How to Pick Out a Good Book

You're ready to read a new book, but how do you pick a good one? With so many to choose from, how do you narrow it down to a few you'd really enjoy? Here's one way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compile a list of possibilities.
   
   Check the magazines you read. Most magazines have a few book reviews on subjects of interest to their readers. What books do your magazines suggest?
   
   Check the Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) and the New York Times (www.nytimes.com) book reviews. Skim them for titles that catch your eye.
   
   What are your friends reading? Anything compelling?
   
   Book stores have the latest and most popular books in prominent places in the stores. Browse! Borders has a section of related books: "If you liked this...you may like this." Check it out.
   
   Search online for authors you've enjoyed in the past to see if they've written anything else of interest.
   
   Check out Amazon.com's "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought." Find a book you enjoyed, then scroll down for this section. Browse through these suggestions.

2. Narrow down your list of possibilities.
   
   Read reviews online of the books on your list; try Amazon.com, BookSpot.com, or www.Powells.com.
   
   To get a feel for the writing, read the first few pages of a potential selection. If you want to keep reading, that may be the next book for you.
   
   Look for editorial comments and reviews at the front of the book. If you see pages and pages of accolades, it's a good sign.

3. Leap! Pick one that's grabbed you, and go for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a running list of book reviews and suggestions, so you can go back to it next time you're looking for new ideas.
• Sign up at www.LibraryThing.com. You log the books you've read, and LibraryThing can compare your list to many other lists, displaying lists similar to yours. It's amazing. Check out lists similar to yours for books that pique your interest.