In 2026, the Kindle library is packed with books that aren’t just entertaining – they’re practical. These aren’t textbooks or boring career guides. They’re books that explain how to work smarter, manage stress, and think better, even during exam season. Most of them are under $10, and several are free with Kindle Unlimited.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself searching do my assignment online during finals week, this list can help shift your mindset – and maybe even your grades. Because while tools like EssayPro are great for staying on track, these books are all about long-term growth!

1. Deep Work by Cal Newport

Lesson: Focus is a superpower

Cal Newport’s Deep Work remains essential in 2026 because the digital world is more distracting than ever. Students who learn how to focus for 90-minute stretches without picking up their phone will outpace others in almost any field. This book teaches how to train your attention span like a muscle and create blocks of high-impact study time – without needing to stay up until 3 AM.

The strategies are especially helpful for students juggling multiple deadlines or struggling with procrastination. Newport’s advice works well with modern time-blocking apps and productivity planners, and the Kindle version includes bonus digital annotations for quick summaries.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Lesson: Small changes build better students

This isn’t just a motivational book. Atomic Habits gives students step-by-step systems to build routines that stick. Want to study more consistently? Improve your sleep? Remember your to-do list? Clear shows how to tie habits together, build momentum, and stop relying on willpower alone.

Students who apply just one or two ideas from this book often find that their whole semester improves.

3. The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

Lesson: College years shape your future more than you think

Psychologist Meg Jay’s book speaks directly to students in their 20s – especially those who feel behind, unsure, or overwhelmed. The Defining Decade is based on real therapy sessions with students and young professionals who don’t know where they’re headed. The stories are raw, relatable, and focused on decision-making, identity, relationships, and careers.

It’s not preachy. It’s personal and powerful. Students who feel like they’re floating through college with no direction often find grounding in this book. It’s especially recommended for seniors or grad students preparing for life after school.

4. Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen

Lesson: Burnout isn’t your fault, but it’s your problem to solve

Yes, this book’s title says “Millennials,” but the insights apply to Gen Z students just as much. Can’t Even explains how academic pressure, social media, and hustle culture have created a generation of students who are constantly exhausted but never feel productive.

It dives into real-life experiences, especially of students working multiple jobs or balancing school with family care. Petersen shows how burnout affects everything – motivation, health, even friendships. Students can use this book to recognize burnout early and take steps to protect their energy before it crashes.

5. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Lesson: Believing you can grow changes how you study

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset (“I’m just bad at math”) and a growth mindset (“I can get better at this”). This concept alone has helped thousands of students shift from failure to progress. Mindset isn’t a self-help buzzword – it’s a research-backed guide that shows how your beliefs about learning shape actual results.

In 2026, this book still appears on college reading lists for a reason. Whether you’re retaking a class or trying something new, having the right mindset makes the process easier – and less painful.

6. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Lesson: Being online 24/7 isn’t required for success

Newport makes the list twice for good reason. In Digital Minimalism, he explains how to escape tech addiction without giving up the internet entirely. For students addicted to scrolling before bed or jumping between tabs while studying, this is a wake-up call.

The Kindle version includes checklists to audit your own habits and create “digital boundaries” that don’t feel like punishment. For students trying to study smarter, this book can instantly free up hours of wasted time.

It pairs surprisingly well with campus perks, too. Speaking of which, Netflix student discounts can help students relax responsibly without spending full price. Balance is the goal – not burnout.

7. Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

Lesson: Attention is a choice – and you can control it

This book is written by former Google and YouTube designers who noticed how badly tech eats attention. Make Time offers a super-practical framework for students who want more control over their days. Each chapter includes short “tactics” you can try immediately – no fluff, no long lectures.

Unlike traditional productivity books, this one doesn’t assume you have perfect discipline. It just gives you options – for when you’re too tired to focus, when you keep rescheduling tasks, or when you want to escape reactive mode and actually create something.

It’s especially useful for students balancing school with side jobs, internships, or long commutes. Students looking to lighten their academic workload without compromising quality can also use tools like write my assignment for me platforms to stay on top of coursework. Time saved can be invested in deeper learning, self-care, or passion projects.

Use Books to Grow, Not Just Escape

Kindle books let students carry a whole library in their backpack – or just on their phone. These reads aren’t just about surviving college. They’re about thriving after it. Whether it’s setting better goals, overcoming burnout, or simply learning how to write assignment for me plans that actually get done, the right book at the right time can shift everything.

And when help is needed to meet deadlines, there’s no shame in using a trusted essay writing service. As Annie Lambert from EssayPro says, students today are learning how to manage complexity, not just coursework.

Reading smart, delegating wisely, and reflecting often are part of that journey.

Or, if you prefer not to pay for your books, you can see the selection of free Kindle Books.

Trends among the Best Kindle Books of 2023

As is typical, the “best” books on Kindle are also happen to be the best sellers. But let’s not quibble between the differences of best and best-seller. Let’s look instead at how these titles speak to societal trends and our current, collective obsessions.

This year there are less rom-coms and thrillers than usual and more psychological thrillers, Colleen Hover, and dark romance books filling up the spots. Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, occupies no less than 9 spots in the list. While psychothriller author Freida McFadden also has a number of books on the list.

This list also features multiple books in a series: readers following characters they love over an extended narrative, with fiction from traditional publishing houses overwhelming all other genres on the list. There’s also a couple of new biographies and non-fiction perennial best sellers on the list.

2023’s top books so far suggests a lively fiction marketplace, defined by a need for escapist fare, a balance of light and dark, with a sprinkling of self-improvement. Punchy titles of 2 and 3 words make up a big chunk of the list. And while last year many covers featured the male form in varying states of undress, this year the romance novels area a bit darker and twisted and their covers tend to shy away from showing the bare-chested hunk, in favor of a brooding man. The other trend in romance covers seems to be flowers.

While escape into new passion proves to be one recurring theme, readers also seek occasional nostalgic reads. Titans of horror and fantasy also make guest appearances.

What are Amazon sales rankings?

Amazon ranks products in all categories based on the number of units sold in a given time. Sales rankings are updated every hour to keep shoppers informed about the best-selling products in whatever category they’re looking at.

In this article, we’ll specifically be looking at Kindle book sales rankings, how they’re calculated, and how you can find where your Kindle book stands among its competitors!

How are Kindle sales rankings calculated?

Kindle sales rankings are broken into two main lists: Free and Paid. When a book is available for free as part of a promotion, it will have a ranking on the Free list. Once the promotion ends, it will be listed in the Paid category.

Kindle bestseller rankings are calculated based on the “customer activity” of a book compared to other titles in the same category or genre. Customer activity is not well-defined by Amazon, but likely refers to sales, Kindle Unlimited downloads, page reads, and perhaps borrows. A single book may be listed in up to three categories, such as Fiction, Sci-Fi, or Thrillers, and so it will show a ranking in each of those categories (see image below).

Rankings are updated every hour based on sales or downloads, but it may take a day or two for you to see a change. Amazon also takes each book’s entire history into account, with more recent activity being weighted more heavily than past activity. Additionally, each available format of a book (kindle, paperback) has its own independent rank. For more info see the KDP help page on sales ranking

How to find a book’s ranking

You can view any book’s ranking by going to the product page and scrolling down to the “Product Details” section.

In this case, the book has an overall Kindle Store ranking of 109, while it’s #1 in Time travel Sci-fi, #3 in Time travel fiction, and #5 in Women’s lit fiction.

How to convert sales rank to daily sales

Wondering about how many Kindle books are sold per day based on their sales ranking? A 2013 study established a basic conversion model. Based on that model and other new information, here’s a good estimate of what the rankings mean in terms of sales.

There are also online calculators and tools available to estimate a book’s daily sales, such as this one from Kindlepreneur.

Do KU downloads count towards sales rankings?

Yes, all Kindle Unlimited downloads impact Amazon sales rankings, even if the reader doesn’t complete 10% of the book. However, authors only receive royalties if their book is read to the 10% mark.

In other words, you could theoretically help support a Kindle author by downloading a title through Kindle Unlimited and scrolling through 1/10th of the book!

Top sites to buy books online

1. AbeBooks
This quirky site has lots of helpful features, great sales, unique titles, and staff-curated recommendations. AbeBooks has an ISBN search engine to make it easy for students to find the right textbooks, and they frequently have 60% off sales. Take a look around the website to find all kinds of genres, from textbooks to the latest sci-fi novels.

2. Alibris
Alibris describes itself as a “media marketplace,” and was first launched back in 1998. It currently lists over 150 million books, movies, and albums on the website for customers to browse through and enjoy. You’ll find plenty of deals and discounts, as well as free shipping for all orders costing $39 or more.

3. Amazon Books
You’ve probably already heard of Amazon’s enormous selection of books. You can find everything from fantasy novels to textbooks to Kindle books to audio books, all for relatively inexpensive prices. Amazon sells both new and second-hand books, typically you need to click “more buying options” to see the used selection.

4. Awesome Books
Awesome Books has over 5 million low-priced used and new books on their website. Along with books, you’ll find CDs, movies, video games, and other forms of media available for discounted prices. Awesome Books is also a strong supporter of numerous literacy projects, so they’ll donate one book for each book you purchase from them.

5. Better World Books
This charitable site offers discounted books for you to purchase, and for each title you buy, they’ll donate one to someone in need. The company also pays to minimize their carbon footprints, while still offering free shipping worldwide. With over 13 million books to choose from, Better World Books is a fantastic choice when you want to find the perfect read and do something positive at the same time.

6. Biblio
Biblio has created a collaborative marketplace with international booksellers to reach its outstanding collection of over 100 million books in stock. Check out the “Exclusive Specials” page for incredible deals from indie sellers, or just browse through the curated selections from hundreds of passionate bibliophiles around the world. You can feel good about your purchases as well, as Biblio is committed to reducing their carbon footprint.

7. Blackwell’s Bookstore
The very first Blackwell bookstore opened in Oxford in the year 1879, and today, the business is still growing and continuing its long legacy. The physical bookstore itself held the Guinness World Record for over 50 years for having the single largest room in the world dedicated to selling books. The lovely store attracts readers from all over the world, but you can access plenty of their unique titles by simply browsing their website.

8. Booktopia
Booktopia is an award-winning Australian bookstore that has been a member of the Australian Booksellers Association for over 15 years. They have excellent deals on children’s books, fiction, YA novels, and more, with hundreds of thousands of titles in their inventory. Check out their stellar reviews to see how many customers have fallen in love with the unbeatable services of Booktopia.

9. Books-A-Million
This bookstore has discounts on new books, bestsellers, and even books that haven’t even been released yet! You’ll find incredible weekly deals, cheap bargain titles, and other sales as you browse this site. As another bonus, the site has thousands of excellent deals on eBooks and allows you to pre-order digital and physical copies of the latest releases.

10. Book Depository
You’ll find both the newest bestsellers and inexpensive bargain books thoughtfully organized on this site. With free global shipping, you can feel free to add as many books as you’d like to your cart!

11. Book Monster
This bookstore, based in Santa Monica, offers books in excellent condition for up to 70% off on their website. They have books in dozens of genres, from architecture to children’s literature to travel. Book Monster even has textbooks and a “Super Buyback” program for certain titles.

12. BookMooch
BookMooch is basically free after you sign up. Simply create a list of books you have that you’d like to give away and create a separate wishlist for books you want to read. If someone requests a book from you, you’ll receive a credit after you ship it to them. Your points can be used to request titles from somebody else. It’s like an international book-swapping program!

13. Book Outlet
Book Outlet offers what they call “read-iculous prices” on a wide variety of titles. They offer student discounts, a bargain book section, the latest bestsellers, and free shipping on orders $35 and over. They also guarantee that all books will be delivered in great condition with their “We’re Readers Too” program.

14. Daedalus Books
Daedalus Books is well-known for selling classic novels and the bestselling books from previous years. The site offers a collection of books remaindered by publishers, or new books that didn’t sell for whatever reason. However, you can rest assured that you’ll find high-quality titles, as the staff is very particular about supplying books people will love at bargain prices. For additional discounts, simply sign up for the email list for 10% off your first order.

15. Discover Books
Discover Books is dedicated to rescuing books from being thrown away. Along with selling titles at extremely low prices, the business also redistributes books to organizations and charities and recycles books that are no longer fit to be sold or donated. Discover Books carefully sorts through thousands of books to determine which ones could be sold, which would be best suited for libraries or schools, and which should be recycled.

16. eBay
Thousands of cheap books are available on eBay, including textbooks, cookbooks, bestsellers, and collectibles. Many titles are eligible for free shipping as well.

17. Half Price Books
Half Price Books is a broad marketplace made up of over 20,000 individual sellers from around the globe, giving readers access to countless new, used, and rare books. Whether you’re into sci-fi or political commentary, you’ll be able to find plenty of inexpensive reading material on this site! Be sure to check back frequently, as Half Price Books often has special sales and deals, such as offering 20% off entire orders.

18. Indigo
This Canadian bookstore offers hundreds of bargain books for up to 80% their retail price. You can filter results by bestselling fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, children’s books, and dozens of other categories to find exactly what you need. Check out the site for other offers, such as 40% off selected bestsellers, and their featured “Author of the Month” page (February’s author is Nora Roberts!).

19. PaperbackSwap
If you’re looking for a pen-pal with benefits, PaperbackSwap is the best place to go for finding (and sharing) the latest bestselling books and new titles. This website makes it easy to trade books with other members, giving each person a credit with each book shipped. These credits can then be used to purchase a brand-new book at a discounted price, or to request another book from someone else. If you sign up now, you’ll get two credits automatically to start off your book-trading adventure!

20. Powell’s Books
Originating in Portland, Oregon, Powell’s specializes in indie titles, new authors, and used books. The website offers blog posts with staff recommendations, playlists from authors themselves, staff-curated themed book sales, and other unique finds and offers. If you order items that add up to $50 or more, you’ll be eligible for free shipping.

21. SecondSale.com
This incredibly expansive discount book market has over 10 million titles and provides free shipping for every order. Prices start at just $3.78, and you can get 10% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. They offer a hassle-free 30-day return policy if you don’t enjoy the book you purchase, and you can sell any of your old books to them for cash.

22. The Book People
The Book People was originally founded in 1988 by two avid book enthusiasts, Ted Smart and Seni Glaister, who had the dream of making books more affordable and accessible to everyone. This site purchases titles in bulk from publishers and suppliers to pass on amazing savings to their customers. The website also offers other items, including toys, gifts, and lovely stationery for the writer in your own life.

23. The Strand
This New York City bookstore has an impressive inventory of books, rumored to take up 18 miles if placed end-to-end. Every single book listed on the site is sold at a discounted rate, and you can even pre-order books that haven’t even been published yet. You’ll be able to find everything from rare titles to the latest best-sellers to new indie authors here.

24. Thrift Books
Thrift Books offers inexpensive used books and free shipping on all orders throughout the US. The company is committed to being eco-friendly, partnering with several different libraries and vendors to prevent books from ending up in landfills. Any books they’re unable to sell are recycled; never thrown away. Additionally, you can get special discounts and savings if you purchase more than one book from the same author.

25. Wonderbk
Prices begin at just $3.99 for adult, YA, and children’s books, and you’ll get an automatic 10% discount on your order if you select 5 or more titles. There are more than 2 million books to sift through, as well as music, comics, games, and movies. As an added bonus, everything ships for free, too!

We leave you with a quote from the 19th-century social reformist Henry Ward Beecher, who once mused, “Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?”

If you’d prefer to spend your time reading instead of searching for the perfect book to read, sign up for the JustKindleBooks newsletter to get personalized recommendations delivered straight to your inbox! Also, be sure to check out our free Kindle books page to access thousands of titles you can download directly from Amazon right now.

If you’re into Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind, or C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, you already know what a great fantasy novel can do. One minute you’re reading, and the next you’re completely gone—lost in wizards, dark magic, castles, enchanted forests, and whatever strange creature is about to show up on the next page. And then, somehow, it ends way too fast.

If you love fantasy, you’re in good company. There are tons of blogs and communities full of people who read the same kinds of books and share solid recommendations. To make it easy to get started, we put together a list of 15 of the best fantasy book blogs to check out.

1. Fantasy Faction

This blog, which originated in the U.K., is currently considered to be one of the world’s leading fantasy book communities, featuring author interviews, news, book reviews, and more on their site.

2. Fantasy Book Review

Based in England, this blog is committed to reviewing fantasy novels for fans of all ages.

3. Fantasy Literature

This blog’s homepage states that, “Life’s too short to read bad books,” and there are hundreds of book reviews, fantasy news, and other fan opinions to sift through on this site (there’s even a giveaway section!).

4. Fantasy Author’s Handbook 

Author Philip Athens offers aspiring fantasy writers all kinds of valuable advice and insights through this blog, including how to name fantasy characters, character-building tips, and much more.

5. Thoughts on Fantasy

This site features weekly blog posts on all different subgenres of fantasy novels; whether you love epic, dark, romantic, paranormal, or young adult fantasy, you’re sure to find some great recommendations here!

6. Risingshadow

Risingshadow features both science fiction and fantasy novels, but there are plenty of ways to filter through the posts to find book recommendations and reviews you’ll enjoy. This site features different discussion threads, forums, author interviews, guest posts, and more.

7. Fantasy Cafe

Originally launched in 2007, Fantasy Cafe has been a go-to fantasy book blog for thousands of readers. The site includes reviews and posts about all types of fantasy novels, including science fiction and YA novels.

8. Fantasy Book Critic

This website truly has it all: author interviews, book reviews, lists of the most highly recommended fantasy books, and it even highlights other fantasy book blogs for visitors to check out.

9. The Fantasy Hive

The Fantasy Hive is all about fantasy in all kinds of forms, including books, TV shows, original works, and even games. The tight-knit community supports aspiring fantasy writers, features numerous book reviews, and offers plenty of room for discussions and speculation about the genre.

10. Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist

This blog has been up and running since 2005, featuring fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction book reviews, author interviews, bestseller news, contests, giveaways and anything else pertinent to fans of fantasy.

11. The Fantasy Inn

This unique blog features insights and book reviews from seven different fantasy book enthusiasts from five different countries! Along with interviews, book reviews, and speculations on the fantasy genre, the site moderators also have a podcast you can tune into.

12. Kirkus Reviews

Although this site features virtually every literary genre under the sun, you can narrow down your search by selecting the “Sci-Fi/Fantasy” section. Here, you’ll find blog posts, book recommendations, and more content from avid readers just like you.

13. The Book Smugglers

This sci-fi and fantasy site is run by two enthusiastic readers who have been creating frequent posts, book reviews, interviews, and more since 2008.

14. SFF World

This blog covers three genres: science fiction, fantasy, and horror. However, there is plenty of unique material you’ll find on this site, including movie reviews, book reviews, author interviews, guest posts, giveaways, bestseller news, and more.

15. NewInBooks 

After you navigate to the “Fantasy” category of the site, you’ll be met with lists of book recommendations, author interviews, new fantasy book releases, and unique giveaways.

The Artful Wooden Spoon: How to Make Exquisite Keepsakes for the Kitchen by Joshua Vogel

Joshua Vogel is an expert craftsman of highly coveted, hand-carved kitchenware. In The Artful Wooden Spoon, Vogel provides captivating inspiration with over 100 of his most aesthetically pleasing pieces. Vogel pairs easy-to-follow instructions with rich visual images from photographers Seth Smooth and Kendra Smoot for a visual introduction into his craft. Vogel invited readers to explore this age-old craft with this easy step-by-step guide.

1001 Designs for Whittling & Woodcarving: With Over 1800 Illustrations by E.J Tangerman

This excellent learning tool provides over 1,000 ideas and 1,821 illustrations for wood carving. This holy-grail for woodcarving provides detailed photos and descriptions that hit all of the important points for the craft. Follow along with comprehensive instructions and choose from one of many interesting projects.

Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop by Nick Offerman

New York Times bestselling author, Nick Offerman, shares his woodshop expertise in Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop. In his shop, the Offerman Woodshop, Nick Offerman creates both beautiful furniture and fun accessory projects. In this book, you learn the ins and outs of Offerman’s Woodshop including how to make some of their most popular projects. With clear, detailed instructions and a wide variety of projects, this book has options for every skill level. Paired with stunning photos and served with humor, Good Clean Fun is incredibly useful and entertaining.

Wood Pallet Wonders!: Easy to Make Wood Pallet Furniture and Gifts for Your Home and Garden by Monty Mixel

Monty Mixel delivers a comprehensive guide for upcycling wood pallets. Learn how to create amazing projects from wood pallets with information all of the information you need to make unique wood pallet projects for your home and garden. This guide offers detailed step-by-step instructions for some of the best wood pallet projects you can imagine. Learn all about choosing wood pallets, the tools you need, and the best-kept secrets for working with wood pallets in this book,

Carving Faces Workbook: Learn to Carve Facial Expressions with the Legendary Harold Enlow by Harold Enlow

Harold Enlow is one of America’s top caricature carvers. Through the Carving Faces Workbook, he shares his best tips for carving faces the emulate life with realistic expressions. Learn Enlow’s time-tested tips for woodcarving and how to make your carvings stand out. This book is jam-packed with essential information and Enlow’s secrets to success. Broken down into small, manageable steps, each project will teach you how to create detailed facial features and a complete face. This guide is an essential addition to your woodcarving resources.

The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees by Robert Penn

Robert Penn’s story is the unique, emotional journey of a man who cuts down an ash tree and vows to use every piece of it. Penn travels around the world, meeting and working with incredible artisans. His story reminds us of the time when natural woodlands once commanded the natural landscape. Penn’s unbelievable journey reminds us that we are responsible for better, more responsible use of the ash tree as a sustainable resource. London based wood-crafter Sascha Gravenstein’s quote at the end of the book sums it up well “people’s emotional response to wood is different to other materials”.

Summing Up

If you are looking to begin, perfect, or appreciate the craft of woodworking, the books in this list are a great place to start. With detailed instructions, impeccable images, and compelling stories, these novels are all must-haves for aspiring woodworkers.

To Obama: With Love, Joy, Anger, and Hope by Jeanne Marie Laskas

In one of Glamour’s best books of 2019, Jeanne Marie Laskas explores the powerful narrative of the Obama era. During his presidency, Obama read ten handpicked letters from American citizens each night to ensure he heard the stories, agonies, and celebrations of citizens. Through interviews with Obama, letter writers, and White House staff, Laskas compiles a true, compelling American story that may leave you in tears.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters written by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

In this heartwarming tribute, Obama offers a touching letter to his daughters. Accompanied by the beautiful artistry from illustrator Loren Long, this picture book is captivating and heartfelt. This moving book pays tribute to thirteen revolutionary Americans including Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackie Robinson, and George Washington who have shaped the nation. Through this book, Obama honors the fundamental characteristics that unite Americans and encourages readers to realize their incredible potential. This treasure highlights the disposition and accomplishments of these history-changing Americans through the lens of the purity of childhood.

Obama’s Legacy – Yes We Can, Yes We Did by Barack Obama

Written by Barack Obama himself, this book presents the legacy of Obama’s presidential work. Discover more about Obama’s accomplishments, projects, executive orders, international treaties, inaugural speeches, and farewell. This provoking edition honors the achievements of the 44th president who was able to sign more legislation than any Democratic president since Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza

Whitehouse photographer, Pete Souza, captured some of Obama’s most important moments during his two terms and president. With Souza’s stunning photographs and unique captions, you can relive Obama’s iconic presidency through a new lens. With this hallmark of American history, you will learn more about Obama’s character, achievements, and tribulations.

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama

Since the July 2004 Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama’s phrase “the audacity of hope” has firmly rooted itself in our nation. This phrase is a reminder of the unwavering hope for the future that has propelled our country through even the darkest times. In The Audacity of Hope, Obama urges the arrival of a new era of politics. He explores the overpowering forces that can corrupt even the most well-intentioned politicians. This novel calls upon a political system that adheres to virtue and inclusiveness. Throughout The Audacity of Hope, Obama also shares his journey as a senator, his struggles to balance his career with family life, and his personal religious dedication.

We Are the Change We Seek: The Speeches of Barack Obama by E.J Dionne Jr. and Joy-Ann Reid

Relive Barack Obama’s most powerful speeches with this collection. We Are the Change We Seek brings together twenty-seven of Obama’s most exceptional speeches, including his 2017 farewell address. With a touching rhetorical style, Obama shifted the national mindset and touched people all over the globe. Omitting unparalleled eloquence in spoken and written word, Obama gained national respect and earned the position as the first black president of the United States. Follow the span of Obama’s career and revisit some of the most crucial issues of the times trough these powerful speeches.

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama

In this #1 New York Times Bestseller, Barack Obama invites readers into his personal history. This memoir is emotional and enthralling and brings readers through the intense journey of Obama’s early life. This powerful illustration of self-discovery leads us through one of the most complicated intersections of identity, class, and race.

The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama by David Remnick

Pulitzer Prize-winning author, David Remnick, offers an insightful, intricate portrait of Barack Obama. Remnick dives into the unique experiences that shaped Obama into one of American history’s most central figures. Through interviews with friends, mentors, family members, and Obama himself, Remnick discovers the crucial experiences that shaped Obama’s identity. Written with poise and eminence, this novel reveals the historical significance of Obama’s journey while captivating readers.

Obama: An Oral History by Brian Abrams

Brian Abrams shares many interesting, behind-the-scenes anecdotes of Obama’s presidency. Through over one hundred interviews, Abram offers readers an inside view of Obama’s eight years of presidency. Using the accounts of eyewitnesses, this oral history provides an unfiltered, look into Obama’s difficult battle to secure hope and change for America. The tantalizing personal accounts, anecdotes, and impressions create an honest, impressive account into the development of the forty-fourth president of the United States.

Making History: The Life of Barack Obama by Charles River Editors

Making History: The Life of Barack Obama outlines Obama’s unbelievable life story and challenging path to the presidency. With a unique back story and distinctive victory, Obama’s story is one of the most fascinating. This addition also breaks down Obama’s first term and previews the 2012 Election. With captivating photos of crucial people, places, and events, this book teaches readers about Obama in an absorbing, entertaining fashion.

In Summary

Obama’s unique backstory and his influential presidency have inspired many incredible books. Explore Obama’s life and career from many angles and perspectives in some of the top books written about him since his rise to the presidency.

Mike Bence Pounded In The Butt By His Handsome Werefly

Did you know there’s a genre of absurd erotic romance? We didn’t either. Chuck Tingle is the master of the genre. In this novel  US Vice President Mike Bence isn’t looking forward to the debates. During the debates a fly begins to crawl through his hair on live television. After the debate ends twitter explodes with fly comments, and Mike Bence back in his dressing room receives a visit from the fly who has shifted into human form. Yes, he’s a werefly. The two of them immediately find themselves wrapped up a hardcore gay encounter. Get ready for sizzling human on werefly action.

How to Good-bye Depression: If You Constrict Anus 100 Times Everyday. Malarkey? or Effective Way? By Hiroyuki Nishigaki

Title: How to Good-bye Depression: If You Constrict Anus 100 Times Everyday. Malarkey? or Effective Way?
Author: Hiroyuki Nishigaki
Publisher: Writer’s Showcase Press, Publication Date: 2000

Are you a depressed old man? Looking to feel young again? Well, according to the author, all you need to do is constrict your anus and dent your naval 100 times each day, and you will be cured. As proof, the author tells a riveting story of a 70-year-old man who practiced anal constriction every day for 20 years. Both the book and the practice will be hit at your next dinner party.

“If you enjoy the truly outlandish, this is an excellent place to start.” – Amazon Review by Robert H.

People Who Don’t Know They’re Dead: How They Attach Themselves to Unsuspecting Bystanders and What to Do About It by Gary Leon Hill

Title: People Who Don’t Know They’re Dead: How They Attach Themselves to Unsuspecting Bystanders and What to Do About It
Author: Gary Leon Hill
Publisher: Weiser Books, Publication Date: 2005

Author Gary Leon Hill’s aunt and uncle used to counsel dead spirits who took up residence in bodies that didn’t belong to them. Now Gary is here to teach you how to kick out unwanted spirits from the living bodies of your loved ones. He also explores the work of “scientists” who study life after death.

“Scared the crap out of myself when I read it – But I couldn’t stop. Worthwhile read.” – Amazon Review by Lasttrain2Dagenham

“This book deserves five stars for nutty chutzpah and one star for sensibleness. It owes its editorial existence to the huge market that exists for nut-case writing aimed at the naive and ignorant.” – Amazon Review by Kent Ponder

How to Avoid Huge Ships by John W. Trimmer

Title: How to Avoid Huge Ships
Author: John W. Trimmer
Publisher: Cornell Maritime Press, Publication Date: 1993

After watching the Titanic, we’ve all probably wondered at some point, “How can I avoid being on a giant sinking ship?” But this book does not cover that topic. It teaches you how to avoid getting hit by a slow moving 1,200 foot long, 160 foot tall container ship. Yes, these massive ships are lurking and you need to learn to avoid them. Truth be told, if you are a small sailboat, you do need to learn how to not get in the way of these ships that are so huge they look like floating cities. And so John W. Trimmer is your avoidance guide. While the book is probably helpful to small time sailors it has become a massive joke on the internet for its general absurdness.

One Amazon review comments: “This is not a bad entry in the series, but you will be confused if you have not read:

How to Avoid Rowboats and Kayaks
How to Avoid Sailboats
Tugboats and You: Just Say No
So You Just Hit a Barge…
Dodging Schooners for Fun and Profit

Work your way up, and then get the sequel: “Don’t let the Aircraft Carrier Land on You!”” – Amazon Review by Eric H

Another remarks, “I read an earlier book by this author titled ” How To Avoid Sylvester Stallone ” about eight years ago and so far it has worked like a charm! Not one single Sly encounter! Very optimistic about this release.” – Amazon Reviewer

The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America: A Guide to Field Identification by Julian Montague

Title: The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America: A Guide to Field Identification
Author: Julian Montague
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Publication Date: 2006

If we’re being honest with ourselves, nobody really cares about shopping carts except for one person. Julian Montague’s love for shopping carts is too big to keep to himself. So he has created an utterly pointless book, accompanied by photos, of shopping carts outside of their natural habitat. Montague has also created an elaborate classification system of abandoned shopping carts.

“The attention to detail and overly elaborate classification system make this a terrific read.” – Amazon Review by Cody

“Prefect coffee table book and conversation piece. Never ceases to entertain. And trust me, you WILL find yourself trying to identify shopping carts when you see them!” – Amazon Review by JMad

Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics by Heather Busch

Title: Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics
Authors: Heather Busch and Burton Silver
Publisher: Ten Speed Press, Publication Date: 1994

Can cat’s paint? You bet they can! And this book takes feline painting seriously and even attempts to elevate it to an art form by applying museum-like analysis to the cat “artists” featured in these pages. It focuses on several masters in the field and discusses their style, technique, influences and background. But let’s be clear: monkeys and dogs also paint and they only reason they don’t have books about their work is, well, they are just not as self-important as cats. This book is the purrfect gift for cat lovers and cat haters.

“The writing is laugh out loud funny, very clever book and the photos are wonderful too. If you’re an artist, appreciate art and love cats too, this makes a great coffee table book.” – Amazon Review by Dotstvn

“I love this! It is very insightful and fun! I think about trying to get my kitty to paint, but when I glance up from the book at her she just gives me a pointed glare that warns she doesn’t like to have messy paws.” – Amazon Review by Jacob

Extreme Ironing by Phil Shaw

Title: Extreme Ironing
Author: Phil Shaw
Publisher: New Holland Australia, Publication Date: 2003

Rock climbing? Skydiving? Foil boarding on 50-foot waves? Running with the bulls? Those are so not extreme enough. According to Phil Shaw, extreme ironing is the world’s newest adrenalin sport. Enter the deeply satisfying sport of pressed clothing. The author isn’t making all this up either. In 2002, the first Extreme Ironing World Championships was held in Munich. The event brought street cred to sport of ironing. See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlpH–l7KfE

“This book has inspired me to elevate my ironing game to the next level.” – Amazon Review by Matthew Wright

“Before I read this book, I was just your average guy who wanted to spend more time mountain climbing but couldn’t because I had so much ironing I needed to do. Then a friend recommended Extreme Ironing. This book captures the perfect marriage between extreme sports and ironing. Now I can get my thrills while sporting a nicely pressed shirt, like our Founding Fathers intended.” – Amazon Review by Tim

Drugs Masquerading as Foods: Deliciously Killing American-Afrikans and All Peoples by Suzar

Title: Drugs Masquerading as Foods: Deliciously Killing American-Afrikans and All Peoples
Author: Suzar|
Publisher: A-Kar Productions, Publication date, 1999

This nutritional treatise is a sort of reference book that goes deep on the hazards of fruits, vegetables, spices, liquids, vitamins, meats, grains, and processed foods. Author Suzar explains in detail that almost all foods common in our diet are really drugfoods that lead to illness. Marijuana, however, seems to have no ill effects on our body and is not considered a drug by Suzar. Hmm? Ready for an eye-opening account of what your diet is doing to you?

How to Date a White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men by Adam Quan

Title: How to Date a White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men
Author: Adam Quan
Publisher: Asian World Press Ltd. (November 2002)

Wait. What? There’s a guide for dating white women? As a white man I’ve been trying to figure this one out for years. And my lesbian friends don’t seem to fare much better than me with white women. I can’t wait to learn the secret. Oh wait…the advice is only for Asian men.

Learning to Play with a Lion’s Testicles: Unexpected Gifts From the Animals of Africa by Melissa Haynes

Title: Learning to Play with a Lion’s Testicles: Unexpected Gifts from the Animals of Africa
Author: Melissa Haynes
Publisher: Behler Publications, Publication Date: 2013

You probably thought it was fun, or at least funny, to play with your friend’s dog’s nuts. And the dog probably enjoyed it too. But touch a lion’s nuts the wrong way, and the feral beast might kill you, then eat you. If you’re ready to up your nut-fondling game, author Melissa Haynes is your guide.

Be Bold With Bananas by The Banana Control Board

Title: Be Bold with Bananas
Author: Banana Control Board
Publisher: Muller & Retief, Publication Date: 1974

We’re not really sure how you can be bolder with a banana than simply peeling it and sticking it in your mouth at work and eating it, while your coworkers turn away and think, “Nobody wants to watch you eat a banana.” But this book promises greater boldness with the yellow, phallic fruit!

For more odd books on Amazon see: 30 Totally Weirdest Books on Amazon.com

If you’re ready to strike out on a wierd reading adventure, pick up one of the books above.  If you’re looking for your good book, you can find an almost endless selections of free kindle books at JustKindleBooks.com.

All avid readers experience intense emotions and have unique perspectives on each book they read, and sometimes words alone can’t summarize their feelings well enough. Next time you want to share your love of reading with your friends, fangirl about your favorite characters, or show your reaction to a major plot twist, we found the best reading GIFs that can perfectly convey your mood.

Top 25 Animated Reading GIFs

Girl Reading in Bed GIF

Belle in Library GIF

Black and White Book GIF

Star Trek Picard Reading GIF

Man Dropping Book on Face GIF

Cat Reading Book Gif

Stacks on Stacks of Books Gif

#Read the Book GIF

Hermione from Harry Potter Reading GIF

Rory Gilmore Smelling Book GIF

Sesame Street Reading GIF

Man Throws Book Out Window GIF

Books are Adventures GIF

Emotions While Reading Books GIF

Sensible Chuckle Reading GIF

Rapunzel Tangled GIF

Perks of Being a Wallflower GIF

Calming Library GIF

Book Collection GIF

Snoopy Laughing at Book GIF

The Princess Bride GIF

Distracted Reader Trips in Library GIF

Harley Quinn Reading GIF

Butterfly Books GIF

Winnie the Pooh Back to Page 1 GIF

Searching for Free Books?
JustKindleBooks is dedicated to helping readers discover free and highly discounted books of all kinds of genres. Whether you’re into sci-fi or romance, JustKindleBooks makes it easy to find your next favorite book with their Free Book Finder page. Simply click on your favorite genre and the link will take you directly to Amazon, where you can browse all their free books in that category and easily download your next favorite novel.

If you’d like even more reading options, sign up for our free newsletter to receive personalized book recommendations and free Kindle books delivered to your inbox everyday!

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber

This New York Times bestseller tells the story of aspiring chef, Josie Avery, who finds a summer job working at a lodge in Ponder, Alaska. She plans to become a sous chef at an upcoming restaurant in Seattle in fall. During the summer, Josie grows close to handsome local, Palmer, but she’s determined to return to Seattle. When Josie ends up missing the last boat out of Alaska before winter, she has to reconsider what’s truly important to her.

It Started One Christmas by Susan Mallery

Handsome scientist and teacher’s assistant, Dalton, finds himself sick with the flu and alone during the holiday season. Kind-hearted student Kiera insists that he spend Christmas with her. After she takes care of him during his illness, their relationship quickly blossoms into a romance. This sweet story has a classic friends-to-lovers trope that’s sure to make anybody’s heart melt.

It Started With Christmas by Jenny Hale

In this feel-good Christmas story, Holly and her grandmother brave a snowstorm in the hopes of spending Christmas in a cozy cabin outside Nashville. But when they arrive, they find that the previous renter has been snowed in. The renter, mysterious and wealthy Joseph Barnes, finds himself falling for Holly–but will she love him after he reveals the secrets about his shady past?

Winter at the Beach by Sheila Roberts

The second novel in Roberts’ Moonlight Harbor series begins with a plan to attract tourists to Moonlight Harbor during the winter months. Jenna Jones, owner of the Driftwood Inn, plans an extravagant winter festival and is delighted to see that her motel is fully booked. However, when the weather turns foul, she has to think fast to entertain the guests and keep everyone in good spirits.

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock

Overworked attorney Sydney Batson must care for her ill grandmother while juggling court cases during the holiday season, so she arranges a cab to bring her grandmother to appointments. Cab driver Finn willingly takes on the routine and soon finds himself wanting to help Sydney have the best Christmas possible. With the help of Sydney’s grandmother and a dose of humor, this heartwarming adventure will keep a smile on your face for the entire read.

Looking for a book to get lost in as the weather grows colder? Be sure to peruse a selection of thousands of free Kindle books on JustKindleBooks.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter as well, because what gift is better than a hand-picked book recommendations straight to your inbox?

1. No Interruptions

Reading in the bathroom is a surefire way for men and boys to read without any distractions. Husbands and young boys alike can read to their heart’s content without worrying about anyone bothering them. Sometimes the bathroom is the only refuge where people can enjoy some uninterrupted some peace and quiet.

2. A Strange Sense of Accomplishment

Perhaps reading while on the toilet gives men a sense of accomplishment for getting two things done at once, or maybe they think that they might as well read while they’re just sitting there.

3. Boredom

One possible reason for bringing reading material into the bathroom could simply be narrowed down to boredom. When nature calls, all other responsibilities and thoughts go on hold, and this sudden isolation from the busyness of life can cause significant boredom. Reading can be a distraction from their own thoughts (and stink!).

4. Actual Bathroom Issues

On particularly unfortunate days, men just know that they’re going to be in the bathroom for a while. Whether it’s due to an unsettling lunch or troublesome digestive problems, using the toilet can take quite some time under certain circumstances. Reading while sitting on the loo can help pass the time during the unpleasant process of excretion.

5. Avoidance of Work and Responsibilities

There may be a chance that men escape to the bathroom under the pretense of using the toilet when they’re really just using the time to read or play on their phone. This can be especially common in the workplace because the mens’ bathroom is usually a strict “no talking” zone. Escaping to the bathroom is a way for men to avoid conversations with annoying coworkers, or it can be a simple excuse for them to have some time alone for a few minutes. Know that it’s OK for men to read in the bathroom, so long as they remember to wash their hands!

Reading is the Best Revenge

Sick of your husband, boyfriend, son or housemate spending long periods of time in their bathroom retreat? Get even by losing yourself in your own book in a comfy chair. Visit JustKindleBooks.com for a nearly endless selection of free Kindle books. Who knows? You might just find the perfect read to occupy yourself when your own bathroom is occupied by your “diligent readers.”

A Short History of Dystopian Literature

A dystopian novel can often be a type of political warning. Authors commonly reference a current societal trend, but take it to the extreme to show its possible negative outcomes. Examples of this begin in the late 1800’s:

• 1899: H.G. Wells published the first novels portraying dystopian futures: The Story of the Days to Come, and When the Sleeper Wakes.
• 1907: Jack London writes The Iron Heel, in which a socialist movement overthrows an oppressive government.
• 1921: Yevgeny Zamyatin publishes We, a grim novel describing a totalitarian government that controls every part of people’s lives.
• 1932: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is about an oppressed civilization that actually begins to adore the same government that has taken away all their individuality and free thought.
• 1949: George Orwell’s novel, 1984, portrays characters under constant government surveillance, coining the term “Big Brother.”
• 1953: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is set in a dystopia where books are illegal and therefore need to be burned.
• 1962: A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess follows a subject as the government brainwashes him and completely changes his character.

Dystopia or Utopia?

Oftentimes, a dystopia in a work of fiction is the result of peoples efforts to create a “perfect” society, or a utopia. As us humans are notoriously imperfect, perfection takes on the form of a government taking drastic measures to eliminate crime and rebellion. An oppressive government is just one of the common attributes found in dystopian literature. Other tropes include:

• Extinguishing individuality and the arts (“sameness” promotes peace).
• Choosing to follow orders or risking everything to rebel (self-exploration).
• Grim or unresolved endings (consequences of complacency).

Does Gender Matter in a Dystopia?

Dystopian fiction has historically depicted male and female protagonists in rather stereotypical ways; male protagonists are commonly strong and independent, while female characters still tend to be more “nurturing” and usually need help from others to succeed. In some novels, this may simply be due to engrained sexism, but this gender imbalance can also be used as part of the author’s message.

Women have been fighting for equal rights for hundreds of years, but even in today’s society, there is still gender discrimination, wage differences, and other examples of unfair treatment. Dystopian novels can describe possible consequences of what may happen if people continue to treat men and women as unequals. Many recently published dystopian novels feature women leads, reflecting both a want to move away from stereotype roles and a fear that gender equality has stalled or may be reversing.

5 Recommended Dystopian Novels

We narrowed down a long list of dystopian literature to choose our top 5 recommendations for your next dystopian novel!

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

This wildly popular dystopian novel is set in the not-so-distant future in what used to be America. The U.S. is now known as the Republic of Gilead, and its inhabitants take every word of the Book of Genesis literally. The main character Offred, a handmaid within the new regime, describes the disturbing and intolerant views that people have come to believe and the consequences of their faith.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

This worldwide best seller is set in the year 2045, where virtual reality has become the norm. Teenager Wade Watts is obsessed with exploring the digital world because power and wealth is promised to anyone who can solve a puzzle embedded into a multiplayer online game. But after discovering the first clue, Wade will have to face numerous adversaries in both the virtual and physical worlds to claim the ultimate prize.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

The first sign of the illness was the untimely heart attack of a Hollywood star. Within weeks, the world was overtaken by an epidemic. This thriller is set twenty years after the epidemic and follows a small group of musicians and artists who are dedicated to preserving the arts. After wandering into the wrong region, they find themselves being threatened by a dangerous and violent prophet. Will art and music be lost from humanity forever?

Brilliance by Marcus Sakey

In a world eerily similar to our own, this book tells the story of “Brilliants,” people who are born with certain gifts. Federal Agent Nick Cooper is a Brilliant who’s gifted at tracking down terrorists. However, when he’s assigned to find one of the most dangerous men alive, Nick begins to question how much he’s willing to give up to capture his target.

The Atopia Chronicles by Matthew Mather

This first book in Maher’s trilogy describes a huge, man-made island that provides Earth’s inhabitants an escape from pollution and overpopulation. Well, for the elite and wealthy inhabitants, at least. On this island, Dr. Patricia Killiam is assigned the enormous task of finding a way to save the planet from the destruction of mankind.

Looking to get immersed into a dystopian world on your next reading adventure? Visit JustKindleBooks.com to learn how you can access thousands of free Kindle books.

Why Hashtags Are Important

Hashtags can be used to promote products, communicate news, associate your message with a trending topic or just to optimize your post for search results. Posts can easily gain worldwide attention through specific hashtags. For example, the hashtag #royalwedding during Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton in 2011 was used worldwide. Hashtags are also common after other big events, such as elections or the Superbowl.

Companies, artists, brands, and other influencers can use hashtags to attract a larger audience. Your average person on social media often search various hashtags so they can find and  follow specific content. Authors who take the time to learn what their potential readers are searching for can quickly start using hashtags to their advantage.

How to Use Hashtags

Hashtags are important, but don’t overwhelm your social posts with them either! Using too many hashtags or using a popular tag that isn’t related to your post can annoy users or make your account look like spam. Finding the right hashtags can be a balancing act; you don’t want to be too broad or too specific when describing your work. It may take some trial and error before you find the magic combination for your audience, but in general, here’s how hashtags work on the most popular social media platforms:

• Facebook. One study looked at how the number of hashtags affected engagement from Facebook users. Posts with 1-2 hashtags had an average of 593 interactions, while posts with 3-5 hashtags only averaged 413. When it comes to hashtags on Facebook, less is more! One aspect to keep in mind is that many Facebook users have private profiles, so most public hashtags are from brands, groups, or other types of influencers.
• Instagram. Unlike Facebook, you can feel free to be more liberal with hashtags on Instagram. However, if you use more than 5 hashtags, it’s recommended to put them in the comments so your post doesn’t look spammy. People use hashtags on Instagram to find specific content they enjoy, so along with broad, general tags, such as #book, add a few more descriptive hashtags, like the genre of your work or #writersofinstagram. You’ll be able to attract a larger audience while still letting users know what your book is about.
• Twitter. Tweets with hashtags had 2 times more engagement than those without, and 55% more Retweets. However, Tweets with just a single hashtag had the most engagement than Tweets with 2 or more. When using a hashtag on Twitter, use it to either join in on a conversation (like #writerwednesday), or target a specific audience like fellow authors or new readers.

Best Hashtags for Authors

In general, hashtags should reflect the genre of your books and help the right audience find your work. As a writer promoting your work on social channels, your hashtag strategy is simple: Use a hash tag that an enthusiastic reader of books in your genre would be likely to search. When these users land on your posts they increase engagement on your posts and they’ll likely share your content with others. Some of the most popular hashtags for that writers us in posts about books include:

Book Promotion
#99c
#authorrt
#bookgiveaway
#bookmarketing
#followfriday
#freereads
#alwaysreading
#amreading
#bookaholic
#bookboost
#bookclub
#booklovers
#bookstagram
#bookworm
#bookworms
#freebook
#greatreads
#beachread
#kindledeal
#lovebooks
#mustread
#RT
#whattoread

Romance
#amishromance
#badboyromance
#BDSM
#christmasromance
#cleanromance
#erotica
#eroticromance
#mcromance
#romance
#romancebook
#romancenovel
#romancewriter
#romanticsuspense
#RWA (Romance Writers of America)
#scintilatingsunday
#secondchance
#sweetromance

Mystery
#mystery
#mysterynovel
#mysterybooks
#thriller
#crime
#crimefiction
#cozy
#cozymystery

Horror
#horror
#horrornovel
#horrorstory
#dark
#supernatural
#creepy

Sci-Fi
#scifi
#Sci-Fi
#litrpg
#spaceopera
#sciencefiction
#firstcontact

Fantasy
#darkfantasy
#epicfantasy
#fantasy
#swordandsorcery
#yafantasy

Other Genres
#christianfiction
#fiction
#paranormal
#selfhelp
#cookbook
#urbanfantasy
#womensfiction
#ya
#yabooks

Publishing
#askagent
#askauthor
#askeditor
#bookmarketing
#MSWL (Agents use this hashtag–manuscript wish list–when looking for new manuscripts)
#publishing
#selfpub

Writing Process
#amreading
#amwriting
#amediting
#copywriting
#creativity
#editing
#indieauthor
#romancewriter
#wip
#writechat
#writegoal
#writemotivation
#writetip
#writerslife
#author
#authorlife
#writersofinstagram

Use Hashtags Specific to Your Genre

Remember that while the hashtags listed above can help your posts gain more visibility, the more specific the tags you use, the more likely you are to attract new followers. Another strategy is to use a variety of general and niche hashtags to increase your online visibility. For authors who write in one of the top 3 genres you might consider joining social groups and posting to the group’s boards.

Posting to Groups

When it comes to social, you are not limited to posting on just your own social accounts. You can also join groups on Facebook and post to the followers of those groups. Groups such as Hot Reads, Book Heaven, ReadersCoffeehouse and others allow you to join and then post about your book to promote it and get feedback.

Making Your Own Hashtag

Authors may also choose to create a specific hashtag for their work. Having a unique or witty hashtag can help people understand your “brand” with just a few short words. For example, the hashtag #JustDoIt is automatically associated with Nike’s values of determination and strength. If you already have a well-established audience, you could even post a poll asking for creative hashtag suggestions!

If you are looking for new book yourself, look no further than JustKindleBooks.com. We can lead you to countless free Kindle books. We even offer a regular newsletter with hand-picked books guaranteed to keep you hooked.

Not sure where to get started? Here are some of the best-selling romance novels and love stories of all time:

Pride and Prejudice

Published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is one of the most popular and best-selling romances of all time. With over 20 million copies sold worldwide, this romance is also one of the best-selling novels in history. In this Georgian era novel, we see clever, headstrong Elizabeth and her four sisters struggle with love and family when two eligible bachelors move into town.

The Notebook

Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, published in 2004, is a beautiful, modern love story. As readers delve into the lives of Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson, they realize that what starts off as a summer romance can grow into a love story for the ages. This book shows readers that true love will truly last a lifetime. Pick up The Notebook and find out why over 530,000 Goodreads users give this book five stars.

Jane Eyre

Have you ever been drawn to someone you know you should not be with? In 1848, prolific author, Charlotte Brontë, published Jane Eyre, a passionate love story between an orphan named Jane and her married employer Mr. Rochester. In this romance full of twists and turns, we see Jane tame rough, rude, and arrogant Mr. Rochester and teach him how to love. Adored by many, this book is a beloved classic. If you like historical romance, you do not want to miss what one Goodreads reader calls, “the quintessential Victorian novel.”

Outlander

If you want a touch of fantasy with your historical romance, read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. This story follows married Claire Randall, a British army nurse working in the post-World War II era. Claire faints and when she awakes she finds that she has traveled back in time to the 18th century where she finds adventure and romance with the dashing James “Jamie” Fraser and the two end up falling in love. How is she going to square this with her husband in present day time? Outlander, published in 1991, is the first in this series of eight novels. Readers watch Claire struggle with her affection for Jamie and her desire to remain faithful to her husband, Frank. When you read Outlander, you will quickly realize why 92% of Goodreads users say they love this book.

Gone with the Wind

Published in 1936, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell presents both an enthralling, coming-of-age, love story and a revisionist history of south. This historical romance takes place during the Civil-War era and follows Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a plantation owner, as she navigates love through relationships with Major George Ashley Wilkes and Captain Rhett Butler. With more than 30 million copies sold, Gone With the Wind is one of the best-selling romance novels of all time.

Sense and Sensibility

Another Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility, is a compelling romance about two sisters, Elinor and Marianne who learn important lessons about love. Marianne, impulsive, stubborn, and sensible, opens herself up to rumors and gossip when she lets her love for John Willoughby get the best of her. Meanwhile, her introspective and highly practical sister, Elinor, learns that sometimes you have to have a little sensibility when it comes to romance. But as we all know, the heart does not abide by logic.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Best-selling author, Audrey Niffenegger, will pull at your heartstrings with her debut novel The Time Traveler’s Wife. This romance highlights the relationship between a man with a genetic disorder which causes him to travel through time without warning, and his wife, who has to hold on to hope and unconditional love as she navigates her husband’s condition and his absences. This contemporary romance has sold over 5 million copies and is held in high-regard today.

A Walk to Remember

If you are interested in sweet, coming-of-age stories about first love, you should read A Walk to Remember. Published in 1999, this Nicholas Sparks romance novel shows the unlikely love between two teenagers with very different personalities. High school senior, Landon Carter, seems to be the exact opposite of the meek, pious Jamie Sullivan. But when he is left with no choice but to take her to a school dance, the two quickly fall in love. This story is, at it’s heart, about love surmounting any obstacle.

Love Story

Written by Erich Segal and published in 1970, Love Story shows the relationship between college students Ollie Barrett and Jennifer Cavilleri. While these two students come from completely different walks of life, they strike and unlikely romance that helps them through the toughest times in life. This is a love story that involves terminal cancer and definitely does not have a happily ever after ending. Love Story has sold over 21 million copies and stayed in the number position on the NY Times bestseller list for 41 weeks when it came out.

Me Before You

Published in 2012 by Jojo Moyes, this controversial, contemporary romance novel shows readers just how far people are willing to go for love. When simple Louisa Clark and adventurous Will Traynor, two people with opposite personalities and interests, meet under unlikely circumstances and fall in love, they are forced to find out what it truly means to love someone more than you love yourself. More than 14 million copies of this book have been sold worldwide, and over 430,000 Goodreads users give this thrilling romance novel five stars.

Interested in finding more great romance reads that fit your taste, visit Just Kindle Books to find some free and bargain Kindle books you’ll be sure to love.

How Are Best Sellers Determined

It seems like a simple process: an author writes a great novel, hundreds of thousands of people purchase it, and then that book is named a best-seller. However, who exactly decides what is a best seller and what criteria or data do they use?

In general a book has to sell at least 5,000 copies in a week to land on any of the mid-tier best-sellers list and 10,000+ to make it on a top-tier list. Each list is compiled differently, and each list uses different time periods for calculation. Some lists use the previous Monday through Sunday, while others use Tuesday to Monday. It’s for this reason that many book’s launch on a Tuesday or get big promotional pushes that begin on Tuesdays.

A note about the term “best seller.” There seems to be no real consensus on how to write the term. Is it best seller, best-seller, or bestseller? Different publications write out the term in different ways. According to the Associate Press we should write “Best-Seller”, but the NY Times and Amazon.com prefer to go without the hyphen: “Best Seller.”

The New York Times Best Sellers Lists

The New York Times Best Sellers List is considered a highly prestigious list, but the process that it uses to determine which books are best-sellers is still somewhat mysterious. A spokesperson from the New York Times broadly reported, “The Times’s best-seller lists are based on a detailed analysis of book sales from a wide range of retailers who provide us with specific and confidential context of their sales each week.” Although its exact methods are a mystery, the Times separates what it deems as best-sellers into several categories including separate formats, genres, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.

Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Lists

The Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list is created based on data from a service called BookScan, which track of roughly 80-85% of printed book sales in the US. BookScan gathers sales information from about 16,000 retailers every week. Publisher’s Weekly then divides this massive amount of data into book formats, genres, and age categories to determine the top sellers.

Amazon.com Best Sellers

Amazon.com’s best sellers list is updated hourly and it simply takes Amazon’s own book sales into account. Books are separated into 37 distinct categories ranging from audiobooks to travel, and each of these broad subjects are further filtered into sub-categories. The list is unique in that it has so many specific niches, and this makes it’s easy for readers to drill down into genres and sub-genres.

Amazon Charts: Most Read and Most Sold

Amazon Charts compiles the 20 most read and most sold books each week, and they’re simply separated into fiction or non-fiction. The “most read” list ranks the most popular books people are listening to on Audible or reading on their Kindles, whereas “most sold” ranks the total number of copies pre-ordered or sold through Amazon and Audible.

Kindle eBook Best Sellers

Amazon updates the Kjndle Best Seller list hourly based on the sales of Kindle ebooks. The list contains the top 100 purchased and top 100 free books in many genres and sub-genres.

USA Today Best Selling Books

USA Today openly explains how they create their weekly best-sellers list. They obtain book sales information from retailers including online stores, independent bookstores, and popular mass merchandisers to determine the most sold books. Both physical books and ebooks are taken into account for their ratings and are divided by genre and whether they are fiction or nonfiction. USA Today’s best selling books list represents the sales made from Monday through Sunday each week.

Kirkus Reviews Bestsellers

Kirkus Reviews lists the most popular bestsellers each week, but then they take it a step further by providing detailed reviews of each book. Critics then recommend to readers whether or not they should read a book. Their book reviews cover fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and teen content.

Wall Street Journal Book Review

The Wall Street Journal list of Best Selling Books depends heavily on the sales of the books, as determined by BookScan. BookScan’s data  represents weekly sales from over 16,000 bookstore locations nationwide including major bookstores, online stores and independents as well. The WSJ list contains categories in fiction, nonfiction, and business. WSJ also presents in-depth reviews of many books each week.

Newsday Bestsellers

Newsday’s Weekly Bestsellers list is “powered by” Publisher’s Weekly, meaning it’s identical to PW’s list. The Newsday list contains only hardcover and paperback books in both fiction and nonfiction.

IndieBound Best Sellers

Indiebound’s bestsellers list is compiled using sales and other data from hundreds of independent bookstores. This list reflects what non-chain bookstore owners are commonly recommending to their customers rather than listing which books that are the most popular overall.

Christian Booksellers Association (CBA)

CBA’s best-sellers list is derived from sales data solely from Christian stores that sell books. Their categories include Christian living, fiction, children’s, and young adult books, as well as different types of Bibles.

LA Times Bestsellers List

The LA Times Bestsellers List is based on local sales data. Specifically, the list is created according to poll results taken from Los Angeles-based bookstores. The list is really a reflection of books that are popular in LA, which has different tastes than other parts of the country. This features hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction.

San Francisco Chronicle

Like the LA Times, the San Francisco Chronicle’s list focuses on the bestsellers of one specific region–in this case, the Bay Area. The list contains both fiction and nonfiction.

Globe and Mail Bestsellers

The Globe and Mail’s Weekly Bestseller List reflects the top-selling books in bookstores across Canada, as well as data collected from BNC SalesData, Canada’s leading tracking system. The list includes standard categories like hardcover fiction and nonfiction and paperback fiction and nonfiction, but also categories such as Canadian fiction and nonfiction, Children, Mystery, Medical and Law.

Powell’s Bestseller List

Powell’s Bestsellers List looks at the top-selling books of the week and includes a list of best sellers exclusive to Portland-area Powell’s stores. There are also categories for Staff Picks and Picks of the Month.

Barnes and Noble Bestsellers

Barnes and Noble’s top 100 book bestsellers displays the 100 books that, presumably it’s stores have sold the most copies of in the past week. The list is format agnostic, meaning that the books can be in any format (i.e. print only, print + ebook, or ebook only). There are several different categories to sort by, including Fiction, Biography, Law, Kids, Teens, Travel, and Religion. You can also sort the list by price.

Library Journal Best Sellers and Most Borrowed

The Library Journal best sellers list is a bit difficult to make sense of as it seems to rotate between specialty topics each month such as medicine, math, Asian history, etc. LJ also a a list that it looks at which books have been most borrowed and requested at public libraries across the United States. The list contains both fiction and nonfiction books and it’s an interesting look at what people are reading vs what they are buying. Unfortunately the link to the list changes monthly. To find the latest list do a web search for “library journal most borrowed books.”

Chicago Tribune Best-Sellers

The Chicago Tribune’s Best-Sellers List comprises the best-selling books in all the Midwest. The categories include hardcover fiction, hardcover nonfiction, and Chicago-area bestsellers.

National Public Radio Book Reviews

NPR compiles a weekly list of highly suggested books for readers, but since 2008, NPR has also published lists of the most popular books of the year. In 2017, their list had over 350 book titles recommended by NPR staff and critics. NPR’s list is not exactly a best seller list, it’s more like a selection of books that are most popular with NPR contributors and listeners. Books are separated by genre and staff favorites.

Bookpage Book Reviews

Unfortunately Bookpage does not compile a best sellers list. Instead it reviews a number of notable books each month. The reviews are informative, indepth and cover non-fiction, fiction, romance, mystery, teen, and children’s books.

For help finding some of great free books, many of which have appeared on one or more of these lists, visit JustKindleBooks’ free book page. This page is like a free, all-you-can-read buffet. Stock up.