Sunday, June 1, 2025

Special Post - Sources for Books


Situation: 

I was asked by friends recently where I find my eclectic assortment of interesting books. They, too, want to identify not just something popular from the list of New York Times BestsellersThey would like ongoing resources to consistently dangle titles in front of them, books which are quality reads with interesting characters and challenging, funny, or transporting plots. They want something out of the ordinary, something they actually will look forward to picking up and reading. 

 
My Solution:
 
Four years ago I wrote a Special Post - Resources for Finding Great Books, but now need to update the electronic newsletters portion. Below are some free email newsletters chock full of brilliant, quirky, and certainly tempting books that I use to learn about new and old titles. 
 
These free book review lists below may appear daunting in number, but don't worry. You can just skim their postings and book lists as you wish, usually a very quick process for me. 
 
Just give them your email address and sit back to watch your In-box fill up with titles and quality reviews of books soon to be published, currently under the radar, classics from the past, and loads of other book-related articles. It's exciting to have emails come into you life almost daily with enticing books to pursue. I read the first sentences of books that interest me using library copies or through the Amazon "Look Inside" link to the book's first pages. Easy to judge quickly and winnow down to the ones that really interest me by my quirky standards. You can do it too.
 
Happy reading.


Fred 
Click here to browse over 465 more book recommendations by subject or title
(and read the introduction to The First Sentence Reader).
 
_______________________________________________________________________

Free Book Review Newsletters
(Click on any title to read more and sign up for email postings)


This newsletter from librarians also provides a longer list of titles with reviews than other book sites, but these books all seem deliciously enticing due to the quality of synopsis and praise they receive. 
 
My most-used go-to list to discover top notch list of book recommendations from librarians, often before they are available to the public. Often organized by themes (Thrillers, Non-Fiction, Book Clubs, Romance, etc.). 

Literary Hub's site for book excellent book reviews on a huge variety of topics.
 
Extensive list and reviews from readers as well as some libraries of books they are currently reading. Print copies are usually available in public libraries.
 
Probably the newsletter I most look forward to, this monthly posting covers books I usually haven't heard of, yet are always intriguing.

Brief excerpts for about-to-be-published books from Random House.
 
Have to put in a plug for my local indie bookstore here in Columbus, Ohio, Gramercy Books. Always something interesting to suggest in the way of book titles, gifts, author events, and an overall general good feeling about reading and books.
 
Great reviews of newer books, plus lots of general book-related commentary, articles, links, and discussion. Very good site to stimulate loads of ideas and thoughts.
 
Top ten books of the week that "library staff across the country love." What could be better?

LitHub Weekly 
Very extensive, eclectic, and sophisticated newsletter chock full of articles, essays, book recommendations, and other book-related items. 
 
Still a great resource for new books, but the newsletter contains many more articles, interviews with authors, and general book-related items.

Fewer book recommendations but great reviews, articles, and comments from NPR readers.
 
From the UK is this unique newsletter reviewing books, offering author interviews, and links to fascinating articles of literary and unusual book-themed nature.
 
This tiny but completely well-stocked bookshop in Connecticut is world famous for having a great selection of books. Of course, their newsletter introduces readers to wonderful books and gifts from their store.

Shelf Awareness 

The top twenty-five books of the week as selected by book dealers, publishers, and librarians. Also includes author interviews, games, and links to reviews for unusual books, book-related articles and events of the week. (Sent twice weekly, but isn't overwhelming).
 
Simon & Schuster Books
Extensive list of books from the publisher with high-quality reviews. Also, you get a free e-book when you sign up for this newsletter.  Woo-Hoo!

A offshoot of Penguin Books, this newsletter offers more obscure books that have proved to be delightful reads for me.
 
Lengthy, but not overpowering, list of book recommendations for highly interesting titles, articles, and author interviews. Very well-written in all aspects. Need a subscription to the WP, but I use the newsletter to get ideas of up-and-coming, high-quality books










 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Add a comment or book recommendation.