How do you people know which books to read?! There are SO many! It’s been soo so long since I’ve read a ficitonal book that I’ve chosen that I don’t know where to begin. I read a lot of them in high school and enjoyed them, but now what? And I read all the time as a child. (like 20-40 books a year, haha)
Anyway. I am just shy of finishing Knitting Under the Influence. I have to say that I found it really good. It was almost awesome. I’ve read it now for about 3 days and will be done sometime tonight.
I guess my problem is that I never know if I will like a book or if recommendations and opinions will be to my liking. I’m pretty picky about everything.
So, I am an avid fan of the library now. Where should I start?!
I like Mystery, Humor and well-written books.
I really want to read new books, something refreshing and current-ish. like 5-10 years old. I just don’t know where to start. So really, I don’t even know if I am asking for recommendations, but rather how do YOU know what book to choose to read?
I LOVE Dianna Gabaldon’s books…Outlander is the first one!!!
Amazing totally and compeletly!!!
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon: Confirmed bachelor Episcopal priest and his goings on…SWEET SWEET story!!!
Ok, I’ve got a list… http://librariansbooklist.blogspot.com/ I did this last summer some of my favorite books are on there. I wanted people to write reviews of books and post it on there, but it didn’t happen…but my fav’s are on there.
I usually just have friend pressing books on me at every turn. It’s hilarious the amount of reading I need to get done. :roflhard:
A good comedy: Good Omens. I think Terry Pratchet was one of the authors, I can’t remember. It’s a great comedy, as is anything by Terry Pratchet, and well worth the read.
Marion Keyes is a good humour writer. I love Jodi Piccoult for the subjects she tackles. Jeffrey Deaver and Patricia Cornwell as I adore crime and forensics.
I then usually see what’s on best seller lists but don’t always get what’s recent - many recommended books I’ve found boring (like Cold Mountain - URGH!)
I also look at special offers so if I can get 3 for the price of 2, I’ll usually take a ‘risk’ on a new author or book I like the blurb on - that way, if I don’t like it, at least I haven’t spent loads!
Even if you don’t buy from Amazon and borrow your books from the library, there is one great Amazon feature: “Customers who bought this item also bought …”.
When I read a book that I really like, I look at the Amazon description and follow the above link. You’d be surprised how well it works. I’ve discovered a ton of authors by taking a risk and ordering their books because I followed the Amazon link of what others have ordered, read the synopsis and reviews of the book and got intrigued.
My book recommendation: The Time Traveler’s Wife. An amazing story!
I don’t know if you like historical fantasy, but Juliet Marillier is and AMAZING author (in my opinion). While her books are a bit fantastical, they’re not so out-there as to be unbelievable and are primarily based off of celtic folklore. They’re adult level reading books, and I would recommend starting with her book Daughter of the Forest, it is the first in a trilogy.
I recommend reading ’ Jane Eyre’. I it. It’s so well written. I read it every year along with ‘Little Women’ and ‘Good wives’. If you want something a bit more unusal, ‘Neverwhere’ by Neil Gamen is a good one.
I work part time at a book store and I am always finding new things to read from co-workers as well as customers!
Try, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” by Mark Haddon. It is a great book and and easy enjoyable read about an autistic boy who solves a mystery.
Also, try “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. This is a historical fiction book set in China about a girl who has an arranged friendship with another girl and what happens as they grow up. Well written and a very quick read- I got so into it, it didn’t last long!
[quote=“HeatherFeather”]I LOVE Dianna Gabaldon’s books…Outlander is the first one!!!
I agree! I’ve read the series a couple of times, when new bookks come out. I’m starting all over soon, because I received the latest one LAST Christmas, but waited until I was anxious to read all of them again. I highly recommend these.
I love books! For the longest time, I was into “happy ending” romance. Just gotta love a happy ending.
I just read Mary Higgins Clark’s “Two Little Girls in Blue.” Nice read.
Women’s fiction has gotten ahold of me these days. “The Knitting Circle” by Ann Hood was a GREAT book. And, of course, I loved the knitting aspect of it.
“Family Tree” by Barbara Dalinski was awesome as well.
I read People magazine and always check out the book section. If one looks good, I go to my library’s site and request it. Sometimes, you have to wait a while, but at least it saves me from running around trying to find it or having to buy a hardcover.
Jodi Picoult is the BOMB!
Let’s see:
The Mermaid Chair
Anything by Jennifer Chiaverini
Anything by Eileen Goudge
Gosh, I could go on. Maybe we should have a list somewhere, huh?
I read almost exclusively British murder mystery style books and I like the ones set in historic times. Agatha Christie is still of course one of the shining lights but Peter Ellis and Brother Cadfeal books are great as is Peter Tremayne and the Sister Fidelma books because they offer such great insights into the Brehon law system (ancient Irish) which has a lot going for it!
I have more, but those are the ones that pop to mind first. They are all mystery/humor.
I used to belong to the mystery guild before I took up knitting. Knitting is definitely cheaper considering I can almost read a book a day and it takes me forever to knit something! :teehee:
Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman collaborated on that one, and I have to second the recommendation on both the book and the authors. The entire Discworld series is hilarious, and both Neverwhere and American Gods have this perfect balance of captivating drama and humour.
Ask a librarian!!! They often have a section of the newest popular books, bestseller books etc. they can also help you find books similar to ones you have liked in the past, or point you towards totally new areas. Our library is great- very helpful people there and it is very friendly.
I was waiting for someone to say this. As a librarian, I cannot stress this enough. Check out your library’s website to see if they have recommendations listed. Maybe they will have book lists or displays to tempt you within the library. Ask your friendly librarians - we love to help people find new books and new authors. Or do the Amazon thing and instead of buying the book, check the library’s catalog to see if they have it. Newer items to circulate more, so you might have to get on the hold list, but it’s still an option.
Susan P. (and anyone else who likes British mysteries) have you read Elizabeth George? And P.D. James? And Ruth Rendell? They are all FABULOUS authors of British mysteries!
it. It’s so well written. I read it every year along with ‘Little Women’ and ‘Good wives’. If you want something a bit more unusal, ‘Neverwhere’ by Neil Gamen is a good one.