How do you decide what to read next?

[varnish7]

I was wondering what method(s) all of you used to decide what book you're going to read next. Personally, I have a tremendously hard time deciding because everything looks good so I want to read everything. Of course, I can't do that, so sometimes I end up not choosing anything. Also, I find it hard to concentrate on the book I'm reading because I keep thinking of the books I want to read after I'm finished with the one I'm reading. Something which changes several times during the course of this reading. Can anyone recommend some ways that I can sort of narrow my focus, so I don't keep thinking about all of the millions of books out there, and instead be able to just choose a book?

[YesNo]

I usually pick up ideas from comments people make in forums like those on Lit Net and elsewhere.

For example, I started reading Ovid's Metamorphoses based on a thread on this site. I read some of John Gardner's novels for a similar reason and did some reading into cosmology and quantum theory based on the atheist/theist discussions here.

That's enough to keep me out of trouble and make my wife wonder if my head is screwed on straight.

EDIT:

And as far as the focus goes, as long as the threads stay active, I keep focused on the books or the ideas. I even finish some of them. :)

[irinmisfit92]

I think a lot of people have the same problem so don't worry too much about it. I can't entirely focus on the book I'm reading as well. I think what you can do is to keep reading the book so that your focus will inadvertently only be on that book for some time, and keep reflecting on the book what you learn and like about the book.

In addition to choosing books, I had a hard time a few times when I enter the bookstore as well but most of the time I do some research about some books first. For example, I search for books that have won awards or classics. They're very superficial, yes, but at least you know that the book you're reading is worth buying.

I have a list of recommendations for you if you'd like.

If you like mystery I totally recommend Henning Mankell, John Ajvide Lindqvist, and Arnaldur Indridason. (yes all of them are Scandinavian authors; I'm not very pro-American authors for some reason)

Fantasy: Darren Shan (although his writing style is childish since his books are more for kids but the stories are actually very interesting), Johnathan Stroud (Amulet of Samarkand)

Science fiction: Philip K. Dick


Romance: Classics

Horror: I'm going to try Stephen King because The Shining (movie) was brilliant.

All the best :D

[conartist]

I know what you mean when you say you want to read everything. My only real approach is, if I loved the book I've just finished, I'll find something by the same author. Otherwise I'll just choose something from one of my piles of unread books, unless something's been floating around in my head. The only advice I would give would be to concentrate more on the book you're reading. Get as involved as possible with it and you'll better discover what you want to read, or you might just find the text alluding to something else that interests you.

[ChicagoReader]

I couldn't relate more to the issue of losing focus on a book because my thoughts wander to the next. For example, I'm reading 1984 right now but my thoughts, and eyes, keep drifting to the giant A Peoples History of the United States, which I've wanted to read for a long time.

[hanzklein]

I usually start reading multiple books at once. Some of them are rereads and I don't seem to have any problems getting lost or anything. Right now I'm reading about 5 books. I can't help it.

[logophile]

I usually start reading multiple books at once. Some of them are rereads and I don't seem to have any problems getting lost or anything. Right now I'm reading about 5 books. I can't help it.

^ This. I'm currently working through three books simultaneously (all first readings). There are a further two books which I am part way through reading, but have put back on the shelf and dip into when I feel like reading some more (one I'm finding difficult to get into and the other is non-fiction). I also have a further ten books I haven't yet started to read which I am forcing myself to save until I have finished at least one of the three. The copy of The First Circle that I picked up for a couple of pounds a few weeks ago is looking so very tempting... and I'm only ten pages from the end of one of my books!

[Brock]

I just blot out all thought of what I will read after. Savour the moment. Imagine you're drinking a fine glass of wine and all you can think about is how good the next bottle might taste. Forget about it. All that matters is the bottle you've chosen. Swirl it, smell it, sip it, chew it, gather its awesome flavour and then swallow. Apply the same methods to reading (not literally of course).

[FrancoisG]

I take a book in my bookcase and I read it avidly as if this book was the only one I have !

[Ome]

Here are some sites which can help you:
http://whatshouldireadnext.com/
http://www.yournextread.com/us/
I never use them, I just feel what to read next, If only I'm not forced to read something because of my work for a Literature Journal.
http://im-smiley.com/imgs/girly/girly004.gif (http://im-smiley.com)

[Jurt]

I buy books and put them on my staple. Normally I read one English novel, one German book (drama or novelle) and one theoretical work like a philosophical one. Now, if I have finished one book, I just pick up the next one on the staple.

[inbetween]

somehow or an other the books I want to read just come to me.. I see something on tv or get some title through an other book.. I decided to read the horror classics and so frankenstein guided me to paradise lost.. I watched sweeney todd (for I love all burton films) and so found out about penny bloods... what made me read the string of pearls .. and made me read varney the vampire (still reading...) what got me some more penny blood titles... from the notes. I heard of pynchion and now try to read all his books..(until I die ^^) things like this... so I do haver certain topics I'm interested in and gather information an titles.. what guid me to other titles.. just like that. and often enough I brouse a book shop and just pick what sounds or looks interesting...
books come to me ^^