The key to a good book recommendation is why you personally loved the book.

The more personal, the more powerful.

Did you not want to finish reading it because you didn't want to say goodbye to the characters?

Did you love the book because it helped you through an incredibly tough break-up?

Did you find the plot so fantastic and gripping that you forgot to go to sleep?

Did you learn something new about history and humanity?

Did it help you accept and work on past trauma?

Did it make you happy, sad, or scared?

Did it make you laugh?

Why did you personally love the book?

Sharing this spark connects you with readers and gets them more interested in you and your book. 

This is not a review; it is a positive recommendation.

This is not a description (although it can describe elements of the book). But we also provide the book's description in the "explore-this-book" slideout button. 

Imagine you are getting coffee with a friend and are telling them how incredible this book is. What do you say?

Your recommendation should explain why you love the book, why you recommend it, and what value you got from it.

It should have a lot of "I" statements in most cases. 

By sharing something personal, you will connect with readers and give them something of immense value. And your personal recommendation will drive more interest in you and your book. 

It might be something that it taught you. It might be something it helped you overcome. You might love the writing, the complexity of the main character, or the illustrations. It might be that it reminds you of a particular time in your life. It might remind you of curling up next to your daughter and watching her eyes widen in excitement as you read her the book. 

We don't want authors to explain what The Lord Of The Rings is about (that is what the marketing description is for); we need you to tell readers why you love it and what it means to you. Readers come to our website to find personal human recommendations. Of course, you can weave in what the book is about, but the core is why you recommend/love this book. 

What is this based on? Data!

This is based on the Gestalt method from Gestalt psychology (with my twist). The idea is to share your experience with the book rather than give advice or opinions. It is powerful when done correctly. And it shows readers your passion, voice, and expertise, which leads to sales of your book. 

We've done a ton of testing with readers, and this format entices readers. Just try a book list and see for yourself :)