraries often host virtual book clubs open to readers of all ages.
Picking up a good book is like picking up a new friend, so don’t be afraid to explore and take a few risks to find your perfect match. You never know what you’ll discover when you’re searching for book recommendations beyond the bestsellers.
8. What Books Are Trending on Social Media?
- Normal People by Sally Rooney – A stunning and socially relevant coming-of-age story of two college students in Ireland, from author Sally Rooney. This powerful, raw and brilliantly told novel is already becoming one of the most popular and beloved reads on social media.
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – An emotionally gripping and stunningly written story of past and present, secrets and lies, this is an unforgettable tale of the extraordinary power of love. The novel is trending on social media for its captivating storytelling and heartbreakingly honest characters.
- My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite – This darkly funny, thrilling debut novel has taken social media by storm. It follows the story of two sisters living in a Nigerian city and dealing with the aftermath of a murder. Braithwaite’s skillful use of satire make this an unputdownable book that readers are talking and tweeting about.
- The Death of Mrs. Westawayby Ruth Ware – Hailed as an absorbing and addictive modern Gothic mystery, this book has become one of the most popular reads on social media. Its gripping plot and twisty revelations have kept readers enthralled, with the exciting finale sure to keep them hooked even more.
- The Other Americans by Laila Lalami – Partly set in a small Californian town, this beautiful, timely portrait of an immigrant family is making waves across social media. Lalami’s provocative writing and diverse cast of characters are capable of making an important statement about immigration and what it really means to be an American.
9. Inspiring Times: What Historical Books to Read Now?
It’s always an inspiring act to take some time to read about historical events that shaped our world today. With so many different books on the topic, it can be hard to decide what to read and when. These 9 historical books are great reads and should be part of any avid reader’s repertoire for learning about the past.
- The History of the World in Six Glasses
- Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
- The Great Gatsby
- Catch-22
- Guns, Germs, and Steel
- A People’s History of the United States
- Montaigne’s Essays
- The Prince
- To Kill a Mockingbird
The History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage looks at the impact of six drinks - beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and coca-cola – to explain world history. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin looks at the political savvy of America’s 16th president and his team of political rivals. With The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald takes us back to the 1920s when the rise of industry created a large wealth gap that influenced American culture. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller tells the story of a World War II bombardier who desperately wants the war to end, but is trapped by absurd regulations.
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond looks at the factor that allowed populations to become dominant over others. In A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn tells the story of America’s history through the perspectives of those who did not benefit from traditional schooling. Michel de Montaigue’s Essays investigates a wide-range of philosophical questions. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli looks at the dynamics of power and how it is used to control people. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee looks at the injustices of the deep south during a much darker time than we have today.
10. Unplugging with Audiobooks and Podcasts
Whether you’re getting lost in audiobooks on your morning jog or catching up on the latest podcast episodes during a long work commute, is the perfect way to sneak in some relaxation time during your day. And if you’re looking for new listening material, here is a look at what to read now, with some of our top picks.
- The Daily by The New York Times: The Daily is a news podcast that tells the stories that matter the most, from politics and business to culture and technology. Tune in every weekday for the latest news and stories from around the world.
- Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel: This podcast follows the celebrated couples therapist Esther Perel as she helps couples reshape their relationships. With compassion and understanding, Perel provides deep insight into the complexities of modern love.
- The Gangster’s Son by Richard Woodley: Meet Jack, the son of a powerful gang leader in 1970s London. This thrilling audiobook delves into Jack’s struggle to define his own identity and step outside his father’s shadow.
- The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman: In this beloved classic, couples therapist and marriage consultant Gary Chapman reveals how to communicate love and build meaningful, healthy relationships.
- Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari: Stand-up comedian and writer Aziz Ansari explores the many complications of modern-day romance, from online dating to the challenge of finding true intimacy.
If you’ve been looking for new ideas on what to read and where to start, we hope this article had something for everyone. After all, there’s no discovery quite like a great book. Whether you want to get lost in a historical saga or laugh out loud with a humorous memoir, it’s all out there. We wish you lots of happy reading!