Finding a new book can be a hard thing to do, especially when you only have a general idea of what kind of book you’re looking for. Naturally, I would first suggest going to the Books page. However, if that doesn’t yield the kind of results you are looking for, there is another place you can look called Whichbook.
Whichbook is a site, created by Opening the Book Ltd, that “enables you to search for a book that up to now may only have existed in your own mind.” Here’s how it works:
- Sign in. It isn’t necessary to sign in to use Whichbook. In fact, you may want to play with it first, but if you plan to use it often it may be a good idea. You can choose to sign in via Facebook or using an email address, again it depends on your preference.
- Select what four factors you want to base your search on (humor, violence, predictability, sex, etc.).
- Use the sliders to choose where on the range of each factor you like your books to fall (Expected-Unpredictable, Gentle-Violent, Funny-Serious, etc.).
- Select “GO” and the site generates a list of titles that match your preferences and ranks them “Best Matches,” “Good Matches” and “Fair Matches.”
- From there you can read a short extract, see each book’s profile (where they stand on the scale for each factor), see parallel books ( books with the same profile), share the book on Facebook or through email or find similar books.
If that doesn’t yield the kinds of books you’re looking for you can either alter the factors you chose, find new ones or search for books based on the characteristics of the characters or plot or based in a specific setting. They even have an author list so you can find books you know you like, click “Find Similar” and see similar titles that way.
Whichbook has also created a few ready-made lists for its users as well as giving you the options to create your own to which you can add any books you find on their site. If you want to share that list with Whichbook users you can even ask to add your list to their Guest Lists.
Each book’s profile also includes “Borrow” and “Buy” buttons. Unfortunately, the “Borrow” button links you to the UK’s library system so it isn’t much use here in the States. The “Buy” however, links you to the book listing on Amazon and is much more useful.
So if you’re looking for a new book, give Whichbook a try. If you like what you find share it with us on the Books page.
For example, when you are reading words that describe a smell, like lavender, not only is the part of your brain that handles reading and language active, but the areas controlling smell are active too. The same goes for actions. Reading about throwing a ball activates different areas than readign about kicking one, just like performing those actions usees different parts of the brain.
English Major for Life 