One of my favorite things is pairing someone up with a great book. Sure, I do it while working at the library, but I do it a lot when I hang out with friends and family, too. Because everyone is different, it can sometimes be a challenge. Some folks stick to one genre, while others are into the overall tone of stories — or other factors entirely. At the risk of no one needing me anymore, I thought I’d share some of the websites I use to make book matches (and find my own next read).
Don’t you hate it when you learn about a book only to find out it’s incredibly popular so there is a wait list to get it from the library? One of the great things about NoveList Plus (a book database you have access to with your library card) is that it provides read-alikes. You could look up that really popular book you placed on hold and see some similar books to read while you wait. Another cool thing about these read-alikes is that they are often hand-picked, and a real, living person explains why a particular book is recommended — no algorithms here! The read-alikes are located on the right side of the page when you’re looking at the detailed view of the book.
Books and Authors is another one of the bookish databases DBRL
subscribes to, and it’s a great discovery tool to find new authors or series. Using the “Who? What? When? Where?” search feature (located in the menu bar), you can specify exactly what you’re interested in reading. Interested in a psychic (who) in England (where) during the 1920s (when)? Check out “Daughter of the House” by Rosie Thomas. What about a murderer (who) in the Netherlands (where)? Perhaps “The Little Red Chairs” by Edna O’Brien would fit the bill. The possibilities are endless!
There is also a way to get “book prescriptions,” via The Book Apothecary. This one operates by asking how you’re feeling, and then it asks a follow up question. Based on your answers, you get a few book recommendations. For example, when I said I was feeling brave and energetic, “Choose Your Own Autobiography” by Neil Patrick Harris was suggested. Thankful and philosophical led to “Astonish Me” by Maggie Shipstead. The unique process The Book Apothecary employs is fun to play around with.
What Should I Read Next?
It’s a question I’m constantly asking myself, but it’s also another book recommendation site. You’re asked to submit the title or author of the book you have read and enjoyed, and it recommends other books. The thing that makes What Should I Read Next? different is that it makes suggestions using the subjects of the books, as well as reader recommendations from the site. This is a fairly robust site that has yet to do me wrong.
Of course, even with all of these fun resources, your friendly library staff are always happy to lend a hand. You can chat with staff at any DBRL location to find a great book. If you prefer the comfort of your home, you can even get book recommendations on Facebook! On January 6, 2017 and February 3, 2017, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., just look for our reading recommendations post, tell us about two or three books or authors you like, and we’ll recommend your next great read.
