REVIEW: The Book Lover's Companion: What to Read Next

Synopsis

More than 200 truly rewarding reads are covered, with a non-spoiler synopsis, background information, discussion points, and suggested companion volumes

With so many fantastic books out there, book clubs and avid readers can have difficulty choosing what to read next—thankfully, this comprehensive guide brings together the best and most loved titles for easy reference. Featuring a diverse selection, from Pride and Prejudice to The Handmaid's Tale, The Kite Runner to Cloud Atlas, the guide includes interesting discussion points and facts as well as potential companion books with similar themes, honest opinions from readers, and razor-sharp reviews from critics, so readers will know they're making the right choice every time. Top ten lists are also included, such as Top Ten Quick Reads (Metamorphosis, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie), Top Ten Challenging Reads (Anna Karenina, Possession), Top Ten Gay Reads (Giovanni's Room, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit), and Top Ten Chilling Reads (The Stand, Ring). Compiled by a range of English literature experts and avid readers, this book is sure to inspire any book lover.


My Thoughts

I received this book through BookTrib, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I got was a really charming list of books for my consideration.

The book begins with a foreword by Lionel Shriver and an introduction by Ana Sampson, who writes:

I was once told that the average person would read three thousand books during their lifetime. If anything it seems reasonably generous: that would be thirty-seven and a half books consumed each year if you lived to be eighty...Since then I feel rising panic when I realize I am not enjoying a book because I am using up one of my precious literary experiences on something that doesn't engage me, teach me something or take me somewhere. What a waste!

I know where she's coming from, because I feel a similar way. That is why I tend to be so picky about what books I choose to read. I have little time to spend reading, and I don't want to waste it on something I won't really enjoy!

This book has a list of 100 books compiled by the Michael O'Mara Books team as great books to read. For each of these books, there is basic information such as the author, when it was published and the number of pages, followed by a synopsis of the book. Then a brief summary of "What the Critics Said", "Discussion Points", "Background Information", and "Suggested Companion Books".

In addition there are fourteen "Top Ten" lists, such as: Top Ten World Classics, Top Ten Quick Reads, Top Ten Challenging Reads and Top Ten Chilling Reads.

My final word: I'm slowly making my way through this great little book! If you are looking for some great recommendations for your next new read, pick up this little treasure for a great list of suggestions! Thanks to this book, I've already added several books to my Wish List, and added a book or two to my "to be read" shelf.

My Rating: 

Disclosure:

I received this book via BookTrib and the publisher, in hopes that I would provide my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way.