How do you guys choose what to read?

I have been thinking about this topic recently because very rarely do I go into a bookstore without an idea in mind of what I want to buy. I always go in with a mission. The last time I went into a bookstore and bought a book without any prior research was when I bought The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. In this instance everything worked out and I really enjoyed the book. But too many times have I gone into Barnes and Noble, left with 5 books and only read 2 or 3 never finding that much interest in the rest.

            Once I realized that going into a bookstore blind was a bad idea, I started to pay more attention and only bought books I really want to read. I have gone into bookstores with the intention of only buying books from authors I have heard of, like Adam Silvera, Jandy Nelson and Marie Lu. Which actually turned out really well, I was already familiar with the authors’ writing styles and knew that I liked it, so I did read all of those books. Although I cannot say that they were all my favorite books I have ever read. And a lot of times a TV show will make me want to read the book it is based on. Movies as well but less so, I think because I put in more time with a TV show. I know that the book will most likely be different, but if I really enjoyed a tv adaptation it makes me eager to see its origin.

            I have gotten a lot or most of my book recommendations from book clubs. In High School I was in a couple book clubs so I always had a book I was supposed to be reading, and I would get a lot of recommendations for other books during discussions. I have also relied on goodreads a lot for new books or other social media like the literary side of Instagram. If I see multiple posts for the same book, it will usually get me to read it. I buy a lot of books because people mention them, this class has helped a lot with that. I just bought Sally Rooney’s Normal People because I remember a couple people in class have mentioned both her and the book, as well as it is becoming a Hulu show. I am really excited about reading it and am curious how others choose which books to buy or read.