{"id":1991,"date":"2017-02-21T23:39:41","date_gmt":"2017-02-22T03:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.princetonbookreview.com\/blog\/?p=1991"},"modified":"2024-05-29T10:04:58","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T14:04:58","slug":"bestseller-books-actually-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.princetonbookreview.com\/blog\/bestseller-books-actually-good\/","title":{"rendered":"Bestseller Books – Are They Actually Good?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/ins> U<\/span>nless you read a lot, you probably don\u2019t know that the books topping the NYT bestseller lists aren\u2019t always the magnetic and seductive page-turners everyone is constantly seeking out. It\u2019s curious and contradictory and unfair really, but many books make a list, not on merit, but through these massive advertising campaigns by big publishing houses or simply\u00a0because the author is well known.<\/p>\n

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I\u2019ve always liked to read so I\u2019m not sure, but I think my serious problems with finding a good book began when my commuting to NYC began; very quickly,the number of books I could read in a week was overwhelming. However, as any avid reader knows- an engaging book can make hours seem like minutes- this is probably why so many commuters always carry something to read. But, even with the hundreds and hundreds of books out there, finding something good to read was not always easy. I remember constantly asking everyone I knew for book suggestions.<\/p>\n

But unlike me, they didn\u2019t commute, spending hours a day reading. Asking was starting to make me feel mildly obsessed and a bit naggish. I know I\u00a0needed to\u00a0fill a lot of idle time, but books are also one of the small things in life that bring me comfort; and so at\u00a0the end of the day, I\u00a0don’t mind the never-ending<\/em>\u00a0challenge of\u00a0finding\u00a0new\u00a0books to read.<\/p>\n

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Like a lot of people, initially I turned to the NYT bestseller list. \u00a0Admittedly\u00a0– I\u2019m high maintenance when it comes to books \u2013 it\u2019s hard to find new and fresh plots and characters, storylines, writing styles and surprises when you read a lot. While the book getting the rave reviews may seem ok at first, read a little and you get that d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu feeling \u2013 like you\u2019ve read it\u00a0before.<\/p>\n

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I have to say, NYT lists worked for a while, and of course they still do sometimes. I think the key is in understanding that it\u2019s not the only,\u00a0or<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0the best way to find good books. Bookstores are a bit better. On weekends I enjoy browsing small quaint bookstores, and of course the big ones like Barnes and Noble, and truth be told, I love that they\u00a0serve a dual purpose; I discover new books, and I\u2019m inspired to read.\u00a0 However, do you know the very best way to find your next good read?\u00a0\u00a0Word of mouth. \u00a0There\u00a0really is no better way.<\/p>\n

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Anyone who knows me, knows \u00a0– \u00a0I absolutely love and appreciate a good book. My bookshelves and Kindle are full, and I may go back and forth about my favorite book or genre, but the thing about books is \u2013 when they are good you always want to share them.<\/p>\n

Sometimes all it takes is\u00a0one really good book to make someone a lifetime reader.<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re feeling social, share this post. It may inspire someone to join a book club, read to his or her child or find the time to read more.<\/p>\n

Happy Reading,<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

Linda<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

Keep Reading…<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0Reviews:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n