that state wherein you can't figure out what to read next.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

"What to read next, what to read next?" Those are the questions I ask myself repeatedly after having just finished a book. Despite the huge to-be read list that I have, I can never quite decide which one to pick up next. Then, as I am naturally indecisive, even when I end up picking a title and starting to read it, in my head, I am still trying to imagine how the other options might be. It's a little odd, but I hope I'm not the only one who is like this.

I just need something great. Something that will hook me right in and keep me there throughout. Of course, I thought I would ask for your input. What was the last book that blew you away? I need that book in my life right now! I've been reading 'eh' and okay books, and I just need something fantastic. The last great book was for me was in mid-February when I picked up The Nightingale. What's yours? Let me know in the comments and thank you in advance for the recommendations! 

13 comments:

  1. Christina TMarch 19, 2015 at 4:23 AM

    I loved The Nightingale! It is a challenge sometimes to find a book to read next especially if the one you just finished was amazing. I remember feeling that way after reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For a "blow you away" kind of book, if you haven't read Still Alice by Lisa Genova, I highly recommend it. Very moving. I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out on DVD. Another one I loved was Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill. It is currently a miniseries on BET under its original title, The Book of Negroes (named after a real historical document kept by the British of slaves who received freedom for fighting for the British in the Revolutionary War). Some other favorites that have stood up to rereading are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (one of my personal favorite books of all time) and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I also really liked Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy, which reminded me of a cross between To Kill a Mockingbird and The Secret Life of Bees. It is a novel loosely based on real events in the author's father's life. All of these are books read in my book discussion groups at the library. Hopefully you'll find something listed that will be a good "next book" though The Nightingale is a tough act to follow.

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    1. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 12:05 AM

      Thank you so much for these suggestions. I too love The Book Thief as well as Still Alice. I am definitely interested in Someone Knows my Name. It sounds fantastic! The rest I will also check out. Lay That Trumpet sounds like it could be a great classic-like read.

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  2. BrandieMarch 19, 2015 at 5:06 AM

    This is my life struggle right here! You couldn't have said it better - I will start a book, but until I'm truly invested in it, I'm thinking about all the other books I could be reading and if I made the right decision. I only get past that if the book grabs me and keeps my attention.

    I'm trying to think of a book I think you would enjoy, since our tastes in books varies. Do you enjoy YA? I really liked I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios. Have you read any books by Liane Moriarty? Her books are usually really good. Sometimes a little slower to get into, but worth reading. What about Rainbow Rowell? I have loved all of her books, too.

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    1. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 9:16 PM

      I have some Liane Moriarty's books but for some reason, can't get into her books! Maybe I need to try it again. I did try Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl but wasn't a fan at all, but I really want to try Landline!

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  3. UnknownMarch 19, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Your reading taste seems pretty eclectic, so I am going to recommend Greenglass House by Kate Milford. It's technically YA, but I didn't know that when I was reading it, and I loved it.
    When I can't think of what to read next, I do one of those comparisons with my goodreads friends.

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    1. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      I looked up the synopsis for that and it sounds fantastic!! It sounds like I'd love it.

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    2. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 9:15 PM

      Oh and great idea on comparing with goodreads friends, I try to do that too. I just get a headache after scrolling for so long haha.

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  4. MeredithMarch 19, 2015 at 8:22 AM

    I loved All the Light You Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It is historical fiction and just lovely.

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    1. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      Thanks, Meredith. I will continue reading that! I actually started it, but couldn't get into it. But because everyone is raving about it, I think I really need to give it one more chance.

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  5. CéliaMarch 19, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    Stoner, by John Williams. A classic I discovered recently and loved.

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    1. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      Thank you Celia. I have not heard of Stoner at all, so thanks for bringing that up. I will check that out.

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  6. LindseyMarch 19, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    I think when you are hitting a rut of "so-so books," it's helpful to read something totally different. For example, if you have been reading novels that leave you underwhelmed, try a funny memoir or a graphic novel! I might vote for Brooke Davis' Lost and Found or The Castle Waiting graphic novels!

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    1. JillianMarch 20, 2015 at 9:13 PM

      Great advice!! I think I have been trying 'similar' books. I do need to try something else.

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