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Reading for Fun: Home

A guide to finding something great to read.

Quick Library Catalog Search

Find books, e-books, DVDs, and more in the Seattle Community College Libraries.

Search Tips

Titles: Don't start with an article (People's History of the United States - not A People's History of the United States)

Authors: Enter the last name first (Zinn, Howard - not Howard Zinn)

Keywords: Use to find books on a topic (colonial history)

 

Go to the full Library Catalog  OR  go to other libraries' catalogs

Welcome

How do I choose a great book to read?

  • Ask everyone you know what good books they've read lately and why they liked them. Write down titles.
  • Read a few reviews. Reviewers disagree on even the best books, so get a few opinions.
  • Read a few pages of a new book before you decide.

Where do I find books?

The reading habit can get awfully expensive, but it doesn't have to. Before buying, look for books at your library and trade with friends. Yard sales and used bookstores are great bargains too.

How much should I read before I give up?

If you're reading for fun, don't torture yourself with a book you don't like! According to Nancy Pearl,

"If you’re fifty years of age or younger, give a book 50 pages before you decide to commit to reading it or give it up.  If you’re over 50, which is when time gets even shorter, subtract your age from 100—the result is the number of pages you should read before making your decision to stay with it or quit."

 

Recommendation Lists