How to Find a Good Book

(in response to the chapter "Readers Advisory Services: How to Help Users Find a 'Good Book'" by Mary K. Chelton in The Portable MLIS)

I am one of those people who has never (at least not as an adult) approached a librarian to ask for help in finding something.  I suppose this is kind of funny, given that I am in the process of becoming a librarian.  Then again, I'm also the kind of person who never stops to ask for directions, or for help finding which aisle houses the cereal, so I think this is an overarching element of my personality.  Because of this tendency not to admit I need help, I never really honestly thought about how a librarian would help somebody find a book she might enjoy.  This article made me start considering that.

One thing that stood out for me was the assertion that "reading literature is a means of self-exploration" and "unless the book has meaning for the reader, all the rest is useless."  This is a phenomenon I have observed in movies and TV, so it makes complete sense that it would translate to books.  Kids often enjoy the book Where the Wild Things Are because they feel like they have difficulty conforming to adults' idea of "proper" behavior; They can put themselves in Max's shoes.  Similarly, I like the show "Firefly" not because I am a science fiction buff per se, but more because I can see my own struggles in the struggles of the characters.  

This of course means that at least some of the time, helping a member find the next book to read may be significantly more complicated than saying "Oh, you like Stephen King? Well, here.  Read The Tommyknockers."  I know that one of my favorite books of all time is The Terror by Dan Simmons.  However, I've tried to read other Dan Simmons novels and haven't been able to get through them.  I would love to find another book like that, but I don't know where to look.  (Maybe I should ask a librarian!)  I am interested to delve more into what kinds of resources are available to help with book recommendations.  

The article also mentions placing similar books together on the shelf (an incredibly enticing idea for somebody who loves to organize!) or making online suggestions available via E-mail.  I have also heard of libraries whose websites employ the Amazon-esque "If you enjoy this, you might also like..." model.  I think this is a fantastic idea, especially for people like me who hate asking for help.