A guide to finding a great book

There are few things more satisfying than a really enjoyable book. Conversely, there are few things more frustrating than a book that has a cheap plot, is badly written or just plainly dull. How do you find the good eggs and avoid the bad? Read on for a few tips.

Listen to your friends

Our friends, in most cases, have similar tastes to ours. That's one of the reasons why we become friends, after all. So if one of your friends tells you that a book is worth reading, it probably is worth reading. Ask your friends to recommend you something. They might even lend their books to you. Just make sure that you don't leave a friend's book in the local inn, or on the plane when you fly to France.

Consult your music collection

Chances are that the artists who create the music you love do read a lot. Find out what they like reading, and seek out those titles. Their music wouldn't sound the same without the inspiration that comes from the work of those authors. The best books have the power to change your outlook on the world, pretty much the same as the best music. Seek out what inspired your favourite artists, and get inspired too.

Use your local library

Libraries are truly wonderful places. Thousands of books are available to read free of charge. Be bold enough to go in a library and borrow a book by an author you've never heard of before. It might be great, and even if it isn't, you do not lose any money. If your library is very large and you have difficulty to pick out something, ask one of the staff to help you choose - they are friendly and tend to be well-read and enthusiastic about literature. Libraries will disappear if they are not used, so go and help to keep your library alive.

Don't buy best-sellers

Does your local supermarket have a book section? If so, ignore it and everything in it. The most popular books may sell in great numbers, but their appeal is usually short-lived. Dan Brown's books may sell in huge numbers, but last year, they were donated to Oxfam charity shops more than any other titles. A great book A truly great book is one that you can read again and again, not something that is destined to be left gathering dust on a shelf. Also, don't listen to what book clubs may tell you - a book will be much more satisfying when you've discovered it by yourself, and knowing that few people are aware of it will make it more special.