The Art of Choosing the Right Book
The world is an enormous, mesmerizing library. With thousands of books being published each week, finding the perfect book is a difficult feat, especially for a budding reader. Picking up the right book is crucial because it often defines our notions of reading and our future experiences with books. Perusing an overflowing bookshelf and selecting captivating reading material may seem daunting, but that is not where you need to start.
Looking for the right book is a journey, a rather memorable one at that. The first step is to discover your likes and dislikes. Avoid “going with the flow.” Consider the subjects that pique your interest, not what is popular amongst the people around you. Although the quality and likeability of a book are immensely subjective, there are no “bad” books. Your reading taste is yours alone, and the opinions of others should only play a trivial part in your final choice. Nevertheless, there are several aspects that matter and should be considered while book-searching.
Recognize the genre you are most drawn to. Are you more attracted to the isle of fast-paced thriller mysteries or does an empowering non-fiction narrative leave you transfixed for hours? Ask yourself what kinds of stories and movies you like and connect them to a specific book genre. Once you have identified a genre you are confident you’ll like, you will need to explore renowned books and authors. However, bear in mind that a famed book does not always guarantee a satisfying reading session. For starters, reading a book based on your favourite television show is a brilliant idea, and there is a strong likelihood that you will take pleasure in it. In fact, one of my first and favourite books is based on my favorite television show!
Explore libraries and bookstores. Stroll amongst the heaps of books at your local library and examine the shelves for cover pages that fascinate you. Contrary to the notorious saying, “you should not judge a book by its cover,” there might perhaps be a reason why a particular book cover appeals to you. I suggest reading the blurb or the prologue, both of which provide a solid summary of the book. If the book still appeals to you, do not hesitate to read it.
Ask librarians for help. If there is a certain category of books you enjoy, inform the librarians at your local or school library and request recommendations from them. Chances are they will help you discover the right set of books once they understand your interests and what you're looking for. Be mindful that your choices are wholly yours and that recommendations from others can be politely disregarded.
Obtain custom recommendations. If you do not have access to libraries or bookstores, I recommend requesting custom recommendations from the Bookorators website at https://www.bookorators.org. We offer a customized list of 4 to 5 books based on a brief questionnaire.
A handful of other aspects that can guide you in finding a suitable book:
The length: How much time would you like to dedicate to a book? Would you be more engrossed in a short, fast-paced book or a thick, leisurely novel? This is a key aspect as it will ensure the book does not interfere with your daily routines and proves to be an enjoyable experience.
The writing style: Does a book with easy vocabulary and grammar appeal to you or are you aiming to acquire a broader range of terminology through reading? Which point of view do you prefer: first-person or third-person? All of these things are significant to readers for countless varying reasons. While a first person point of view helps you connect better to the characters and plot, a third person narrative gives you an in-depth understanding of the occurring events.
Themes: As a preliminary measure, conduct a little research about the book you are about to read each time. Does it contain any themes or scenes that may trigger or upset you? In addition, I suggest reading reviews of the book to analyse it further. Goodreads.com is a resource I have come to rely on when it comes to recognising triggering topics.
The aesthetics: Is the overall mood and aesthetic of the book to your liking? Is it dark and eerie or soft and soothing? Is the tale set in an era you find alluring and enthralling? Most importantly, do you like it?
Ultimately, it is essential to take your time. You do not have to rush to find the perfect book, as it is often a lengthy process which demands time and experience. Eventually, you will stumble upon your favorite book as well as the next book you fall in love with as you wander the aisles of a library. Do not allow society to determine your reading experience; it is your beautiful journey accompanied by books and should be planned solely by you. While these are some tips on finding the right book to read, don’t stress and fret about the process. Reading is all about relaxing and letting your mind drown in the city of stories, so sit back, relax, and read on.
