Finding Great Summer Reads

In a world dominated by discussions about Artificial Intelligence, reading can be the ultimate escape. Stories written by humans can transport readers to other places. For years, the task of finding compelling reads has been shaped by algorithms. Many authors’ careers erupted when their books were listed on a popular bookselling site as being “similar to” bestsellers. But what many don’t know is that the site auctions keywords to manipulate readers into buying “products related to this item,” rather than a human-generated recommendation.

There are various ways for readers to find compelling books that don’t involve algorithms. One method is by asking for recommendations. These recommendations can be in person or in various online fan groups, mostly Facebook. However, for the introverted reader, some light sleuthing eliminates the need to ask anyone what they enjoy. Central Pennsylvania is home to several lovely independent bookstores and a plethora of delightful libraries which have shelves of recommendations and displays of interesting books that do not require a conversation. Bookstores and libraries regularly highlight books and authors on their social media.

Some people take their enjoyment in books and create Instagram pages about books. Book fans call these Instagram pages “Bookstagram.”

If a reader likes a specific genre, they can find other people who love to take pictures of books in that genre. Photographs of peoples’ book hauls are often things of beauty.

Perusing displays at Bookshop.org , designed and created to help independent bookstores succeed, is another great way to find new or popular recommendations. The site launched in January 2020, and books are the center of its mission. For bookstores that join Bookshop. org , they are added to a list of bookstores that readers can select as their local bookstore. The bookstores create curated lists that are linked on the Bookshop pages, and a cookie in the browser identifies the reader as that store’s customer and the store receives the profit from all the reader’s Bookshop purchases. In addition to Bookshop.org , readers looking to support local independent bookstores through the purchase of Audiobooks can use Libro.fm

For readers who want to engage with fellow book lovers, independent bookstores and libraries provide a great place to talk about reading. Employees of bookstores usually love to discuss their favorites. Sometimes the difficulty can be limiting the conversation once people start talking about the books they are passionate about. Other customers in bookstores often offer their opinions when they hear someone discussing books they adore. Readers can also find recommendations and discussion through book clubs and author signings which are often listed on the bookstore’s website. For example, Cupboard Maker Books runs seven book clubs every month and usually several signings, as well. One of the events at Cupboard Maker Books this summer is Bookstore Romance Day which is the entire weekend of Friday, August 18th, Saturday, August 19th, and Sunday, August 20th. Over twenty-five romance authors will be signing and talking about their books that weekend. This is the fifth year for Bookstore Romance Day, and several other Central Pennsylvania bookstores are also participating in various fashions. Book events like this one are a great way to talk to readers, authors, and booksellers. 7

Michelle Haring is the owner of Cupboard Maker Books, a 6,500 square foot store in Enola,Pennsylvania, with ample parking on Routes 11/15. The store is across the river from Harrisburg and contains over 120,000 curated, unique, previously loved paperback and hardback titles including Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Children’s, History, Art, Religion, and many other genres. The bookstore cats and foster cats from Castaway Critters roam freely and love visitors. Cupboard Maker Books hosts book signings and monthly book clubs and carries thousands of new titles including fiction and nonfiction by local traditionally published and independent authors.