
- Ask friends. One year I read almost exclusively books that were personally recommended to me, and it was one of my best reading years ever, full of authors I'd never heard of and topics I wouldn't have gotten around to otherwise. And bonus: recommendations are one more thing to jot in my little red moleskin notebook (while practicing my handwriting, of course).
- Subscribe to podcasts or newsletters that sync with your interests. Two of my favorites are The Thread and the New York Times Book Review. (Like a well-written restaurant review, a book review can also lead you astray even when you trust the source. Though, come to think of it. friends can do that too.) Listen to this segment from MPR if you're looking for a book to challenge you this summer.
- Librarian (and bookstore) referrals. Our local university library offers a referral service that allows you to type in three books you loved, a few genres that appeal to you, and a note about what you're looking for, then a real live librarian suggests three books you might like. I tried it last year with great success (and if I could find the link, I would try it again!).
- Book blogs. I would love your suggestions here, as I'm not a consistent reader of any book blogs. I like to see what's going on over at the Nerdy Book Club and I check in from time to time with Book Riot, but I haven't found a book blog that really resonates with me yet. (I know it's out there!)
- A reading theme. As in other parts of my life, a good label can reign me in and keep me moving forward. A summer of kid lit? Count me in. Biographies only? Check. It's been a few years since I read with a theme, but just writing this list (see number one, above) makes me want to get back to it. Hmmmmm....

oh my goodness, you triggered a memory. A hundred years ago, I asked a St. Paul book shop clerk for a recommendation for my nephew. Harry Potter and the something something. Yes, definitely ask librarians and booksellers!
Don’t you just love remembering the little things that turned into big things (that you maybe forgot until a sight, a smell, a blog post! reminded you)?
speaking of podcasts, I recently subscribed to one called So Many Damn Books. it’s the two-guys-talking model of podcasts that I am not often very into, but this one is handily edited and they not only talk about books but they get authors on the show every once in a while, and always end with recommendations. I like it.
and then there is my most favourite favourite annual flurry of book-finding fodder: the tournament of books. everyone should check out their archives if you’re looking for interesting writing to read.
Thanks for the suggestions, Amelia! I also like the end of the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast when all the contributors share their recommendations (occasionally books, but usually other stuff).
So many thoughtful ideas here, Gina! For the past two years, I chose a ‘person’ as my reading theme. It was fun to read all that I could about Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Beatrix Potter. Perhaps my next ‘person’ will be Laura Ingalls Wilder! Over the years, I would always share my stack of books/magazines that I planned to read next with my second-graders. I told them WHY I wanted to read each book. I wanted to model how ‘real readers’ (people who choose to read) have a list/stack of books to read next! It was so wonderful to watch them grow into ‘real readers’ during our year together!!
I really LOVE your 2016 Summer Reading Program Worksheet! It will be such fun to include a favorite quote from each book! What a brilliant idea, dear Gina! Happy summer reading, everyone!
Oh, I’m so going to try that, Dawn! I’ve been meaning for ages to finish up The Autobiography of William Carlos Williams…would be awesome to round it out with his poetry. And I love-love-love that you shared your real reading with second graders!
Another fun way to find your next read is to use Whichbook: http://www.openingthebook.com/whichbook/
WhatshouldIreadnext: http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/
and the Literature Map: http://www.literature-map.com/
I work at a Barnes and Noble so I’m always reading and always looking for what to read next because people always ask for recommendations 🙂
Thanks so very much for this, Dawn. Looking into it RIGHT NOW!