Sorry. There’s no secret formula for book selection. Truth is, we all have our “things” that we look for when we’re picking the best books. Sometimes it’s a suggestion from a friend, other times it’s a review that we find online. But for many, it can be a compelling little story by the author that makes us long for more. While all of these are great ways to pick the best books, I’d like to add getting “a good book feel” to that list.

This doesn’t mean actually feeling the book per say, but rather getting a good feeling in the pit of your stomach when you read a little bit of the book. If you get butterflies, anticipation, happiness, laughter, eagerness or warmth bubbling up inside of you, then you’ve probably picked the best book. But you might also feel something when you look at the cover of the book. If you’re drawn to it, you’re bound to look a little closer.

I pick a lot of books from the “feel” I get from the front cover and I’m very particular about how my book covers look. There is just something about that visual that makes you want to peek inside.

But the best books are the ones that inspire you.

That doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun, thrilling or romantic ride. Rather a book that inspires you is one that makes you think differently, relate in new ways, or strive to become better in different areas of your life. And absolutely no one should tell you what you should or shouldn’t read. If it’s something that you’re interested in, explore it.

Authors of all kinds of books, self-published how-tos to best-selling and literary all put their hearts and souls into their creations. And these works deserve to be read, enjoyed and shared.

So, what are you waiting for? Inspiration? Well, I hope you find plenty to choose from at Books Uplift. But the bookstores are open, so swing by in person or virtually and pick up your next read.

I urge you to share your “best book find” below and tell us how it inspired and uplifted you!