16 Things to Help You Choose Your Next Read

Are you a passionate mood reader or do you strictly follow your TBR pile?

I’m a mood reader. My little brother says I’m just a moody reader, but that probably has more to do with the constant reading slumps which come with mood reading.

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For me, one of the worst times to pick up a new book is after I just finished a great one, because I’m still reeling from the book hangover.

Experience has taught me, however, that not starting a book right after finishing one leads to The Reading Slumps, which no one wants.

Note the capitals. They’re very important.

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So I decided to share my mood-reading method behind choosing a book when I don’t want to leave the finished one behind, but need to escape the slump. *Cue eerie drum roll*

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I hope you find it helpful or at the very least interesting. I’ve been told my mind doesn’t make much sense, but ordered lists help everything, especially when you’re procrastinating choosing a book to read.

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(One guess why I’m really writing this post.)

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1. Is there anything you should consider a priority? ARCs, gifts, library books, things your friends have been begging you to read for months on end.
2. Do you have any required reading to get out of the way? (This may or may not be considered a priority, so I’m mentioning it here just in case.)
3. Are you in a book club? What are they reading this month?
4. Does a friend want to buddy read with you? Do you want to buddy read with a friend? What’s something you both have and need to read?
5. Are there any series you need to finish? Do you need to reread the whole series before finishing it because you don’t remember what happened?
6. Would you prefer a series, a stand alone, or an author with several stand alones you can binge read?
7. Are there any books you’ve been putting off for a while but still want to read?
8. Do you have any books taking up precious shelf space that you’re not sure you’ll like? Read ‘em and leave ‘em so you can pretend you have room for new books.
9. Have any books stayed bought but unread for longer than a year?
10. Is it time to reread an old favorite?
11. Is it time to reread that book you forgot about so you can finally review it?
12. Think of the season. Crisp autumn and Halloween. Chilly winter or Christmas. Beach weather. Do any books match the aesthetic, or is there a particular seasonal feeling you want?
13. What genres are you in the mood for? What genres are you *not* in the mood for?
14. Dig through the back of your bookshelf. I’m sure there’s something there you meant to read but forgot you had.
15. Is it pretty? (Come on, the cover always makes a difference.)
16. Hold a vote on your blog and place your fate in other’s hands.

That’s all for today, folks! Are you a mood reader too? How do you choose what to read when you’re heading for a slump? And if you follow a TBR list, explain your method and share your secrets! Are you avoiding reading at this very moment or are you happily devouring your newest favorite?