How to Find Your Next Great Read

You’ve just finished reading a fantastic book and you want to read another like it, to recapture the feeling of total submersion in a gripping plot with interesting characters. But it was the last book in the series. Or you’ve read everything written by that author. Or it’s an author’s debut. Or you want something in your favorite genre, but fresh and new. What do you do?

Don’t worry, the Library has answers to all of those questions! Let’s take a look at three ways to find your next great read.

1. Book Lists Created by FCPL Staff

Our Recommended Reads lists are a great way to find books in your favorite genre. The Forsyth County Library website offers book lists created by library staff for Kids, Teens, and Adults. 

Looking for your next Horror fix? Browse the Horror recommendations and discover a new author. Has your middle schooler read all of the Harry Potter books? Check out the “If You Like Harry Potter” list and look at read-alikes that also provide magic and adventure. Run out of dinosaur books to read to your voracious toddler? When you find a book that piques your interest, click the link and it will take you straight to the library’s online catalog where you can place a request for the book.

2. NoveList Plus

The NoveList Plus database is available through the Library’s website at any time. Simply log in with your library card number and PIN. You can use this database to search for books, read reviews, or discover read-alikes according to author or title. In the search bar, type the title of a book or an author that you enjoyed. 

Click on “Title read-alikes” or “Author read-alikes” to see a list of similar books or authors. 

Select a book cover or author name to read more about the book and see the similarities between the two titles or authors.

When you find something interesting, check for it in the library’s catalog and place a request.

3. Personalized Reading Suggestions 

If you are looking for more specific, personalized reading suggestions, fill out a brief survey to indicate your reading preferences and you will receive an email with a list of recommendations from our library staff within a few days. 

4. Bonus Option

Visit your local library and ask a librarian for a good reading suggestion! We are always happy to help and love suggesting books that fit exactly what you are looking for.

Melissa Gunter
Outreach Specialist