Let’s face it—there’s nothing quite like finishing a book and thinking, Whoa. That was a 5-star read. You close the cover (or tap your Kindle), stare into the distance, and maybe even hug the book like a long-lost friend. Pure magic.

But then comes the inevitable question: How do I find another one like that?!

If your TBR is more like a “tower threatening to crush your soul,” and you’ve been burned by a few duds lately, don’t worry. I’ve got your back.

Let’s break down how to actually find your next 5-star book—without spiraling into a reading slump or impulse-buying 12 new titles at midnight (okay, maybe just one).

10 Tips to Find Your Next Five-Star Book

1. Define Your Version of a 5-Star Book

Before we even dive into recommendations and review sites, take a minute to think about what you consider a five-star read.

Because guess what? It’s different for everyone.

Ask yourself:

• Do you love books that make you cry? (Hi, emotional masochists. Welcome.)
• Do you crave twisty thrillers that make you gasp out loud on the bus?
• Do you want a slow-burn romance with grumpy-sunshine vibes and a dog named Waffles?
• Do you need a book to move fast and keep you hooked, or do you prefer lyrical writing and vibes over plot?

Think of your past five-star reads and what they had in common. Was it the characters? The immersive setting? The jaw-dropping plot twist in Chapter 27?

Make a quick mental checklist—or heck, write it in your Notes app. It’ll make your search so much easier.

2. Stalk Your Own Reading History

This is the one time I’ll say, “go ahead and stalk yourself.”

Look back at your Goodreads, StoryGraph, or even your Amazon Kindle history. What are the books you rated five stars in the past year or two?

Then ask:

• Who are the authors behind those gems?
• Are there similar books in the same genre or trope?
• Have those authors written other books you haven’t read yet? (Seriously, so many of us forget to check.)

If you loved The Cheat Sheet by Adams, have you read her backlist? If Rock Paper Scissors blew your mind, maybe try His & Hers or other books by Alice Feeney.

Sometimes your next five-star is hiding right under your nose—like that unread book you impulse-bought two years ago because of the pretty cover. (We’ve all been there.)

3. Trust the Bookish Internet (But Not Blindly)

Bookish corners of the internet are a goldmine—if you know where to look.

Try:

• Bookstagram: Search hashtags like #5StarReads, #BookRecommendations, or your fave genre (#CozyFantasy or #ThrillerBooks).
• BookTok: Yes, it’s chaotic, but there are so many genuine readers hyping up books they adored.
• YouTube (BookTube): Longer reviews and reading vlogs can give you a good feel for the book’s tone.
• Podcasts and blogs: (Hi! You’re here already!) Book bloggers and podcasters often share curated lists, hidden gems, and honest reviews.

But here’s the catch: don’t follow the hype blindly. That hyped book with 78k five-star reviews might not be your jam.

Read a few reviews—especially the 3-star ones. Those are often the most balanced and helpful. They’ll tell you what works and what might annoy you. If someone says, “Loved the romance, but the pacing was slow,” and you love slow-burn pacing? That’s your green light.

4. Use Your Favorite Tropes Like a GPS

Tropes get a bad rap sometimes, but honestly? They’re the secret sauce to finding your next five-star read.

Love a good enemies-to-lovers romance? Search for it.

Can’t get enough found family or grumpy/sunshine pairings? There’s a list for that.

Want cozy fantasy with no world-ending stakes? Oh, it’s out there.

Use websites like:

• Goodreads lists (e.g., “Best Grumpy/Sunshine Romances” or “Magical Realism with Cozy Vibes”)
• StoryGraph filters (including mood, pace, and content warnings)
• Reddit communities like r/suggestmeabook

Knowing your favorite tropes is like having a bookish compass. You’re not wandering the shelves aimlessly—you’re hunting with a purpose.

5. Ask the Library (or Librarian!) for Help

Remember libraries? Those magical places where books live rent-free and people actually want to help you find a good read?

Librarians are walking book databases. Seriously. If you say, “I loved The Night Circus and want something with dreamy vibes and slow romance,” they’ll point you to a hidden gem that’s not even on BookTok’s radar yet.

Plus, you can check out a few books without risking your wallet. If you DNF one, no guilt.

And don’t forget about library apps like Libby or Hoopla! You can browse top-rated eBooks, audiobooks, and curated lists from your couch.

6. Embrace the “Try a Chapter” Rule

Let’s be honest: the back cover blurb lies sometimes. And a glowing review doesn’t guarantee you’ll vibe with the book.

So before you commit, try reading the first chapter. Just one.

If the writing clicks, if you’re already asking questions, or if you’re hooked by the first page? That’s a great sign.

If you’re bored, confused, or internally sighing, “Not this again,” then you know it’s not the one.

Sampling a few pages helps you avoid disappointment and preserve your five-star rating system’s integrity. Because yes, your stars are sacred.

7. Join a Buddy Read or Book Club

Sometimes reading a book with others makes it so much more enjoyable. You catch nuances you wouldn’t notice on your own. You get to scream about plot twists in real time. It’s like a bookish group chat for your heart.

Whether it’s a virtual buddy read on Bookstagram or a neighborhood book club with snacks and wine, sharing the experience can boost your enjoyment—and push a 4.5 read into five-star territory.

Bonus: you’ll probably discover new titles you wouldn’t have picked up yourself.

8. Trust Your Gut (a.k.a. Mood Matters)

Have you ever picked up a heavy literary novel when your brain just wanted a fluffy romcom? Or forced yourself through a dark thriller when what you really needed was a cozy hug-in-a-book?

Yeah. Same.

Even the perfect book can fall flat if you’re not in the right headspace.

So check in with yourself. What are you in the mood for? Drama? Laughs? Escape? Big feelings?

Your next five-star book is probably the one your mood is asking for, not the one everyone else says you should be reading.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Reread

Sometimes your next five-star book… is an old favorite waiting to be revisited.

Rereading a comfort book can hit even harder the second (or third, or tenth) time. You notice details you missed. You’re already emotionally invested. It’s like hanging out with an old friend who brings snacks and life advice.

And hey, if you’re in a slump, rereading can gently pull you back into your reading groove without the pressure of a new story.

10. Keep an Open Mind

Here’s the thing: sometimes your next five-star book won’t look like one.

It might be a genre you don’t normally read.

It might have a weird title or a strange cover.

It might not be popular. Or it might be too popular and you’re feeling stubborn about it. 

Give yourself permission to try something new, something out of left field, or something you wouldn’t usually gravitate toward.

Because when a book surprises you in the best way? That’s five-star magic right there.

Bonus Tip: Keep a “5-Star TBR” List

Create a special list in your planner, Notes app, reading journal, or Goodreads just for books that you think could be five stars based on reviews, vibes, and recommendations.

Then, when you’re ready to dive in, you’ve got a curated list of potential winners instead of scrolling endlessly and doom-picking the wrong book.

Think of it as your “greatest hits in progress” playlist.

Final Thoughts

Finding a five-star book isn’t just about chasing perfection—it’s about chasing joy. The joy of falling into a story, of connecting with characters, of staying up too late because you have to know what happens next.

It’s about knowing yourself as a reader, being open to discovery, and not being afraid to DNF a book that’s just not hitting.

So go forth, my fellow bookworm. Your next five-star read is out there, waiting for you in a little bookstore corner, a dusty library shelf, or a glowing Kindle recommendation.

And when you find it? Come back and tell me—I want to read it, too!

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