I've done quite a few posts on tips for reading. I also think I did a post on getting back into reading if you took a reading hiatus. (I think I also included "getting into reading" in this post, but that wasn't the focus of it.) As a result, I decided to make this post specifically for new readers.
If you're new in the reading circles, it can be hard to navigate your way through the bookish community. You may also wonder if you should read from a single genre or not. And sometimes, it's difficult to keep up with recent releases, even if you're a veteran reader. Hopefully, this post will help you out.
Here are 12 tips for new readers.

Tip 1: Create a Goodreads account.
Goodreads has its issues. Despite this, it is a very useful website (and app) to keep track of all the books you have read, are currently reading, and want to read. You don't have to use it often or regularly. You can even use it just to find book recommendations. But having a Goodreads account can really help you keep track of your book lists.
Apps like Libby and Overdrive give you access to ebooks and audiobooks. Although ebooks and audiobooks tend to be on the cheap side, Libby and Overdrive offer you the opportunity to test out books for free before you commit money to them and add them to your shelf, physical or electronic.
Tip 3: Use your local library if and when possible.
Not everyone has a "local" library per se, which is where Libby and Overdrive can come into play. With Libby and Overdrive, you can choose almost any library to loan ebooks from. With your local libraries, you can borrow physical books and see whether or not you like them without having to spend money on them.
Tip 4: Start out by reading from every genre.
This is very important in finding what your favorite genre is. Even if you roughly know what your favorite genre is, don't limit yourself to that genre. You can find new favorite books that are outside of your preferred genre. And you can always have more than one favorite genre.

Tip 5: Don't feel pressured to read from a single genre.
There has been a "controversy" of sorts where you have to read "within your genre." The other side of the coin is that if you read only one genre, "you're a snob." If you only read one genre, that is perfectly fine! You are doing nothing wrong. But don't feel pressured to read only one genre. As mentioned in Tip 4, you can find favorite books outside of your preferred genre.
Tip 6: Don't feel pressured to keep up with others' reading challenges.
If you have reader friends, family, or if you follow readers, you may feel pressured to keep up with others' reading challenges. But you don't need to feel this way, especially if you're a new reader. Start off by going at your own pace if you decide to do a reading challenge - start out small with 20 books, and then go up from there.
Tip 7: Follow authors on social media.
It can be hard to wade through all of the new releases being thrown in our faces practically every month. (Thrown in a nice way.) Following authors, well known or not, and whether or not you've read their books, can help you zero in on upcoming books. Following authors can also help you see what they're reading, thereby finding more books for yourself to read.
Tip 8: Follow bookish accounts on social media.
Similarly with following authors on social media, following bookish accounts on social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc.), can help you find new books to read for yourself. It can also help you see what books are being talked about.

Tip 9: Try the chapter challenge.
If you're having trouble deciding on a book to read next, the chapter challenge can help you choose. Choose 2-3 books and read the first chapter of each. Whichever first chapter you enjoyed most, that's the book you continue to read.
Tip 10: Do buddy reads.
Buddy reads can help you get through a book. You can talk about specific scenes, characters, tropes, and so much more during a buddy read. And if you're confused about something in the book, that's where a friend can come in and help you understand it. You can even do group reads with 3+ people over Zoom or in person.
Tip 11: If you want, join a book club.
Book clubs aren't for everyone. But it's a good way to start out if you're a new reader. You automatically get book recommendations, since each month you have a new book to read with your book club. And similarly to buddy reads, it can be really helpful to get a better insight into a book, whether or not you enjoyed the book.
Tip 12: Look at reviews and ratings under each star rating.
Goodreads is one of the best places to see reviews and ratings for books. Most ratings go between 1 to 5 stars. Additionally, most readers tend to explain, in their reviews, why they did or didn't like a book. This is why it's good to read a couple of reviews under each star rating. You don't have to read every review under every star rating, but reading a couple of them can help you understand a bit more about the book.
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