You know that book blogs are a great place to find book recommendations since you’re reading this post! However, voracious readers know that they have to look around to find new books, especially if they’re trying out a new genre or looking for a specific topic. Here are seven places to find new books to read.
Costco. If you have a Costco membership, you understand that the merchandise is CONSTANTLY changing. My husband goes there at least weekly during the spring to get new flowers or trees for our yard. Costco is also a great place to find new books because they always have a mix of new releases (mainly adult books) and box sets. We will browse this section every time we’re there and get ideas for series my kids haven’t read yet. I also love that Costco has been selling picture books for both Black History Month and Women’s History Month, and I always get ideas here. Pro tip: Take a picture of the books that look interesting and then search your local library for them before buying a set.
Barnes & Noble newsletters. I know some people are diehard Barnes & Noble fans, and I get it. You can browse the sections and then go right over and get a snack while you read. Since I prefer to shop secondhand or from local shops, I rarely shop here — but the email newsletters are gold. I always look forward to these emails to see what books are being released, and then I put them on hold through the Libby app. If you do prefer to buy books through Barnes & Noble, these newsletters usually have coupon codes for new releases as well.
Indie bookstore newsletters. I signed up for the e-newsletter from my local bookstore, The King’s English, a few years ago and love getting news about what local authors are publishing. This is also where I go to find out about book signings or virtual author events. Chances are good that your local bookstore also has an email subscriber list.
Goodreads. Yes, I have an obsession with Goodreads. It is the best tool to record what you read and find new books you’ll love. One of my favorite features is receiving emails whenever an author I’ve read books from has a new release. I head straight over to Libby to reserve the audiobook or ebook once I know it’s available or reserve a hardcover from my library website. Goodreads also periodically emails you when an author you love endorses another author’s book. For example, I loved Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and gave it five stars on Goodreads. Because of that, I’ve received recommendations for other similar memoirs I’ve loved. If you haven’t used your Goodreads account in a while, hop over there! I can’t say enough about how lifechanging it is for readers.
Library holds section. Whoever conceived the holds section of the library should win the Nobel prize. I’m at my local library at least three times a week picking up new books for myself or my kids. It is a lifesaver. While I’m grabbing my books, I’ll glance at what other patrons have on hold. Do I always get ideas for new books to read? No. Do I realize that there are books out there that suit everyone? Absolutely. I mainly find picture book ideas here, but I’ve also seen beautiful coffee table books that I checked out later and loved.
Amazon. I mean, duh. Who hasn’t bought a book on Amazon? What I love about Amazon, though, is the sheer amount of data they have. If you look up the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, for example, you’ll see all the other books in the series and books that other customers who like DOAWK (just made that acronym up) also like. I had to do this exact search a few months ago when my son finished that series and then wasn’t interested in anything else. Amazon has also started prompting me to finish my series and showing me new books. Pro tip: If you love a certain series or author, check Amazon first and add the pre-order book to your cart, even if you don’t plan to buy it. Then check your cart periodically and request the titles from your library one or two months before they’re published. I rarely buy books without reading them first. This is how I ensure I get them first from the library!
Instagram influencers. I follow several children’s book bloggers on Instagram, including @hereweeread, @book.nerd.mommy, and @bookbloom. Whenever they share books that look interesting to me, I screenshot the post on my phone and then search for the titles at my library. You can also search hashtags like #instabook or #bookblogger to find books you love.
