It’s so tough to choose what to read next, isn’t it??

I remember being around 12 and going to Borders in City Center. Back then, the bookshop sprawled endlessly, and I spent hours upon hours lost in its alleys, trying to choose what to buy.

Sometimes, I would end up reading 50 pages from a book, only to realize that I didn’t want it

Today’s borders ain’t got NOTHING on the old one

Thankfully, my days of agonizing over books has equipped me with some tools which help me to this day, so now: Here are some things to keep in mind while choosing your next book to read:

My tbr (sort of)

1- Favorite genre: Let’s face it- We all have a favorite book, or at least a favorite genre or two. My personal go-tos are epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and philosophy (even though philosophical books are harder to get through).

While it’s tempting to stick to your faves, my advice for you is to branch out a bit. Alternate between reading your favorite genre and new ones. For example, I just finished a history book, and my current read is A Deadly Education, which is a sort of dark academia fantasy which is proving a jet-black delight!

Like dragons? Pick a dragony book!

2- Pieces in a series: Ever start a cozy little standalone novel, then look up to only to face the horrid realization that it’s part 1 of a  towering 13-part bookish Everest, complete with bouldera of lore, valleys of twisting magic systems, and sparse copies left of part 9?

Right, that’s what happened when I tried to pick up Eye of The World. The book was GORGEOUS. But now I’m stuck on book five, stuck halfway up the mountain with nowehre to go. Worse still is – gasp- when you pick up a book, become utterly confused by Chapter one, and realize you have accidentally picked up part FOUR of a series.

(shouts into the abyss)

Pick your mountain wisely. Make sure you google the book and check it out on Goodreads to find out where it is in any given series.

Leave the 12-book series for later

3- Friends: This one is simple. While scouring your bookshelf, remember Einstein’s bookish forumla: E= MC^2

Where M is the number of friends who like the book, and C is your reading speed. The more friends you know who enjoyed the book or are interested in reading it, the quicker you will finish!

The great thing about having shared reading interests is that you might be able to discuss the book, or even read it together. This is invaluable, and will make your experience far better.

(don’t get bored, read with friends)

Conclusion: These were my tips to picking your next read! If you’re still not sure about what to pick next, take a look at MY BOOKS. They are sure to satiafy all three tips

As always, happy reading!

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