Mary sat by her favorite corner at
her favorite coffee shop, holding a novel she had just finished reading.
She had a faraway look, as if imagining a world that didn’t exist outside the book.
The emotions lingered—joy, heartbreak, a sense of being lost, and another of completion.
The question lingered, one that felt inevitable: “What do I read next?”
She sighed before picking up her phone and started scrolling through Goodreads.
This moment of uncertainty is one many readers face. With endless books available, choosing the next great read can feel overwhelming.
That is where book recommendations work their magic. Whether from a friend, an algorithm or a literary influencer, a well-timed suggestion can lead to an unforgettable journey.
Book recommendations play a significant role in shaping reading choices by introducing readers to new genres, authors and themes they might not have discovered on their own.
Depending on the genres and tropes, it is easy to find your next book either from family members and friends who know of your read, or from the social media platforms.
Here are some of the sources of book recommendations:
Word of mouth
For avid readers like Mary, nothing beats a personal recommendation.
A book handed over by family or friends with the words, “You must read this”, carry a certain weight.
Listening to them as they go on and on about how the book impacted them, with little snippets of its plot, a reader will always hold this dear.
A single suggestion can introduce a reader to a new favorite author or a genre they never considered before.
In Mary’s case, she was introduced to romantasy (romance and fantasy) by her sister.
The next time she finds herself at that coffee shop corner, there will be a change, and she will not be wondering what to read.
Influence of social media trends
The last time I opened my Tiktok account, my FYP was filled with readers and authors rating books, recommending them and showing off their latest read.
TikTok’s #BookTok, Instagram’s #CurrentlyReading, and YouTube’s BookTube have created an explosion of literary trends.
Books that had been quietly sitting on shelves for years suddenly become bestsellers overnight, thanks to viral videos and passionate reader discussions.
Mary had witnessed this firsthand.
She still remembered seeing countless videos praising The Song of Achilles—a book she had never heard of before.
The reviews were glowing, the reactions emotional, and soon enough, she found herself flipping through its pages late into the night.
Algorithms
It is 2025, and we can all agree that technology has shaped most of our interests, with books not left behind.
Book recommendations extend far beyond personal connections. Algorithms have become modern-day literary matchmakers.
Platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and StoryGraph analyse reading habits and preferences to suggest books tailored to individual tastes.
"If you liked The Song of Achilles, you might love Circe," the screen suggests.
With just one click, a reader is led down a path of discovery, uncovering books they may have otherwise missed.
The convenience of personalised recommendations makes finding the next read easier than ever.
Book clubs
Beyond digital spaces, book clubs play a vital role in shaping reading choices.
Whether formal groups at libraries or informal online discussions, book clubs push readers toward selections they may not have picked on their own.
The shared experience of reading and discussing a book adds depth to the journey, making the story even more impactful.
Bookstore staff and librarians
Staff in bookstores and librarians have a knack of guiding you to the perfect books and when available, they will even offer to sell or lend you a signed first edition.
Their curated lists and “Staff Picks” sections offer hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Celebrities
Many a time, Mary has found herself reading a book because some high-profile individual has read it.
From Michelle Obama and Oprah to Reese Witherspoon, celebrity book clubs or individual reading is a determining factor in figuring out your next read.
Mary is ready with the April read - All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett, thanks to Reese’s book club.
Witherspoon shared the book on April 1 on her Instagram page.
"April’s Reese's Book Club pick had me hooked the moment I started the audiobook. All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett is about love, ambition and the cost of belonging, and I cannot stop thinking about it,” she said.
If you are reading and are really into it, try not to stress over your next book.
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