I find it difficult deciding what to read next. For now, I'm using the Modern Library's top 100 lists, critic's and reader's choice. It has made things much easier. What about y'all?

I never pick from a list of any kind. I pick from the shelf...Library or store. I used to read the back, for the gist of the story, but now it seems you must read the first paragraph! I read almost always for pleasure, and certain authors.

I despise that moment when I finish reading all available books from a good author and I have to find a new author. That's when I spend time in a book shop seeing what's out there. Sometimes I find a great author and then have a new stock of reading material. Sometimes I find a few duds before I find a good one. You can never tell from the blurb can you? I did find one favourite through a quiz here. I did a quiz on a book featuring Agatha Raisin as the main character. It sounded like fun so I bought a book. I loved it, now have all 21 of her books and I'm waiting for the next release.

Usually something in the book I am reading sparks a feeling or an interest, which leads me to my next book. Or something in broader life - a book review, something happening in the news that I'd like to know more about, etc etc.

I learned such a lot about authors I didnt know of from members here! I am now off to investigate Agatha Raisin!

I hope you enjoy the Agatha Raisin series that Tizzabelle mentioned. I love them, they really are a lot of fun. I also read Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series. I had read them as they were coming out and then noticed she had a new series. Who could resist a title like "Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death".

Possible SPOILER


I just finished Busy Body a few days ago. Another good one!

Poor Agatha, I say, give up on James! I wasn't before, but now I'm leaning toward rooting for Charles.

When something/somebody gets me interested in a book, I'm likely to read it. For example, I saw the first episode of Jane Eyre (2006) and started reading the book. My Mom has given me lots of suggestions over the years and because of her I've read many classics by Jules Verne and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to name a couple.

Whim.

If I really liked a series or a book, I might go and find another book by the same author or a book written in a similar style. Other times, friends or siblings suggest books that I read, or even others on the Internet. Again, sometimes I judge a book by it's cover and if I like the look of it, I'll read the blurb, and maybe then the book. Mostly I read books using the first method I mentioned.