Finding That Hidden Gem: How to find that perfect book

I find myself often wanting new books to read. The only problem is, it can be hard to find a book you like. I, being the picky reader that I am need more than a recommendaton or an ad to be convinced to read a book. I have a few methods for finding a good book.

Step 0:
This is for those of you who have a book that was recommended for you by a friend. Look it up at the library. It's nice to know a little bit about the book before you read it. Library websites will have a small synopsis that will give just enough away for you to get a little hint as to whether you'll like a book or not. Wikipedia is an option, but be careful. On Wikipedia, if you read to far, it might ruin the book for you.

Step 1:
If you have a book you like, chances are your going to like other books by the same author, so choose a book and check the author.

Step 2:
Search the author online for a list of their other works. Wikipedia is usually a good source for this.

Step 3:
If you just choose a book you like, try searching for it on Amazon. At Amazon, when you search a book, lower on the screen they show book suggestions based on that book. They also show what other books people who bought that book online bought with it.

Step 4:
If all else fails, go to the library. At a local library they often print up pamphlets or sheets with books that they recommend and include a little summary. This is a great way to find some really good books that are more discreet.

That's all! Please post comments and suggestions!


Today, I will be taking my blog in a new, but similar direction. Instead of summarizing books as before, I will be giving a review of the book; my personal opinion of the book at hand. That being said, I will be reviewing Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine.

This book is inspirational with Ling's struggles and transformation. It is heartbreakingly wonderful to see her life ripped apart to be reconstructed slowly again. In revolutionary China, Ling starts to grow miserable with the wear of lack of food and questionable living condition. She keeps going everyday because she still has something to live for, mainly her parents, her father in particular. Her love for her father is beautiful. She is driven by that, so when things turn sour around her, when people go missing or are hurt, she has her father to fall back on. She has hope and shelter from him. Her father though is arrested, and when he is taken a way from them, she is exposed. She has no safety net. The removal of her father forces Ling to be strong on her own. She is faced with adversity but she powers through. The loss of a close friend, the knowledge that her mother may commit suicide, and the oppression of the bullies at school don't stop her. She is no longer a protected little girl at the end. Ling grows up and transforms into a strong, but wearied mature young woman. Luckily for her, the torment ends with the return of her father. Transformation is key in this book. The transformation of Ling, the transformation of China, everything is transformed , like a piece of paper into origami.