How to choose your next read when you have no idea what you want

We’ve all been there. You fancy reading something new but you can’t decide what. You scroll through endless lists, read a few descriptions, and end up watching TV instead. Sound familiar?

Here are a few strategies that actually work when you’re stuck in a reading rut.

Try a genre you’d normally ignore

If you always read thrillers, pick up a cookbook. If you only read non-fiction, try a sci-fi novel. Some of the most enjoyable reads come from stepping outside your comfort zone. You might discover a whole new genre you love.

Go by topic, not by title

Instead of browsing book titles, think about what’s on your mind lately. Interested in getting fitter? Browse our Fitness & Sport category. Thinking about your career? Check out Business & Entrepreneurship. When you start with what matters to you right now, the right book tends to find you.

Read the shortest book on your list

Sometimes the best way to beat a reading slump is to finish something quickly. Pick the shortest book that catches your eye and commit to reading it in one sitting. The momentum of finishing a book often sparks the desire to start another.

Ask someone you trust

Personal recommendations are still the best way to find great books. Ask a friend, a colleague, or a family member what they’ve read recently that they couldn’t put down.

Browse by author

If you’ve enjoyed a book by one of our authors, check out what else they’ve written. Our Authors page lets you explore each writer’s full catalogue, complete with bios and genre information.

The most important thing is to just start. Pick something, give it twenty pages, and see where it takes you. Happy reading!