A to Z Blogging

Habits of a reader: how do you pick your next novel?

Writing Sparkle

I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. My habit of reading isn’t going away, but the patterns and routines around it have changed.

I spent hours roaming the bookstore, coffee in hand, combing the shelves, searching for my next favourite read. As full-time work, a husband, dogs, and children became part of my world, my bookstore habits changed. It’s hard to relaxingly sift through novels with a toddler in hand. So, how do I pick my To-Be-Read titles now?

I sift through titles online on Chapters, Amazon, and Goodreads, looking for covers that jump out at me. I note down books that are shared on blogs I follow. When I attend webinars by authors, editors, and publishers, I jot down titles that come up. I read for research, too. For example, my recent foray into cozy mysteries occurred because of the next book series I’m prepping. I’m also a freelance book reviewer, which has brought me many interesting titles. However, one of my favourite ways to discover a new book is in person. I carry a book with me when I leave the house. So, when I go to an appointment, that book is in hand and I’m reading while I wait. This has been a wonderful way to find fellow readers. My hairstylist is an avid reader, which I wouldn’t have known if the book I was carrying hadn’t become a focal point. The same is true of the nurse at my doctor’s office.

How do you pick what to read next?

I wrote this post for letter H of the 2025 A-to-Z blog challenge.

8 thoughts on “Habits of a reader: how do you pick your next novel?”

  1. Picking the right book is definitely an art form. It requires so much thought and so much understanding of what will bring you joy. Sometimes, it works and sometimes, ooops, such a miss! Enjoy your books!

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  2. I’ve learned that I’m definitely a mood reader. My TBR is long and when it’s time to start a new book it’s impossible for me to “just pick one”. I have to look through them all and see which one calls out to me 🙂

    I love that you walk around with a book. I should do that more often!

    A to Z Challenge: Hannah

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      1. I do the Popsugar reading challenge every year also, as well as several other challenges. I host a few myself. Check my blog archives.

        Jamie (jannghi.blogspot.com)

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  4. I always take a mental note of which books I would like to read, but when I have to narrow it down, I’m always drawn to genre I feel like reading (if its historical nonfiction, romance, or mystery), and then I read the first couple pages of the book. If I’m drawn in, it’ll be my next read.

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