What Should I Read Next? Your Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Book
Struggling to choose your next book? Discover proven strategies, personalized recommendations, and expert tips to find books you'll love in 2025.
Finding your next great read shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're fresh off finishing an amazing book or returning to reading after a break, we'll help you discover your perfect match.
Find Your Perfect Book Match
Why Choosing Your Next Book Matters
Every reader knows the feeling: you've just closed the back cover of an incredible book, and nothing else seems quite right. This "book hangover" is real, and finding the right follow-up read can make the difference between maintaining your reading momentum and falling into a slump.
5 Proven Strategies to Find Your Next Read
1. Follow Your Current Mood
Your reading mood is like your appetite—it changes based on:
- Current life events: Stressful times might call for escapist fantasy
- Season: Cozy mysteries in winter, beach reads in summer
- Energy levels: Dense literary fiction vs. light rom-coms
2. Use the "Similar But Different" Rule
Love a book? Look for reads that share one key element but differ in others:
- Same genre, different setting
- Same themes, different time period
- Same author style, different genre
3. Explore Award Winners and Lists
Recent award winners offer quality guarantees:
- Booker Prize for literary fiction
- Hugo Awards for sci-fi/fantasy
- Goodreads Choice Awards for popular picks
4. Follow the Reading Chain
Let one book naturally lead to another:
- Books mentioned within your current read
- Authors your favorite writers recommend
- Non-fiction about topics from fiction you enjoyed
5. Try the 50-Page Rule
Not sure about a book? Give it 50 pages:
- Hooked? Keep going
- Still unsure? Try 50 more
- Not feeling it? Move on guilt-free
Quick Decision Framework
The 3-Question Test
Ask yourself these three questions to narrow your choices:
- Do I want to think or escape?
- Do I want familiar or surprising?
- Do I want fast-paced or slow-burn?
Genre-Specific Recommendations
If You Love Fantasy
Start with Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros for romantasy, or The Priory of the Orange Tree for epic worldbuilding.
If You Love Mystery/Thriller
Try The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides for psychological thrills, or Thursday Murder Club for cozy mystery.
If You Love Romance
Pick up Beach Read by Emily Henry for contemporary, or The Spanish Love Deception for slow-burn romance.
If You Love Non-Fiction
Explore Atomic Habits by James Clear for self-improvement, or Sapiens for mind-expanding history.
When You're Completely Stuck
Sometimes you need a more personalized approach. That's where our quiz comes in—answer a few quick questions about your preferences, and we'll generate tailored recommendations just for you.
Find Your Perfect Book Match
Take our personalized quiz to discover books tailored to your unique reading preferences.
Take the QuizBuilding Your Personal Reading System
Create a To-Read List That Works
- Keep it organized by mood/genre
- Limit it to 20-30 books (avoid overwhelm)
- Review and refresh quarterly
Track What You've Read
Understanding your reading patterns helps you choose better:
- Note what you loved and why
- Identify your reading seasons
- Spot patterns in your DNFs (did not finish)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a book is right for me?
Read reviews from readers with similar tastes, check the first few pages online, and trust your instincts. If the premise excites you, it's worth trying.
Should I finish books I don't enjoy?
Life's too short for books you don't enjoy. The 100-page rule is generous—if you're not engaged by then, move on.
How many books should I read at once?
Most readers do well with 2-3 books in different formats or genres—perhaps one physical, one audio, and one e-book.
Your Next Reading Adventure Awaits
Remember, there's no wrong choice when it comes to your next read. Every book—even the ones you don't finish—teaches you more about your reading preferences.
Ready to discover your perfect book match? Take our personalized quiz and get recommendations tailored exactly to your current mood and preferences.
Find Your Perfect Book Match
Take our personalized quiz to discover books tailored to your unique reading preferences.
Last updated: January 2025. Looking for specific genre recommendations? Check out our guides on fantasy books, cozy mysteries, and books like your favorites.