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Google is Your Best Friend
I say this all the time, but honestly—it’s true. Google is your best friend.
I literally Google anything and everything. If I’m unsure about something, want to find the best reading list for 2025, need help with a random fact I can’t remember, or even just want to learn more about a hobby, I go straight to Google. It’s quick, easy, and there are endless rabbit holes to fall down in the best way possible.
When it comes to books, though, Google is truly magical. You can search for books in your favorite genre, see lists of the “top 10 best books” in a specific category, or even discover underrated hidden gems that no one’s talking about yet. Just a quick search for “fantasy books with strong heroines” or “romantasy recommendations” and suddenly you’re looking at lists that could keep you busy for months.
That’s honestly one of my favorite things about being a reader—the fact that there’s always something new waiting for me. I love the comfort of favorite authors and series, of course, but I’ve also been trying to expand my horizons lately by reading different authors and different genres. Sometimes it surprises me when I end up loving a book outside of my comfort zone.
Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? I’d love to know! Personally, I love fantasy and romantasy. Give me a magical world, a little romance (or a lot), and I’m sold. But I’ll also dip into thrillers, mysteries, or even the occasional contemporary just to shake things up.
There are so many ways to discover new books, and that’s what I want to focus on here. In this post, I’m going to cover three main ways you can expand your reading list and find books that might just become your new favorites.
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Social Media (hello, Bookstagram and BookTok!)
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Reading Apps (Goodreads, Fable, and Storygraph are my go-to)
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Bookstores (because nothing beats wandering the aisles of shelves stacked high with stories)
Let’s dive in!
Social Media to Find a Reading List for 2025
My favorite way—hands down—to find reading lists for new books and authors is through social media. It’s honestly incredible how the online book community has grown over the last few years. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created entire spaces where book lovers can connect, share recommendations, gush about new releases, and talk endlessly about the fictional characters we love (and sometimes love to hate).
Every time I scroll through my feed, I’m guaranteed to see at least one book that makes me pause, screenshot, and immediately add to my never-ending TBR (to-be-read) list.
Instagram is such a great resource for finding new reading lists. The Explore tab is like a goldmine. You can type in searches like “fantasy books 2025,” “romantasy new releases,” or just a genre you’re interested in, and suddenly you’ve got an entire wall of posts, reels, and recommendations at your fingertips.
Sometimes it’s a flat lay of a beautifully staged book stack, other times it’s a reel of someone screaming about their favorite plot twist—but either way, it usually works on me. My TBR grows faster than I can read, but honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now here’s a fun fact that a lot of new readers don’t always know: there’s such a thing as an indie author.
If you’re not familiar, indie authors are authors who self-publish their books rather than going through a traditional publishing house. And let me tell you—their books are AMAZING. Seriously. Some of my favorite reads have been indie books that I stumbled across on Instagram.
If you’re curious, try searching hashtags like:
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#indieauthors
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#indieauthorlife
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#indiebooks
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#indiebookshops
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#indiebookstore
You’ll find countless posts showcasing new authors, new releases, and stories that deserve so much love and attention. Supporting indie authors feels extra special, too, because you know you’re helping someone who has poured their heart and soul into their work.
And don’t even get me started on reels. Book reels are addicting. One second you’re scrolling through dog videos, the next you’re knee-deep in recommendations for cozy fantasy books or dark romantasy trilogies you have to read.
TikTok
If Instagram is the cozy, aesthetic book cafe, then TikTok is the chaotic, high-energy bookstore you never want to leave. BookTok has blown up over the last few years, and honestly, it’s one of the best places to find books to read in 2025.
TikTok works similarly to Instagram in that you can search specific hashtags or scroll your home feed to find book content. Hashtags like #BookTokMadeMeReadIt or #IndieAuthors will pull up endless videos.
But what makes TikTok stand out is how fast things spread. One video goes viral, and suddenly a book that’s been out for years is back on the bestseller list. I’ve seen it happen multiple times!
You can also check your Friends tab to see what people you follow are reading, or explore the TikTok Shop, which often features indie author books. A few authors you might come across there include Staci Morrison, Afton Seeser, and so many more.
The TikTok Shop has honestly been a game-changer for indie authors, making their books more accessible to new readers. And for us readers? It’s like browsing a bookstore without leaving your couch. Dangerous for the wallet, but oh-so-fun.
Reading Apps for Reading Lists
The next way I love finding new books is through reading apps. I know a lot of people think of these apps just as “trackers”—a place to log what you’re reading and maybe leave a quick star rating. But honestly? They’re so much more than that.
Most reading apps not only let you track your reading but also provide personalized recommendations, challenges, giveaways, and insights into your habits as a reader. It’s like having your own little bookish assistant in your pocket.
Here are the three apps I use the most:
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Goodreads
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Fable
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Storygraph
Each has its own vibe and unique features, so I’ll break them down a little.
Goodreads
Goodreads is probably the most well-known reading app. It’s been around for years, and almost every reader I know has at least tried it at some point.
On Goodreads, you can:
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Search for specific books or authors
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See what your friends are reading
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Explore curated book lists by genre, popularity, or publication year
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Join reading challenges
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Enter giveaways (yes, free books!)
Goodreads is also great for reviews. Sometimes I’ll search for a book I’m interested in just to skim through the reviews and see if it’s something I’ll like. It’s helpful when deciding between similar reads.
Fable
Fable is a newer app compared to Goodreads, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. The design is modern and easy to use, plus it’s very community-oriented.
Some features I love about Fable:
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You can purchase e-books directly through the app
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Join or create book clubs
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See what your friends are reading in real time
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Write reviews and posts
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Build lists and “shelfies” of your books
Fable also generates graphics for your monthly wrap-ups, which is perfect for sharing on social media. It adds a little extra fun to the reading experience.
Storygraph
Storygraph is the app for readers who love data. If you’re a stats person, this one’s for you.
Some of Storygraph’s best features include:
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Personalized recommendations based on your reading habits
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Challenges you can join throughout the year
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Super detailed reading stats
Your stats include everything from total pages and hours read to moods, pacing, genres, and star ratings. It breaks things down so specifically that you can see patterns in your reading you might not have noticed before.
Storygraph also lets you log your daily progress, so if you like tracking how many pages you read each day, this is the app for you.
All three apps are amazing in their own way, and I actually use all of them for different reasons. Goodreads for lists and giveaways, Fable for the community and clubs, and Storygraph for the stats. Together, they make reading feel even more exciting.
Bookstores
Last but definitely not least: bookstores.
There is nothing like walking into a bookstore, breathing in that bookish smell, and wandering the aisles until you find the perfect read. It’s an experience you just can’t replicate anywhere else.
I love, love, love going to bookstores. Honestly, I rarely walk out with just one book. It’s usually at least three… or five. Maybe more. Who’s counting?
Bookstores also make it easy to discover new reading lists of new authors because they’re constantly getting fresh stock. Whether it’s new releases, indie titles, or even seasonal displays, there’s always something new to check out.
Some bookstores even focus specifically on indie authors, which I think is incredible. Supporting indie bookstores and indie authors at the same time? Yes, please.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask a bookseller. They are usually some of the most knowledgeable, passionate readers and can recommend something tailored to your tastes. I’ve discovered some amazing books just by asking, “What’s your favorite fantasy book right now?”
Final Thoughts
So, to sum it all up—the best ways to find new authors and books are:
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Social media (Instagram and TikTok are absolute goldmines)
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Reading apps (Goodreads, Fable, Storygraph)
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Bookstores (because sometimes the best finds are the ones you stumble upon in person)
I genuinely love discovering new books and helping others do the same. That’s part of why I write posts like this—because nothing excites me more than sharing book recommendations and watching someone fall in love with a story they might never have picked up otherwise.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d love for you to comment, share, or subscribe. All my subscribers will receive a special list of indie authors and books I recommend checking out—you never know, your next favorite read might be on that list.
Happy reading, friends. May your TBR be endless and your bookshelf always have room for one more.
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