I already have my New Year’s resolutions settled (more info to come), but if you are looking for a way to pick out books for 2014 here are three newish ways to pick out books to read in the new year. It’s always nice when you can get a recommendation from a friend, librarian, or bookstore employee, but sometimes you might want to look for books to read from the comfort of your own computer. So whether you are thinking about what your book club is going to read, developing a bookish resolution for the new year, or just trying to figure out what book you want to read now that the holiday season is almost over, keep reading to discover your next great read … or at least great way of finding good book recommendations.
1.) The Fussy Librarian
The Fussy Librarian is a website that matches readers with book based on both genre and content. It seems like a perfect resource for someone who likes romance novels or thrillers, but doesn’t want excessive violence, sex, or profanity. Or on the flip side someone who wants to read a book that definitely has all three. As they say, that’s why Baskin Robins makes 31 flavors. Another positive, is the whimsical character of the fussy librarian. She’s speaks Hindi, is a master mechanic, an expert French cook, and practices the ancient martial art of Bokator. Delightful!
2.) Oyster
Oyster is a service where for $9.95 a month readers get unlimited access to over 100,000 titles to read on their iPad or iPhone. I am seriously tempted to give this to myself as a belated Christmas present to myself, or at least sign up for the free one month trial. I think this is a really fun alternative to buying Kindle books and still get to browse. I also think it would make me feel positively pressured to read more, which could be a good thing or a bad thing. If anyone takes the leap and signs up for Oyster, let me know how it goes.
3. Book Infographics
I’ve been taking book suggestions from infographics a lot this year, and this one recently developed by the USC Rossier School of Education is one of better ones I’ve seen in awhile. Have fun looking for a book to read.
How do you decide what to read next? Do any of these methods look interesting to you?
Alison Doherty 
Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell is one I’d like to read, but alas, it’s set to become a BBC 1 miniseries shortly. So . . . Definitely have to check out the fussy librarian!