I don’t know about you, but sometimes trying to figure out what to read next can be daunting. There are SO MANY books out there! Our collection alone has over 100,000 audio and braille books, a number that grows daily.
So, how do you decide what to read next? Do you choose books from the same author? Do you choose books that are similar in content and feel, or something entirely different? Do you read the recommendations from family or friends? Or are you just so emotional that the book or series you were reading is finished (because you got so attached to the characters and story) that you can’t decide what’s next? Oops, getting a little personal there (that’s me in a nutshell). See how difficult it can be to pick your next read?
To help you in your decision-making, we gathered several all-things-book-related resources to share with you, including websites and podcasts devoted to books. Podcasts are perfect for this time of year, as they usually run for less than an hour. And don’t forget, the KTB readers’ advisors (including yours truly) are here to help; just give us a call at 1-800-362-0699 or email us at KTB@ks.gov. We’re always happy to help answer any of your bookish questions.
Happy reading!
-- Maggie Witte, Lead Readers’ Advisor
From NLS
Talking Book Topics – Bimonthly catalog of the most recently added books in our collection, offered in large print, audio, or online from the National Library Service (NLS).
Braille Book Review – Bimonthly listing of braille books recently added to the collection from NLS including a braille order form and one-line annotations of books listed in Talking Book Topics.
The New York Times Book Review – Weekly articles and book reviews from the Sunday New York Times.
Websites
Goodreads – Website to track and share the books you’ve read or want to read, find recommendations based on what you’ve read in the past, write and read reviews, and learn what your friends are reading.
FantasticFiction – Bibliographies of thousands of bestselling authors available through this website that you can search or browse, that also provides read-alikes and books the author recommends.
Literary Hub – Your online destination for news, reviews, reading lists, and more about contemporary literature.
BookPage – You may have seen BookPage at your local library, but there is also an online version with reviews, author interviews, and special features to help you find your next read.
Kirkus Reviews – Notable source for reviews of books as well as literary news and resources and education for people looking to work in the literary world.
Podcasts
BookRiot – This resource is a website that has 9 active podcasts available, about all things book related.
The New Yorker: Fiction – Writer’s read other author’s texts and have a conversation with the New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman.
Debutiful – Website and podcast featuring conversations with debut authors about their first books and writing life.
Books & Boba – Book discussions of books by Asian or Asian American authors that also includes interviews and publishing news.
Little Atoms – Interviews authors, both big names and new writers, of both fiction and nonfiction in literature, science, art, and politics.
So Many Damn Books – If you’ve got a always full list of things to read, this is perfect for you as the hosts deal with a never ending list of books to read. Listen as they talk about reading, literature, and publishing.
LeVar Burton Reads – In each episode LeVar Burton narrates a short story he handpicks.
Reading Women – Dedicated to interviewing authors and reviewing books by or about women.
Sentimental Garbage – This podcast focuses on new women’s commercial fiction (once called chick-lit) books that don’t get the recognition or esteem as literature.
Escape Pod – Weekly podcast sharing short stories from some of today’s best science fiction.