Ask HN: How do you choose what to read?

3 points·rileywatkins··2 comments

With more books and content on the internet than anyone could possibly read in a lifetime, how do you decide what deserves your attention and what doesn't?

View on HN

My solution to this problem is not to think too much about choosing, and focus instead on efficiency. I try to read everything that strikes my fancy, but won't hesitate to click away or put something down if I'm just not into it. No need to waste time on something I have to struggle to stay interested in.

One thing I can definitely recommend for books, though, if you're an avid reader and you just can't devour books fast enough: Listen to audiobooks constantly, and at 1.25x or 1.5x speed. Between hard copy, Kindle, and Audible/Scribd, I've been able to finish about 40 books so far this year (I set a goal of 52 for the year -- on track to make it!)

Until maybe 5 years ago, I would read almost anything. This is great for discovery, but sucks when you have to plow through an abysmal book. I remember vividly reading the sequel of Dracula by a descendant (and a handful of ghostwriter) of Bram Stocker. This was terrible, full of cliché, badly written...

So now I am actually planning what I am going to read next. There are lots of classic to chose from. Admittedly some are boring. Last year, I have really enjoyed Lord Jim, Nostromo and Heart of Darkness.

I always have a "to read next" list with 10-20 books in it.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com