With so many books to buy, but so little time to read them, if you’re like me your always on the lookout for your next favourite book. But in a world of many authors, genres and sub genres, how do we decide which novel is next? Here 5 ways to decide what book to read next.

Read Reviews: Although not every book is for everybody, reviews are a great place to start. A review can give you great insight into what someone else did or didn’t like about a story and therefore help you decide if the book is right for you. Authors love receiving reviews for this exact reason, it helps the right readers find their book.

Book Swap: Why not ask a book loving friend if they’d like to read your favourite book and you’ll read theirs in return? Even if it doesn’t end up being on your ‘all time favourite books’ list, it’ll give you something to talk about and even fuel some healthy debate about what you did and didn’t like about the story.

Amazon Also Boughts: Find a book you enjoyed on Amazon and it will give you books purchased by people who also bought the book you loved. It’s a great way to

discover new authors in your favourite genres.

Goodreads: This site is perfect for book lovers. Not only can you put book’s into to be read and read lists, you can also post reviews and follow your friends to see what they’re reading. Goodreads also has a feature where you can select a book you enjoyed and it will recommend other books you might like.

Book Jar: Already have a TBR pile you’ll be lucky to get through by the end of the year but don’t know where to start? A book jar takes the stress out of deciding. Write the titles of each book you buy, ebook and print, and place inside the jar. Next time your ready for a new book, pick one at random.

These 5 ways to decide what book to read next really help me when I’m stuck for a book to buy or read. Do you use any of the above to choose your next read? Or do you do something I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!