If I’m being honest, shopping for books is more of an addiction to me; it feels like a treasure hunt every single time, and I can never get enough! Which is why I often find myself at bookstores gazing adoringly at all the new releases.
I especially love it when I come across a pretty book cover(*read gothic imagery*)- It’s like the universe is telling me I should read it! And I know how we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover but I am a complete sucker for pretty covers!
If a book has an absolutely gorgeous cover and I can imagine myself curled up with it, then I’m sold– even if I don’t know what’s inside! It’s a risk I’m willing to take every time. But that’s just me!
So if you are a book lover looking to find your next great read, keep reading! I’ve got some awesome tips for What to look for buying books
Blissful Reading: How to Pick the Perfect Books
Nothing beats the feeling of walking into a bookstore, filled with endless possibilities, and finding the perfect book for you. Whether you’re looking for a classic novel with timeless characters or an exciting thriller that can’t be put down, book shopping is an adventure!
But what are the key things to look for when selecting a book? With so many authors, genres, and topics to choose from, it might seem overwhelming.
While there is no magic formula to help us choose our next read over thousands of other new titles, these tips will help you narrow down your search and tell you what exactly you need to look for when buying books.
After all, the last thing you want is to read a book before realizing it wasn’t worth your time.
Related: Caffeine-Fueled Reading Sessions – Why I Love to Read in Cafes
Related: Amazing Reading Essentials for Book Lovers
1. What genre are you in the mood for (romance, mystery, comedy)?
When I’m looking for a book, I always think about what I’m in the mood for. If it’s a romance novel, then I know to look for swoon-worthy covers and stories that make my heart flutter.
If I’m in the mood for a mystery, then I’ll be looking for something with a suspenseful plot and intriguing characters.
And if I’m in the mood for a comedy, then I’ll be on the hunt for laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue!
It’s so easy to find the perfect book when you know what kind of story you’re looking for.
2. Look out for the themes and storylines: What to look for when buying Books
The real reward of buying a new book is the story inside. Once you’ve decided on a genre, consider what themes you would like to read about: is it a heartfelt romance, a thrilling adventure, or an intense mystery?
Consider the themes and messages the book explores; how will the characters develop during their journey? Will the story tackle difficult topics or provide a unique perspective on an old one?
The best books are those that make you think, challenge you to explore new ideas or take you on a journey outside of your own life. Take the time to really evaluate each book’s storyline, characters, and themes to make sure it’s one that you’ll want to read about. Read reviews (the ones without spoilers, of course!) and try to get a feel of the book.
3. What have you read recently that you enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy)?
When picking my next book, I always think about what I’ve read recently that I enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy).
If it’s a genre or topic that resonated with me, then I’ll look for more books in the same vein. It might be by the same author or from a similar setting. On the other hand, if I read a book recently that I didn’t enjoy, then I’ll avoid it and find something else to keep me busy.
It helps to have an idea of what you’re looking for so that you don’t end up wasting your time or money on a book that won’t give you the satisfaction of a good read.
That’s why I take my time to research titles and reviews before investing in a book. It’s always worth it to put in extra effort for the perfect read!
4. Does the book cover appeal to you and what does it say about the story inside?
When I’m shopping for books, the cover is my first indicator of what kind of story I’m getting myself into.
A book’s cover can tell you a lot about the content inside, and it also helps give you an idea as to whether or not this is something you will enjoy. Is the cover eye-catching? Does it draw you in? Does the font or color palette give you any clues as to the story’s genre and tone? All of these things help you decide whether or not I should pick up a book.
Additionally, it helps if the cover is aesthetically pleasing – after all, we do judge books by their covers!
Personally, A beautiful book jacket can be enough to make me buy a title, even if I haven’t heard of it before. It’s all about taking risks, and sometimes those risks can be rewarded with a great book that has a swoon-worthy story!
5. Do you like the feel of the book? (what to look for buying books)
If you find a book that interests you, flip through the first few pages to get an idea of the writing style. Is it lyrical, direct, or somewhere in between? Does it speak to you?
Take a look at the book’s cover and read the back for more information. Does it sound interesting? Are there any reviews that stand out to you?
6. Series or standalone?
I generally prefer standalone novels, as they allow me to really delve into a world without having to keep up with a longer series.
But I do still enjoy reading book series, as they often have more complex and engaging storylines that give me an opportunity to explore different characters, settings, and themes.
Ultimately, it all depends on my mood and the amount of time I have available – if I’m looking for a quick read, then I’ll usually go for a standalone novel. But if I’m looking to sink deeper into the story and become completely engrossed, then I’ll opt for a book series. Either way, it’s always an adventure!
7. When in doubt, go for your favorite authors: What to look for when buying books
After all, they’ve already proven themselves to be reliable sources of top-notch entertainment and thought-provoking stories.
Whether you’re a fan of mystery, fantasy, romance, or anything else, you can always trust that your favorite authors (except in really rare circumstances) will deliver a great read.
8. How thick is the book – will it be a quick read or more of a commitment?
Consider how much time and energy you want to commit to the book. Is it a long or short read? Does it require a lot of focus or is it more light-hearted?
If I’m looking for something to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon or in the middle of a long flight, I’ll usually go for something that’s light (200 – 300 pages) and easy to read. On the other hand, if I’m looking for something to really sink my teeth into then I’ll go for a thicker book (I am talking around 600-800 pages).
9. Read reviews from reputable sources before making your decision – don’t rely on Amazon reviews alone!
When looking for reviews on books, it’s important to make sure that you’re reading from reputable sources.
Amazon reviews can be helpful but they’re not always reliable, so it’s important to read reviews from other sources like Goodreads or respected publications. This can give you an idea of what others thought about the book and provide insight into its content that Amazon may not mention.
Additionally, make sure to read multiple reviews in order to get a more balanced perspective. With this information in hand, you can make an informed decision and be sure that you’re getting a book worth reading.
If you are anything like me, Picking a book is like dating – it requires serious commitment and consideration!
Sometimes you need to read the first few pages, get a feel for the writing style, and make sure it speaks to your soul. Read the reviews, and take a look at the cover and back – you wouldn’t want to waste your time on a dud!
And don’t forget that the thickness of the book can give you an indication too of what kind of topics are discussed within!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a book that will capture your interest and make for an enjoyable read (because you exactly know what to look for when buying books😄)! Now let the book shopping begin🤩. May the odds be ever in your favor!
“You know you’re a book lover when your idea of a good time is going book shopping – what could be better than that?”
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