I have been on a bit of a book binge lately, maybe it has something to do with the comments in this post. I have even been tipping my toes into fiction waters, a rarity. I finished The Night Circus, which so many of you loved and went on to read The Aviary (Michelle recommended), it’s by a children’s author so the audience is skewed younger, but it is well written, imaginative and a quick read. I started reading Birdbox, because Ez gave it a positive endorsement, I must forewarn you it is terrifying and adrenaline inducing from the very first page–not for those with a weak constitution.

After I put The Aviary down I was wondering if there were any apps that would recommend a book in a style that I just read, something that felt similar in feel but new and original. Kindle offers suggestions of what other customers who read a similar book bought as well, but I always find those so perplexingly off base. I did a little research and found the following sites that may help you discover your next book.

What should I read next– I enjoyed exploring this site because the recommended list is so varied, almost to the point of having you scratch your head and say, ‘huh’? But it’s a free service, use it with a grain of salt.

Your next read– I found this a little daunting and confusing, but if you figure it out let me know how it works.

Goodreads-This is more community based with recommendations from other bibliophiles. I signed up years ago, but I always forget about stopping here for a rec. Note to self–bookmark.

Whichbook

Head Butler-Your cultural concierge. More than book recommendations, but I found his book reviews really smart, witty and honest.

The Staff Recommends-Based on the ‘the staff recommends’ you see at bookstores this site curates the creators current recommendations. It’s a brilliant idea and I wish I thought of it because I sure would love a stack of fresh books at my ready (although sadly I only read my Kindle now because I do all my reading late into the wee hours).

Library Thing-Another community based/social network type site (ala Good Reads) but not as aesthetically pleasing.

Have you used any of these sites before? If so do you have a preference? Are there other sites I may have missed? Apps? Do you have an alternate way of choosing your next read? Inquiring minds want to know…

Ah summer, it’s finally here! Time to play outside, eat piles of fresh berries, make some sun tea, and devour a few interesting books. My preference is for fiction with a plot that covers some ground and isn’t too bogged down by flowery language. Dense descriptions make me nod off, which is useful for a natural sedative, but not a good recipe for finishing a book. Here are a few recent reads I’ve enjoyed, in case you have the same criteria:

Currently reading: I Love You More, by Jennifer Murphy.

It’s unlikely you’ve heard of this one, because it’s a freshly released debut novel. It only came to my attention because it was quietly penned by one of my neighbors! I had no idea she was a writer, I barely know her, but I am thrilled for her. You don’t get a book deal with Double Day without some serious chops. I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m already charmed by the central character (a 12 year old girl cleverly named Picasso).

What She Left Behind, by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Two stories intertwined: a modern day teenager recovering from a family trauma & a woman who is committed to an asylum in the late 1920’s (even though she is perfectly sane). It’s a story about appalling injustices, and how people react to them. I was not expecting my heart to be in my throat for so many chapters! One night, my eyes were still wide open at 3 am, (but it was worth it).

Note: If you are familiar with the second season of American Horror Story, you may find yourself waiting for Jessica Lange to pop up somewhere in the asylum. Yikes!

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

A professor with Aspergers devises a plan to find a mate, and is led through unexpected adventures with squirrely people who don’t adhere to his plan. The story is told from the professor’s perspective as he processes all of these unexpected events, which I found delightful and insightful.

The Museum of Extraordinary Things: A Novel by Alice Hoffman

Coney Island curiosities, a murder mystery, two people in love with the deck stacked against them, and ok, I admit it – one of the main characters is a photographer. I was fascinated by the descriptions of a not yet fully developed Manhattan, woods teeming with deer and other animals living along the Hudson River are so hard to imagine now!

The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson

Even though this is a work of fiction, I felt like I came away with a real impression of what life could feel like for the citizens of North Korea. This Pulitzer Prize winner lingers with you for awhile. I may have been so intrigued that I made my husband watch a number of documentaries with me, then I talked his ear off about North Korea for a few more weeks. I’m pretty sure he loved it.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Tristan has already mentioned these, but they are worth mentioning again. Such imagination! There are heros and villians, it’s very cleverly written, and of course I love that Ransom Riggs collected the photos first, then built the story around them. I can hardly wait for the third book in this series to come out.

Finally, I don’t think it’s possible to write a reading list right now without including The Goldfinch and The Fault in Our Stars. You can’t lose really, both of these deserve every bit of attention they’ve received.
Have you read any good fiction lately? I’ll need to line up another book soon!