One of the most frequent questions I’m asked from my followers, friends and family, is, “What should I read next?”
It should be such a simple question as I can whip out book titles like burgers at a McDonald’s. However for me, what each person reads next, is bigger than just another title. Reading for many is an escape for them to travel to another place or to live in someone else’s shoes for just a brief amount of time. For others, it’s a way of life, to always have a book in his or her hands, because reading is their comfort zone. To some, it’s a duty because they belong to the neighborhood book club for the free wine and gossip. In my opinion, all of these reasons are valid, understandable and good because it gets a book in the hands of a reader.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, what is a book without its reader?
So before I ever answer what to read next, this is my comeback reply…
- What did you read last?
- Did you enjoy it?
- What is your favorite genre?
I ask these questions for a few reasons. There’s no doubt, staying in the same city, country, time period or even genre, should not be read repetitively unless you are doing research. For example, the person who adores romance novels will quickly learn there is something awfully formulaic in this genre and if read repeatedly the appeal of these books will soon lose their luster (perhaps not their lust though, ha-ha). So I always take the approach to offer something as far different as the last book they read.
I inquire if they enjoyed it because, as the Good Book Fairy knows far too well, life is too short for bad books. I’d hate for an entire genre of books to be tossed because the reader didn’t read a good representation from it. This happens with historical fiction often. People are scared of it because they didn’t live in it. WRONG. A good author will take you into a different time period and let you live there through the eyes of the characters and their stories.
Finally, I wonder about their favorite genre. I know people like to stay in their comfort zone and I’m all about letting them stay there…if they so choose! For example, if they answer that they only read mysteries, I’ll try and offer a mystery set in a futuristic or historical setting to perhaps expand the monotony of the genre.
In my opinion, the best answer should be, “I’ll read any genre, as long as it’s good.” And then my friends, my Good Book Fairy wings start flapping and I’m bombs away with titles.
For your own what to read next suggestions, peruse through my website where you can search by title, genre, category or author! I’ve also added the ability to buy the books I review (as well as anything else) from Amazon.com. As always, happy reading!
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I love your website. I check your review at least once a week. You have become my “it” source for me to find my next book. Dont know what i did without you.
Caren, that’s the best compliment ever. Glad you found me and please help me by spreading my website address around to those who love to read! Thanks!!
Happy Reading,
Lauren