Top 10 Reasons I Pick Up a Book

I thought I’d go for a fun blog post this week and try to think of the top ten reasons why I would pick up a book. The idea came from That Artsy Reader Girl, who hosts Top Ten Tuesdays on her blog, but even though today is a Tuesday, the prompt is an old one.

It was actually so challenging to think of ten reasons; I really had to dig into my bookstore brain. Some are obvious, but maybe you’ll find a new trick for finding good books from my reasons for picking them up.

The cover ?

It’s cliche, but it’s true. Some books have really awesome covers that just make you immediately want to find out what it’s about. The cover is like the trailer of books. If it isn’t good, you are a lot less likely to go see the movie. So this is a shout out to all the amazing book cover designers.

Recommendations ?

I trust my friends’ book recs. Honestly, I trust strangers book recs. I actually picked up Children of Blood and Bone because the Barnes and Noble clerk told me that it was really good. So, if you give me a book recommendation, I’ll probably check the book out.

The author ?

We all have our autobuy authors. The authors who, when you see their name on a book, you automatically have to buy it. For me, those authors are probably Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas. But even if I see that any popular author has written a new book, I’ll look into it.

The title ?

Just like covers, if a book has a great title, it’s eye catching. You might have heard of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, but even if you haven’t you’d probably want to find out what that book is about just because the title is so interesting. If you don’t believe me, Barnes and Noble even wrote a blog post about it.

Bookstagram ?

Similar to a recommendation, but also very different. I know when a new book has come out or if a series is on the rise because of all the other bookstagrammers who are posting about it. Honestly, bookstagram has made me buy most of my current favorite books. (Including, but not limited to the Shades of Magic series, Eleanor Oliphant, and everything S.J. Maas.)

A good deal ?

Whether I’m on a self-inflicted book-buying ban or not, if I find a good deal, I’m taking it. Used bookstores are perfect for cheap reads, finding interesting books, and scoring books for class that already have annotations. It’s a win-win all around.

Part of a series ?

Okay, this might be a little obvious. But if a book I’m reading has a sequel or is the first in a series, obviously I’m going to pick it up ASAP. I once had the final book in a series (Kingdom of Ash, you understand, right?) shipped to me all the way in Alaska because I couldn’t wait to read it. And it was worth it because that book was so good.

A kick-butt summary ?

This reason might be a little bit of a cheat because you kind of already have to have picked up a book to be reading the summary, but I’m trying my best here, people. If I know a book has a good plot, or even if I saw a review from another bookstagrammer, you know I’ll be making a note to get it ASAP.

A Reese’s Book Club pick ☑

If you know, you know. I think Reese Witherspoon started her book club in recent years, but it is already really popular. And a great way to find new reads. You can spot any of the book club’s picks by a little white and orange circle sticker on the cover. Trust me, you’ll like any book she features.

Strong female characters ?‍♀️

This is a given, right? If I’ve heard a story has a really strong female character, I’m definitely going to check it out. Same thing applies to nonfiction, actually. Catch me reading My Own Words and Becoming. Reading about strong women makes you a stronger woman, so why not?

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What are your top reasons for picking up a book?

Let me know in the comments!