How to Create a Personal Reading List: Step-by-Step Guide Using 5 Proven Methods

Did you know that the average American reads only 12 books per year, despite having a to-read list that’s often a mile long? As a book lover, I’ve found that the key to actually finishing those books is to create a personalized reading list that speaks to your mood, interests, and reading style. In this article, we’ll explore five proven methods for building a customized reading list, from tracking past favorites to using genre matrices. Whether you’re a fan of romance, sci-fi, or mystery, these methods will help you discover new books that resonate with you on a deep level. For example, if you loved the atmospheric and suspenseful vibe of The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (336 pages, 12 hours of reading time, content warning for mental health themes), you might enjoy The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (352 pages, 13 hours of reading time, content warning for domestic violence), which hits the same notes but with a darker, more twisted plot. So, let’s dive into the first method: tracking your past favorites.

Method 1: Tracking Your Past Favorites

This method involves looking back at the books you’ve read and loved in the past, and using those as a starting point to find new books that you’ll enjoy. One way to do this is to keep a reading log, where you track the books you’ve read, the dates you finished them, and your ratings or reviews. You can use a physical notebook or a digital tool like Goodreads (with over 90 million members and 1.5 billion books added) or LibraryThing (with over 2.5 million members and 150 million books cataloged). For example, if you look back at your reading log and see that you loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (440 pages, 17 hours of reading time, content warning for war themes), you might realize that you enjoy historical fiction with strong female protagonists and a focus on relationships. You can then use this information to find new books that fit this criteria, such as The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (560 pages, 22 hours of reading time, content warning for war themes), which features a similar blend of historical fiction and female empowerment.

To get started with this method, try the following steps:

• Take a look at your reading log or Goodreads shelf and identify the books you’ve rated 4 or 5 stars.
• Make a list of the common themes, genres, or elements that appear in these books.
• Use online tools like Goodreads or Amazon to find new books that fit these criteria.
• Read the blurbs, reviews, and previews to get a sense of whether the book is a good fit for you.

For instance, if you loved the magical realism and atmospheric setting of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (387 pages, 15 hours of reading time, content warning for fantasy violence), you might enjoy The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (512 pages, 20 hours of reading time, content warning for fantasy violence), which features a similar blend of magical realism and historical fiction.

Method 2: Using Genre Matrices

This method involves using a genre matrix to identify the types of books you enjoy and find new books that fit within those genres. A genre matrix is a tool that helps you categorize books by genre, tone, and style, and can be a powerful way to discover new books that resonate with you. For example, if you enjoy romance novels with a strong focus on character development and a happy ending, you might look for books that fit within the “romance” genre and have a “feel-good” tone. One popular genre matrix is the Goodreads Genre Matrix, which features over 20 different genres and sub-genres. You can also use online tools like WhichBook (with over 100,000 books and 1,000 genres) or Taste.io (with over 500,000 books and 500 genres) to find new books that fit your genre preferences.

To get started with this method, try the following steps:

1. Choose a genre matrix that resonates with you, such as the Goodreads Genre Matrix or WhichBook.
2. Identify the genres and sub-genres that you enjoy, and make a list of the books that fit within those categories.
3. Use online tools like Goodreads or Amazon to find new books that fit within those genres.
4. Read the blurbs, reviews, and previews to get a sense of whether the book is a good fit for you.

For example, if you loved the sci-fi epic Dune by Frank Herbert (416 pages, 16 hours of reading time, content warning for violence), you might enjoy The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin (416 pages, 16 hours of reading time, content warning for science fiction themes), which features a similar blend of science fiction and philosophical themes.

Method 3: Asking for Recommendations

This method involves asking for book recommendations from friends, family, or online communities. One of the best ways to get personalized book recommendations is to ask someone who knows your reading tastes and preferences. For example, if you have a friend who loves romance novels and has similar tastes to you, you might ask them for recommendations. You can also join online book clubs or forums, such as The Reading Challenge (with over 100,000 members) or r/books (with over 20 million subscribers), where you can connect with other readers and get recommendations. Additionally, you can use online tools like Litsy (with over 1 million users) or Bookstagram (with over 10 million users) to discover new books and connect with other readers.

To get started with this method, try the following steps:

• Identify a friend or family member who has similar reading tastes to you.
• Ask them for book recommendations, and be specific about what you’re looking for (e.g. “I’m in the mood for a romance novel with a strong female protagonist”).
• Join online book clubs or forums, such as The Reading Challenge or r/books.
• Participate in discussions and ask for recommendations from other readers.

For instance, if you loved the historical fiction novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (320 pages, 12 hours of reading time, content warning for war themes), you might enjoy The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (272 pages, 10 hours of reading time, content warning for war themes), which features a similar blend of historical fiction and literary themes.

Method 4: Using Online Tools and Apps

This method involves using online tools and apps to discover new books and create a personalized reading list. There are many online tools and apps available that can help you find new books, such as Goodreads (with over 90 million members and 1.5 billion books added), LibraryThing (with over 2.5 million members and 150 million books cataloged), and Taste.io (with over 500,000 books and 500 genres). You can also use apps like Litsy (with over 1 million users) or Bookstagram (with over 10 million users) to discover new books and connect with other readers. Additionally, you can use online tools like WhichBook (with over 100,000 books and 1,000 genres) or BookBub (with over 10 million subscribers) to find new books that fit your reading preferences.

To get started with this method, try the following steps:

1. Choose an online tool or app that resonates with you, such as Goodreads or Litsy.
2. Create a profile and add books to your shelf or list.
3. Use the tool’s recommendation features, such as Goodreads’ “Recommendations” tab or Litsy’s “Discover” feature.
4. Read the blurbs, reviews, and previews to get a sense of whether the book is a good fit for you.

For example, if you loved the fantasy novel The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (720 pages, 28 hours of reading time, content warning for fantasy violence), you might enjoy The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (1,200 pages, 40 hours of reading time, content warning for fantasy violence), which features a similar blend of fantasy and adventure themes.

Method 5: Creating a Mood Board

This method involves creating a mood board to visualize your reading preferences and discover new books that fit your mood. A mood board is a visual representation of your reading tastes and preferences, and can be a powerful way to discover new books that resonate with you. For example, if you’re in the mood for a romance novel with a strong focus on character development and a happy ending, you might create a mood board with images of romantic landscapes, happy couples, and uplifting quotes. You can use online tools like Pinterest (with over 300 million users) or Canva (with over 10 million users) to create your mood board, and add images, quotes, and other elements that reflect your reading preferences.

To get started with this method, try the following steps:

• Choose a online tool or app that resonates with you, such as Pinterest or Canva.
• Create a new board or design, and add images, quotes, and other elements that reflect your reading preferences.
• Use the tool’s search features to find new books that fit your mood and preferences.
• Read the blurbs, reviews, and previews to get a sense of whether the book is a good fit for you.

For instance, if you loved the atmospheric and suspenseful vibe of The Shining by Stephen King (447 pages, 17 hours of reading time, content warning for horror themes), you might enjoy The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (246 pages, 9 hours of reading time, content warning for horror themes), which features a similar blend of horror and suspense themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a personalized reading list can be a powerful way to discover new books that resonate with you and enhance your reading experience. By using one or more of the five methods outlined in this article, you can create a reading list that speaks to your mood, interests, and reading style. Remember to track your past favorites, use genre matrices, ask for recommendations, use online tools and apps, and create a mood board to visualize your reading preferences. With these methods, you’ll be well on your way to discovering new books that you’ll love. So, why not start by creating a reading list with the following three books: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak? These books offer a great combination of historical fiction, suspense, and literary themes, and are sure to provide hours of engaging reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reading log, and how do I keep one?

A reading log is a record of the books you’ve read, including the title, author, dates read, and your ratings or reviews. You can keep a reading log using a physical notebook or a digital tool like Goodreads or LibraryThing. To get started, simply create a new entry for each book you read, and include the relevant details. You can also add notes, quotes, or other thoughts about the book to make your log more engaging. For example, you might include a summary of the plot, a list of characters, or a discussion of the themes. By keeping a reading log, you can track your progress, identify patterns in your reading habits, and discover new books that you’ll enjoy.

How do I use a genre matrix to find new books?

A genre matrix is a tool that helps you categorize books by genre, tone, and style. To use a genre matrix, simply identify the genres and sub-genres that you enjoy, and look for books that fit within those categories. You can use online tools like Goodreads or WhichBook to find new books that fit your genre preferences. For example, if you enjoy romance novels with a strong focus on character development and a happy ending, you might look for books that fit within the “romance” genre and have a “feel-good” tone. By using a genre matrix, you can discover new books that resonate with you and enhance your reading experience.

What are some online tools and apps that can help me discover new books?

There are many online tools and apps that can help you discover new books, including Goodreads, LibraryThing, Litsy, and Bookstagram. These tools allow you to create a profile, add books to your shelf or list, and connect with other readers. You can also use online tools like WhichBook or BookBub to find new books that fit your reading preferences. For example, you might use Goodreads to find new books in the “romance” genre, or Litsy to discover new books in the “fantasy” genre. By using these tools, you can discover new books that you’ll love and enhance your reading experience. Additionally, you can use online tools like Pinterest or Canva to create a mood board and visualize your reading preferences.

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