Looking for something new to read while you lay on the beach and tan (or in my case lay in the shade of my hanging deck chair)? Well, today’s post is for you! I’ve got some suggestions on fun, unexpected online spots to find your next favorite read.

Goodreads has been the go-to site for checking out the latest book launches, recommendations and reviews, it’s by no means the only one (or even the best one). There’s so much volume and advertising there that it can feel overwhelming and not particularly inspiriting. But there are some other options where ask authors create fun lists for their readers. So instead of just blindly sorting through the endless content on Goodreads, you can look up a more carefully curated list from an author you enjoy, or just wander through the topics and see what sparks your interest.

Sheperd

Sheperd asked over 11,000 authors (you read that right, eleven *thousand*) their favorite books. It was created by Ben Fox because he found looking for books online “soulless”. Shepherd’s goal is to “create an experience that is like wandering the aisles of your favorite bookstore.” The curated lists are addicting to go through and their “100 Best Books of 2023” page is so well organized and fun to explore. Among the many awesome lists are a couple from yours truly.

• My 3 Favorite Reads of 2023
• The best books when you have a soft spot for fairy tales, but still love the unexpected

Booklisti.

Booklisti is “all about booklists: creating, sharing, discovering, and bookmarking booklists.” Pulling from a huge variety of different sources, it has wide assortment of curated lists, including Book Club Picks, Book Awards, and their own Best of 2023. You can check out my author page and my lists:

• 5 Books for A Fairy Tale Escape
• 5 Audiobooks You Won’t Tune Out

So, take a couple minutes (or a few hours), to peruse through the lists and reviews to find the perfect vacation worthy read.

I wanted my next book to be something that sounded fun and light, so I’m starting Jenna Levine’s My Roommate Is a Vampire, while my current audiobook selection for dog walking, gardening, chores and the never-ending home renovations is Leather & Lark: The Ruinous Love, Book 2 by Brynne Weaver.

So what book are you currently reading beach, pool, or couch-side?